Privacy Policy
Revised January 13, 2009
This policy is effective immediately and until revised or repealed by the partners of Linzy and Thigpen (hereinafter “the Firm”).
Personal Information
Personal information is an individual’s social security number, driver’s license number, bank account number, and credit card number.
How Personal Information is Collected
Personal information is collected by the Firm by requesting its clients to provide the information on client information forms and to provide personal documents (ex: tax returns). These requests are made pursuant to the Firm’s representation of the client and providing tax preparation services. Clients who wish to pay for legal services by credit card must provide their credit card number and expiration date to the Firm. All personal information is kept by the firm in an electronic file bearing the client’s name.
How Personal Information is Used
We do not share any personal information about you with anyone without your express consent, except as permitted by law and described below. Personal information is used, as may be required by law, concerning the client’s legal or tax matter, or in the course of receiving or collecting fees. The information is disclosed to government agencies, opposing parties, and business entities in the course of representation when necessary to address the client’s legal needs. Certain personal information will not be disclosed to any third party without first obtaining a written consent from the client, as required by law. Credit card numbers are used when authorized by the client to obtain payment for legal services and costs. Personal information is not disclosed to opposing parties or their attorneys unless required by statute, court order, or procedural rule.
Who Has Access to the Personal Information
The employees of the Firm have access to clients’ personal information. Certain third party service providers may also have access to personal information.
How Personal Information is Protected and Disposed
Personal information is kept in either the paper file storage area on the Firm’s business premises (but not accessible to the public) or stored electronically on the Firm’s file server. The Firm’s business premises are secured after hours and armed with a security system. The Firm’s file server is equipped with firewalls and other security measures to prevent unauthorized access. Personal information on paper is disposed of by returning it to the client or shredding it on-site by a bonded shredding company who provides a certificate of destruction to the Firm. Electronic files are permanently deleted from the file server according to the Firm’s file retention procedures.
The Firm’s employees are bound by internal confidentiality policies and are subject to disciplinary action for policy violations. Third party service providers are bound by the same rules for confidentiality as the Firm employees as a condition of providing service to the Firm.
Should you become an inactive client or should our relationship end, we will continue to protect the confidentiality and security of your personal information in accordance with this privacy policy.