Privacy Policy
Effective Date: July 14, 2026
Introduction
FTG Law Firm, LLC ("FTG Law Firm," the "Firm," "we," "our," or "us") recognizes that individuals seeking legal representation often entrust us with information that is personal, confidential, and, in many cases, highly sensitive. Protecting that information is fundamental to our professional responsibilities as attorneys and to the trust placed in our Firm by our clients, prospective clients, and visitors to our website.
This Privacy Policy explains how FTG Law Firm collects, uses, maintains, stores, discloses, and safeguards personal information obtained through www.ftglawfirm.com (the "Website"), our electronic communications, and certain online services that support the delivery of legal services. Our goal is to provide transparency regarding our privacy practices while ensuring that personal information is handled responsibly, securely, and in accordance with applicable law and the ethical obligations governing the legal profession.
This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through the Website and related online services operated by FTG Law Firm. It does not replace, alter, or diminish the protections afforded by the attorney-client privilege, the attorney work-product doctrine, applicable rules of professional conduct, or any written engagement agreement between the Firm and its clients. Those obligations exist independently of this Privacy Policy and remain among the Firm's highest professional responsibilities.
By accessing or using this Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
2. Who We Are
FTG Law Firm, LLC is an Alabama limited liability company engaged in the practice of law. The Firm provides legal services in a variety of practice areas, including criminal defense, family law, estate planning, wills and trusts, contract matters, and other legal services permitted under the laws governing the practice of law in the State of Alabama. Our principal office is located at: FTG Law Firm, LLC 203 South Edwards Street Enterprise, Alabama 36330 Telephone: (334) 422-4354 Website: www.ftglawfirm.com Unless otherwise indicated, FTG Law Firm serves as the entity responsible for determining the purposes and means by which personal information collected through this Website is processed.
3. Scope of this Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to individuals who visit our Website, request information regarding our legal services, submit online consultation requests, complete intake forms, communicate with the Firm electronically, utilize our secure client portal, or otherwise provide personal information through our online services.
This Privacy Policy governs information collected directly through the Website, electronic communications initiated through the Website, and certain third-party platforms utilized by the Firm in connection with the administration of legal services, including secure client communications, online intake, appointment scheduling, and electronic payment processing.
This Privacy Policy does not apply to information collected by third-party websites that are not owned or controlled by FTG Law Firm, even if those websites are linked from our Website. Likewise, this Privacy Policy does not govern information collected solely through offline communications except where such information is later incorporated into the Firm's electronic systems.
4. No Attorney-Client Relationship Created by Website Use
The information contained on this Website is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Accessing this Website, communicating with the Firm through an online contact form, sending an email, submitting an intake request, exchanging text messages, scheduling a consultation, or otherwise contacting the Firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
An attorney-client relationship is established only after the Firm has determined that no conflict of interest exists, has agreed to undertake representation, and the parties have executed a written engagement agreement or otherwise confirmed representation in writing.
Visitors should refrain from submitting confidential, privileged, or time-sensitive information through the Website unless specifically instructed to do so by an attorney of the Firm. Although FTG Law Firm employs commercially reasonable safeguards to protect electronic communications, unsolicited information submitted before representation begins may not be protected by the attorney-client privilege to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
5. Our Commitment to Privacy and Confidentiality
The legal profession occupies a unique position of trust. Unlike many businesses that collect personal information primarily for commercial purposes, attorneys routinely receive information protected by statutory law, evidentiary privileges, ethical obligations, and longstanding principles of confidentiality. FTG Law Firm is committed to protecting that information through appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
Where an attorney-client relationship exists, information received by the Firm is handled in accordance with the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct, applicable federal and state law, and the Firm's internal confidentiality practices. Nothing contained in this Privacy Policy shall be interpreted as limiting or waiving any privilege, immunity, confidentiality obligation, or legal protection that otherwise applies to communications between the Firm and its clients.
The Firm continually evaluates its technology, internal procedures, and third-party service providers to promote the confidentiality, integrity, and security of information entrusted to us while balancing usability, accessibility, and the evolving nature of cybersecurity risks.
Collected Data
6. Information We Collect and How We Use It
The information FTG Law Firm collects depends upon the manner in which you interact with the Firm, the legal services you request, and the technology you choose to utilize. We collect information only to the extent reasonably necessary to respond to inquiries, evaluate requests for legal representation, administer legal services, satisfy applicable legal and ethical obligations, improve the operation and security of our Website, and conduct the ordinary business operations of the Firm.
