Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 10th September 2024

1. Introduction

Fancy Trails ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website located at our domain address and use our legal services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information from you:

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number, postal address)
• Legal enquiry details and case information
• Payment and billing information
• Communication records and correspondence
• Professional and employment information relevant to your case

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Website usage data and analytics
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing legal advice and representation services
• Communicating with you about your case or enquiry
• Processing payments and managing billing
• Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
• Improving our website and services
• Sending newsletters and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Fraud prevention and security purposes

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Contract: To perform our legal services contract with you
• Legal obligation: To comply with regulatory requirements and professional duties
• Legitimate interests: For business operations, fraud prevention, and service improvement
• Consent: For marketing communications and optional cookies

5. Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

• Court systems, government agencies, and regulatory bodies as required by law
• Third-party service providers who assist with our operations (IT support, payment processing)
• Professional advisers (barristers, expert witnesses, other solicitors)
• Insurance providers and professional indemnity insurers
• Parties involved in your legal matter as necessary for representation

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Secure file storage systems with access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
• Physical security measures for our offices

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our legal services to you
• Comply with professional conduct rules and regulatory requirements
• Meet legal obligations (typically 6-7 years for most legal files)
• Handle any potential claims or disputes

8. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Restriction: Limit how we process your data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw consent: For consent-based processing

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. You can manage your cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner or your browser settings. For detailed information, please see our Cookie Policy.

10. International Transfers

Your personal data is processed within the UK. If we need to transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as adequacy decisions or approved transfer mechanisms.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

12. Complaints

If you believe we have mishandled your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

• Website: www.ico.org.uk
• Phone: 0303 123 1113
• Post: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new effective date.