When you contact FTG Law Firm through our Website, request a consultation, complete an online intake questionnaire, communicate with our office by telephone or electronic mail, or otherwise submit information voluntarily, we may collect personal information including your name, mailing address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, and information concerning your legal matter. Depending upon the nature of your inquiry, we may also receive information relating to opposing parties, witnesses, court proceedings, financial matters, family relationships, estate planning objectives, business entities, contracts, supporting documentation, photographs, audio or video recordings, and other information that you voluntarily provide in connection with a request for legal services.
If the Firm agrees to represent you, additional information may be collected throughout the course of the representation as reasonably necessary to provide competent legal services. Such information may include correspondence, pleadings, discovery materials, court filings, financial records, medical records, law enforcement reports, investigative materials, probate documents, business records, contracts, settlement communications, billing information, payment records, and other documents relevant to the legal matter for which representation has been undertaken. Because the nature of legal representation varies considerably among practice areas, the categories of information maintained by the Firm will differ depending upon the services provided.
In matters involving criminal defense, the Firm may receive highly sensitive personal information concerning criminal allegations, law enforcement investigations, witness statements, body camera footage, digital evidence, forensic reports, medical records, incarceration records, communications with prosecutors, and other materials necessary to protect and advance a client's legal interests. Such information is handled with heightened sensitivity and in accordance with the Firm's ethical obligations, applicable law, and the attorney-client privilege where applicable.
Likewise, matters involving family law, estate planning, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, probate administration, or related proceedings frequently require the collection of confidential financial information, family relationship information, beneficiary designations, testamentary documents, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, tax information, and other records of a highly personal nature. FTG Law Firm recognizes the confidential nature of this information and limits access to those individuals whose access is reasonably necessary to provide legal services or otherwise required by law.
The Firm may also obtain information from sources other than the individual providing it. Depending upon the representation, this information may be obtained from courts, governmental agencies, law enforcement agencies, opposing counsel, public records, title companies, financial institutions, medical providers, expert witnesses, investigators, insurance companies, or other persons and entities authorized to provide information relevant to the legal services requested. Information obtained from third parties is handled in the same confidential manner as information provided directly by our clients.
Certain information is collected automatically whenever you visit the Website. Like most modern websites, our Website records technical information including Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, browser type and version, operating system, device identifiers, language preferences, referring websites, pages visited, dates and times of access, clickstream information, and other diagnostic data generated through normal internet communications. This information generally does not identify an individual personally but assists the Firm in maintaining Website security, diagnosing technical issues, monitoring system performance, identifying unauthorized activity, analyzing visitor traffic, and improving the functionality and content of the Website.
To better understand how visitors interact with our Website, FTG Law Firm may utilize analytics and advertising technologies made available through providers such as Google Analytics and Google Ads. These services assist the Firm in measuring Website performance, understanding visitor behavior, evaluating advertising effectiveness, and improving the information and services offered through the Website. These technologies may utilize cookies, pixels, or similar tracking technologies to collect information regarding your interaction with the Website. Information collected through these services is generally aggregated or pseudonymized and is governed in part by the privacy practices of the applicable service providers.
The Website may also utilize cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality and improve the user experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that allow the Website to recognize returning visitors, remember user preferences, maintain session information, improve Website performance, and generate statistical information regarding Website usage. Most web browsers permit users to disable or restrict cookies through browser settings; however, doing so may affect the availability or functionality of certain portions of the Website.
To facilitate secure communication and efficient client service, FTG Law Firm utilizes several reputable third-party technology providers. These providers presently include Squarespace for Website hosting and administration, MyCase for secure client communications, case management, online intake, document exchange, calendaring, and electronic signatures, MyCase Payments and LawPay for payment processing, and other technology vendors whose services support the ordinary operation of the Firm. Information submitted through these platforms remains subject to the confidentiality obligations of the Firm while also being processed in accordance with the applicable privacy policies and security practices of those providers. FTG Law Firm exercises reasonable care in selecting technology providers that maintain security measures appropriate for the sensitive nature of legal information.
In limited circumstances, the Firm may utilize technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence ("AI"), to enhance administrative efficiency, legal research, document organization, drafting assistance, scheduling, and other support functions. Any use of AI technologies is undertaken under the supervision of licensed attorneys and in a manner intended to preserve client confidentiality, comply with applicable ethical obligations, and protect privileged information. The Firm does not delegate legal judgment to artificial intelligence systems, and all substantive legal work product remains subject to attorney review and professional responsibility before being relied upon or communicated to clients, courts, or third parties.
Finally, FTG Law Firm may collect information necessary to verify the identity of prospective or existing clients, perform conflict-of-interest checks, comply with court rules, satisfy anti-fraud obligations, meet financial recordkeeping requirements, and fulfill other legal or ethical responsibilities imposed upon attorneys practicing in the State of Alabama. Information collected for these purposes is retained only as reasonably necessary to satisfy those obligations and to protect the interests of the Firm and its clients.
7. Confidentiality, Disclosure of Information, and Third-Party Service Providers
FTG Law Firm recognizes that much of the information entrusted to the Firm is confidential by its very nature. In addition to the protections afforded by this Privacy Policy, communications between the Firm and its clients may also be protected by the attorney-client privilege, the attorney work-product doctrine, applicable rules of evidence, and the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct. These protections exist independently of this Privacy Policy and continue to apply as permitted by law.
The Firm does not sell, lease, rent, or otherwise disclose personal information to third parties for their own marketing purposes. Likewise, mobile telephone numbers, SMS consent, and other communication preferences collected by the Firm are not sold or shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Information collected through the Website or during the course of legal representation is used solely for legitimate business, legal, administrative, and professional purposes consistent with the representation of our clients and the operation of the Firm.
Like most modern law firms, FTG Law Firm utilizes carefully selected third-party technology providers to facilitate the secure delivery of legal services. These providers perform services on the Firm's behalf and are granted access only to the information reasonably necessary to perform those services. Such providers may include website hosting services, secure cloud storage providers, electronic payment processors, calendaring systems, document management platforms, electronic signature providers, secure client communication platforms, and other technology vendors whose services support the Firm's operations.
Among the providers currently utilized by the Firm are Squarespace for website hosting and administration, MyCase for secure client communications, client intake, case management, calendaring, document exchange, and electronic signatures, and LawPay and MyCase Payments for the secure processing of electronic payments. These providers maintain their own privacy policies and security practices governing the information processed through their systems. Although FTG Law Firm exercises reasonable care in selecting reputable vendors, the Firm is not responsible for the independent privacy or security practices of third-party providers operating outside the Firm's direct control.
Information may also be disclosed when necessary to carry out the legal services requested by a client. Depending upon the nature of the representation, this may include communications with courts, opposing counsel, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, government agencies, expert witnesses, investigators, financial institutions, title companies, healthcare providers, insurance companies, mediators, arbitrators, court reporters, process servers, and other individuals or entities whose involvement is reasonably necessary to represent the client's interests. The Firm endeavors to disclose only the information reasonably necessary for the particular purpose and only when authorized by the client, required by law, or otherwise permitted under applicable ethical rules.
The Firm may also disclose personal information when required or permitted by applicable law. Such circumstances may include compliance with subpoenas, court orders, judicial proceedings, regulatory inquiries, lawful requests from governmental authorities, the prevention or investigation of fraud, the protection of the Firm's legal rights, the enforcement of contractual obligations, the collection of unpaid fees, or the protection of the safety and security of our clients, personnel, or the public. Where appropriate and legally permissible, the Firm may notify affected individuals before responding to compulsory legal process.
From time to time, the Firm may engage consultants, accountants, information technology professionals, cybersecurity specialists, legal researchers, contract attorneys, or other professional advisors whose assistance is reasonably necessary for the administration of the Firm or the representation of its clients. Any such individuals or entities are expected to maintain the confidentiality of information disclosed to them and to use that information solely for the purposes for which it was provided.
FTG Law Firm also recognizes the increasing role of technology in the legal profession. When the Firm utilizes technology-assisted services, including artificial intelligence, automated document management systems, or similar tools, such technologies are used only as an aid to licensed attorneys and not as a substitute for independent legal judgment. The Firm takes reasonable measures to ensure that confidential information processed through such technologies is handled in a manner consistent with its professional obligations and applicable ethical standards. All legal advice, legal analysis, and attorney work product remain subject to review, supervision, and approval by a licensed attorney before being relied upon or communicated outside the Firm.
Except as described in this Privacy Policy or otherwise authorized by the client, FTG Law Firm does not disclose confidential client information to unrelated third parties. The protection of client confidences remains one of the Firm's highest professional obligations and continues throughout and after the attorney-client relationship, subject only to those exceptions recognized by applicable law and the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct.
SMS, TEXT-MESSAGING
8. Mobile Communications and SMS Privacy
FTG Law Firm offers text messaging as a convenience to clients and prospective clients who choose to communicate with the Firm using mobile devices. Text messaging is intended to facilitate communication regarding legal representation and administrative matters and is not used for unsolicited marketing purposes.
Depending upon the nature of your relationship with the Firm, text messages may be used to provide appointment reminders, respond to inquiries, request or acknowledge the receipt of documents, provide updates regarding pending legal matters, communicate scheduling changes, conduct intake follow-up, or otherwise facilitate communication relating to legal services requested by you. Message frequency will vary depending upon the nature of your legal matter and your communications with the Firm.
By voluntarily providing your mobile telephone number and consenting to receive text messages, you authorize FTG Law Firm to communicate with you by SMS or other mobile messaging technologies regarding your legal matter and the administration of legal services. Providing consent to receive text messages is voluntary and is not a condition of retaining the Firm or receiving legal services. Standard message and data rates imposed by your wireless carrier may apply.
Clients and prospective clients may withdraw their consent to receive text messages at any time by replying STOP to any text message received from the Firm or by contacting our office directly. Upon receipt of an opt-out request, the Firm will make reasonable efforts to discontinue non-essential text communications as promptly as practicable. Individuals who require assistance regarding the Firm's mobile messaging program may reply HELP or contact FTG Law Firm by telephone at (334) 422-4354 during normal business hours.
Although the Firm endeavors to use secure and reputable communication platforms, text messaging is not always an encrypted form of communication and should not be considered the most secure method for transmitting highly confidential, privileged, or time-sensitive information. Clients are encouraged to utilize the Firm's secure MyCase Client Portal for the transmission of confidential documents, privileged communications, financial information, personally identifiable information, and other sensitive materials. Where appropriate, attorneys or Firm personnel may direct clients to continue communications through the MyCase Client Portal or another secure method.
The Firm utilizes secure messaging technologies to facilitate SMS communications. Consumer mobile telephone numbers and SMS consent are used solely for communicating with clients and prospective clients regarding legal services and are not transferred to external organizations except where strictly required by applicable law.
SMS consent, mobile telephone numbers, and SMS messaging data are never sold, rented, leased, transferred, disclosed, or otherwise shared with any external organization, third party, or affiliate for marketing, promotional, or unrelated business purposes. Such information is used exclusively to facilitate communications between FTG Law Firm and its clients and prospective clients and will only be disclosed where strictly required by applicable law.
Text messaging should not be relied upon for emergency communications or for providing notice of imminent legal deadlines, court appearances, arrests, or other urgent matters. Individuals experiencing an emergency or requiring immediate legal assistance should contact the Firm directly by telephone. Communications received outside the Firm's normal business hours—Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., excluding the daily lunch closure from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday—may not be reviewed until the next business day.
SMS consent and mobile phone numbers collected for the purpose of receiving text messages are not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
8.1 SMS Data Sharing
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Privacy Policy, mobile telephone numbers, SMS consent, and SMS messaging content collected in connection with FTG Law Firm, LLC's text messaging program will not be sold, rented, transferred, shared, or otherwise disclosed to any third party or affiliate for marketing, promotional, or unrelated business purposes.
SMS consent is never shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
Consumer mobile information will only be disclosed when strictly required by applicable law, court order, subpoena, or other legal process, or when necessary for the technical delivery of SMS messages through the Firm's messaging provider. No other transfers of SMS consumer information are permitted.
Questions About Our SMS Messaging Program
If you have questions regarding FTG Law Firm, LLC's text messaging program, your SMS preferences, this Privacy Policy, or your personal information, please contact us using one of the methods below:
FTG Law Firm, LLC
203 South Edwards Street
Enterprise, Alabama 36330
Telephone: (334) 422-4354
Website: https://www.ftglawfirm.com/
Business Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Closed daily from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
If you are enrolled in our SMS messaging program, you may also reply HELP to any text message for assistance or STOP to discontinue receiving text messages.
INFORMATION SECURITY
9. Information Security and Protection of Client Data
FTG Law Firm recognizes that safeguarding confidential information is one of the most significant responsibilities entrusted to the legal profession. The Firm maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards that are designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, misuse, or destruction while supporting the efficient delivery of legal services. Our security practices are developed with consideration for the sensitivity of legal information, the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, and the ethical obligations imposed upon attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama.
The Firm utilizes secure technologies and reputable third-party service providers to facilitate the storage, transmission, and management of electronic information. Electronic communications, client documents, and other digital records may be maintained using secure cloud-based systems, encrypted data storage, access controls, user authentication, and other commercially reasonable security measures appropriate for a modern legal practice. Access to confidential client information is generally limited to attorneys, legal assistants, administrative personnel, and service providers whose access is reasonably necessary to perform their professional responsibilities or support the representation of our clients.
FTG Law Firm utilizes MyCase as its primary client management platform for secure client communications, document exchange, calendaring, electronic signatures, and case management. Clients are encouraged to utilize the MyCase Client Portal whenever possible when transmitting confidential documents, privileged communications, financial information, or other sensitive materials. The Firm believes that utilizing a secure client portal provides greater protection than ordinary electronic mail or text messaging for many types of confidential communications.
Electronic payments made to the Firm are processed through secure payment platforms, including LawPay and MyCase Payments, rather than being processed directly through the Website. Payment card information is processed by those providers in accordance with their own security standards and applicable payment card industry requirements. FTG Law Firm does not intentionally store complete payment card information on its own systems except as reasonably necessary to document transactions or as otherwise required by law.
The Firm employs reasonable procedures to verify the identity of prospective clients and existing clients before disclosing confidential information or making significant changes to client accounts. Depending upon the circumstances, identity verification may include confirming personally identifiable information, utilizing secure client portal authentication, requesting government-issued identification, confirming known contact information, or employing other reasonable verification procedures designed to reduce the risk of unauthorized disclosure or fraud.
FTG Law Firm also recognizes that technology continues to evolve rapidly within the legal profession. The Firm may utilize technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence, to improve administrative efficiency, legal research, document organization, drafting assistance, scheduling, and other support functions. Any such technology is used solely as an aid to licensed attorneys and not as a substitute for professional legal judgment. The Firm does not knowingly permit artificial intelligence systems to independently provide legal advice, establish attorney-client relationships, or make legal determinations on behalf of clients. When artificial intelligence is utilized in connection with legal services, attorney oversight is maintained throughout the process, and reasonable efforts are made to ensure that confidential information is handled in a manner consistent with applicable ethical obligations and the Firm's duty of confidentiality.
Although FTG Law Firm implements security measures that it believes are appropriate for the protection of confidential information, no method of transmitting information over the Internet or storing electronic information can be guaranteed to be completely secure. As a result, the Firm cannot guarantee or warrant the absolute security of information transmitted electronically. Clients and Website visitors should exercise reasonable caution when transmitting information electronically and should promptly notify the Firm if they believe their communications or account credentials have been compromised.
The Firm maintains internal policies regarding the handling of confidential information and expects attorneys, employees, contractors, and service providers to maintain the confidentiality of information obtained in connection with the representation of clients or the operation of the Firm. Access to client information is provided only when reasonably necessary to perform professional responsibilities, administer Firm operations, comply with applicable law, or support the legal services requested by the client.
In the event the Firm becomes aware of a security incident involving personal information under its control, FTG Law Firm will investigate the circumstances of the incident, take reasonable steps to contain and remediate the issue, and provide notifications required by applicable federal or Alabama law. The Firm continually evaluates its security practices and technology infrastructure in an effort to respond appropriately to emerging cybersecurity risks and to maintain the confidence placed in us by our clients.
10. Retention of Information and Client Files
FTG Law Firm retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, to provide legal services, to comply with applicable law and ethical obligations, to protect the interests of our clients and the Firm, and to maintain appropriate business and financial records. Because legal matters frequently involve statutory retention requirements, professional obligations, and the possibility of future legal proceedings, the period during which information is retained may vary considerably depending upon the nature of the information and the services provided.
Information submitted by prospective clients who do not ultimately retain the Firm may be maintained for a reasonable period of time to document consultations, perform conflict-of-interest checks, respond to future inquiries, comply with legal obligations, or protect the Firm against potential claims. The Firm may also retain limited contact information for administrative purposes unless otherwise prohibited by law or requested by the individual.
For clients who engage FTG Law Firm, legal files and related records may be retained following the conclusion of the representation in accordance with the Firm's record retention policies, applicable statutes of limitation, professional responsibility requirements, court rules, contractual obligations, and the nature of the legal matter. Certain records may be retained for extended periods where reasonably necessary to preserve client interests, comply with legal or regulatory requirements, respond to future inquiries, defend against claims, enforce legal rights, or satisfy accounting and tax obligations.
The retention period for legal files may differ depending upon the area of practice. Matters involving criminal defense, family law, estate planning, probate administration, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, contracts, or other legal services often involve differing legal considerations that may warrant longer or shorter retention periods based upon the applicable law, the nature of the representation, and the continuing needs of the client. Estate planning documents, for example, may continue to have legal significance long after their preparation, while certain financial and accounting records must be retained for periods prescribed by applicable law.
The Firm also maintains financial records, billing records, trust account records, payment confirmations, and related accounting documentation as required by applicable law, professional accounting standards, and the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct. Electronic payments processed through LawPay or MyCase Payments remain subject to the recordkeeping practices and security standards of those providers in addition to the Firm's own record retention procedures.
Website usage information, analytics data, server logs, and similar technical information generally are retained only for so long as reasonably necessary to administer the Website, maintain security, improve functionality, analyze performance, investigate unauthorized activity, or satisfy legitimate business purposes. Such information may be retained in aggregated or de-identified form for statistical or analytical purposes where individual users are no longer reasonably identifiable.
Copies of information may also exist within encrypted backup systems, disaster recovery archives, or other secure archival media maintained for business continuity and disaster recovery purposes. Where such backup copies exist, they are retained and protected in accordance with the Firm's security practices and are generally not used for ordinary business operations except when necessary to restore information following a system failure, cybersecurity incident, or other unforeseen event.
When personal information is no longer reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, and the Firm is no longer required or permitted to retain the information under applicable law or professional obligations, FTG Law Firm will take reasonable steps to securely dispose of or permanently destroy such information using methods appropriate to the nature of the information and the manner in which it is stored. Depending upon the circumstances, this may include secure shredding of physical records, permanent deletion of electronic records, cryptographic destruction of encrypted data, or other commercially reasonable methods designed to prevent unauthorized recovery or disclosure.
Nothing contained in this Privacy Policy shall be interpreted as creating an obligation for the Firm to retain records indefinitely or to maintain records beyond the period required or permitted by applicable law, professional responsibility obligations, contractual agreements, or the Firm's internal record retention policies.
11. Your Privacy Rights and Choices
FTG Law Firm believes that individuals should understand the information collected about them and should have reasonable opportunities to access, update, or correct personal information maintained by the Firm. Subject to applicable law, professional responsibility obligations, attorney-client privilege, and other legal restrictions, individuals may request information regarding the personal information the Firm maintains about them or request that inaccurate or incomplete information be corrected.
Depending upon the circumstances and the nature of the information involved, individuals may also request that the Firm delete certain personal information that is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. Because attorneys are subject to legal, ethical, contractual, and regulatory recordkeeping obligations, the Firm may be unable to delete certain information, including client files, financial records, conflict-of-interest records, trust accounting records, court filings, or other information that the Firm is required or permitted to retain under applicable law. Where a request cannot be fully honored, the Firm will endeavor to explain the basis for retaining the requested information to the extent permitted by law.
Individuals who believe that personal information maintained by the Firm is inaccurate or incomplete are encouraged to notify the Firm as soon as practicable. Maintaining accurate contact information is particularly important during the course of legal representation to ensure timely communication regarding court proceedings, deadlines, filings, appointments, and other matters affecting the client's legal interests.
Visitors to the Website may limit certain information collected automatically by adjusting the privacy and security settings of their web browser, disabling cookies, or utilizing browser tools designed to limit online tracking technologies. Please note that disabling cookies or similar technologies may affect the availability or functionality of certain portions of the Website.
Individuals who have consented to receive mobile communications from FTG Law Firm may withdraw that consent at any time by replying STOP to any text message received from the Firm or by contacting our office directly. Opting out of marketing or administrative text messages will not prevent the Firm from communicating with existing clients through alternative methods when reasonably necessary to fulfill legal or ethical obligations or to continue an active attorney-client relationship.
Where the Firm sends informational emails or other non-essential electronic communications, recipients may unsubscribe by following the instructions provided within the communication or by contacting the Firm directly. Certain communications relating to active legal representation, billing, court deadlines, client safety, or other essential administrative matters may continue where reasonably necessary to provide legal services or comply with legal obligations.
Residents of jurisdictions providing additional privacy rights, including California residents protected by the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA"), may possess additional rights regarding their personal information where applicable. Those rights may include the right to request access to certain categories of personal information collected, request correction of inaccurate information, request deletion of certain personal information, request information concerning disclosures made by the Firm, and exercise those rights without unlawful discrimination. FTG Law Firm will respond to requests made under applicable privacy laws in accordance with the requirements of those laws and may request reasonable information necessary to verify the identity and authority of the individual making the request before disclosing, modifying, or deleting personal information.
Because protecting client confidentiality is one of the Firm's highest professional obligations, FTG Law Firm may require reasonable verification of identity before responding to requests involving personal information. Depending upon the circumstances, identity verification may include confirmation of known contact information, government-issued identification, secure client portal authentication, or other reasonable procedures designed to prevent unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.
Requests concerning personal information, this Privacy Policy, or the Firm's privacy practices may be directed to FTG Law Firm using the contact information provided at the end of this Privacy Policy. The Firm will make reasonable efforts to respond to privacy-related inquiries within a commercially reasonable period, taking into consideration the nature of the request, applicable law, and the professional obligations governing the practice of law.
12. Protection Against Unauthorized Sharing of Personal Information
FTG Law Firm, LLC is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information entrusted to us. Consumer personal information, including mobile telephone numbers, SMS consent, and SMS messaging data, is never sold, rented, leased, transferred, disclosed, or otherwise made available to any external organization, third party, or affiliate for marketing, promotional, or unrelated business purposes.
Mobile telephone numbers, SMS consent, and SMS messaging data will never be transferred to any external organization under any circumstances, even with the consumer's consent, except where disclosure is strictly required by applicable law, court order, subpoena, or other legally binding legal process.
FTG Law Firm maintains administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These safeguards include secure access controls, authentication procedures, encryption where appropriate, secure cloud-based systems, confidentiality obligations applicable to attorneys and staff, internal privacy policies, and ongoing security practices intended to protect the confidentiality and integrity of personal information.
The Firm regularly reviews its privacy and security practices to help ensure compliance with applicable law, professional responsibilities, and evolving cybersecurity standards.
JUVENILE PRIVACY
13. Children's Privacy and Protection of Minor
FTG Law Firm's Website is intended for use by adults seeking legal information or legal representation and is not directed toward children under the age of thirteen (13). The Firm does not knowingly collect personal information directly from children through the Website. If we become aware that personal information has been submitted directly by a child under the age of thirteen without appropriate parental or legal guardian consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete such information from our Website systems unless retention is otherwise required by law.
The Firm recognizes that many legal matters necessarily involve information relating to minor children. In the course of representing clients, FTG Law Firm may receive or maintain information concerning minors in connection with family law matters, juvenile proceedings, guardianships, conservatorships, estate planning, probate matters, adoptions, or other legal proceedings. Such information is obtained solely for the purpose of providing legal services and is maintained in accordance with the same professional duties of confidentiality, privilege, and security that apply to all client information. Nothing in this Privacy Policy should be interpreted as limiting the Firm's ability to collect, receive, use, or retain information relating to minors when such information is provided by a parent, legal guardian, court, governmental agency, or other person authorized by law or reasonably necessary to provide legal representation.
Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to supervise their children's online activities and to contact the Firm if they believe a child has submitted personal information through the Website without appropriate authorization. The Firm will promptly investigate such concerns and take appropriate action consistent with applicable law and this Privacy Policy.
CHANGES
14. Changes to this Privacy Policy
Technology, legal requirements, and the manner in which law firms provide legal services continue to evolve. Accordingly, FTG Law Firm reserves the right to amend, revise, supplement, or otherwise modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in applicable law, professional obligations, technological developments, business operations, or the services offered by the Firm.
Any revisions to this Privacy Policy will become effective upon posting the updated version on the Website unless a different effective date is expressly stated. The "Effective Date" appearing at the beginning of this Privacy Policy reflects the date on which the most recent revision became effective.
The Firm encourages visitors to review this Privacy Policy periodically to remain informed regarding the manner in which personal information is collected, used, maintained, and protected. Continued use of the Website following the posting of any revisions constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Where required by law, or where changes materially affect the manner in which previously collected personal information is used, the Firm will provide additional notice or obtain any required consent before implementing such changes.