LEGAL · PRIVATE SECTOR PRIVACY LEGISLATION
At White & Company Family Law, protecting the personal information of everyone who provides it to us — clients and non-clients alike — is one of our highest priorities. This policy outlines the principles and practices we follow in compliance with BC's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
Personal Information Protection Policy
In the event any portion of this policy does not meet standards prescribed by the Law Society of British Columbia in relation to the Solicitor-Client relationship, the Law Society's Code of Conduct and Rules will supersede this policy.
W&C retains the right to refuse provision of any personal information incorporated into the work product of the lawyer, as this is privileged and proprietary. We will provide, in substance, any collected information to the person it concerns upon request.
This policy applies to White & Company Family Law, and our privacy commitment covers everyone who provides us information — regardless of whether they are a client, a non-client, or a prospective client.
Personal Information
Information about an identifiable individual — e.g. name, age, home address, phone number, social insurance number, marital status, religion, income, credit history, banking information, medical information, education, or employment information. Does not include contact information.
Person Providing Information
All clients, non-clients, prospective clients, and those who have not yet perfected their retainers as prospective clients.
Contact Information
Information that would enable an individual to be contacted at a place of business — name, position, business phone, address, email or fax. Not covered by this policy or PIPA.
SMS
Standard technology used to send text messages between mobile phones.
Privacy Officer
The individual responsible for ensuring White & Company Family Law complies with this policy and PIPA.
Policy 1
Collecting Personal Information
Unless the purposes for collecting personal information are obvious and voluntarily provided for those purposes, we will communicate the purposes for collection, orally or in writing, before or at the time of collection.
We will only collect information necessary to, but not limited to:
Verify identity
Understand your legal needs and determine whether we can provide the requested services
Conduct a conflict check
Ensure a high standard of service
Meet regulatory requirements, including the Law Society of British Columbia
Comply with all duties of confidentiality to clients with a perfected retainer
Consent
Policy 2
We will obtain consent to collect, use or disclose personal information, except where we are authorized to do so without it — either passively, actively, or both. Consent may be given orally, in writing, electronically, through an authorized representative, or implied where the purpose would be considered obvious.
Subject to certain exceptions, you can withhold or withdraw consent to certain uses of your personal information; doing so may restrict our ability to provide a particular service, which we will explain to help you decide. For clients, this applies only in circumstances explicitly permitted within the Solicitor-Client relationship, which endures beyond termination once perfected.
Using & Disclosing Personal Information
Policy 3
We will not use or disclose your personal information for any purpose beyond those identified, and we will not sell the personal information of anyone who provides it to us.
Policy 4
Retaining Personal Information
We will retain client personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the identified purposes or a legal or business purpose, such as requirements outlined by the Law Society of British Columbia.
Policy 5
Ensuring Accuracy
We make reasonable efforts to ensure personal information is accurate and complete where it may be used to make a decision about you. Clients are the only persons who may request correction of their personal information; a non-client's correction request must be made in writing with sufficient detail to identify the information and the correction sought.
Policy 6
Securing Personal Information
We are committed to protecting information from unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure, copying, modification or disposal. Our security measures include:
Locked filing cabinets and physically secured offices
User IDs, passwords, encryption, and firewalls
Confidentiality Agreements signed by all employees, committing them to this policy
Keeping client information out of view of third-party providers entering our office
Secure shredding services when destroying personal information
Regular review and updates to our security policies as technology changes
Staff IT security training, including phishing-awareness testing
Providing Access to Personal Information
Policy 7
You have a right to access your personal information, subject to exceptions. Requests must be made in writing with sufficient detail to identify the information sought. We will confirm how we use and disclose your information upon request, and make it available within 30 business days — or provide written notice if an extension is required. A minimal fee may apply, and we will confirm cost and direction before proceeding. If a request is refused in whole or in part, we will notify you in writing with our reasons and your available recourse.
Policy 8
Opting Into SMS Messaging
By opting into our SMS messaging service, you agree to the following:
Data collection: we collect your name, email, mailing address and mobile number via our website, email, phone or in person.
Data usage: used solely for sending Customer Care messages.
Data security: protected with secure storage measures against unauthorized access.
Data retention: retained while you remain subscribed; you may request deletion at any time.
Message and data rates may apply; messages are recurring and frequency varies (typically 1–2 messages per month).
Text HELP or call (778) 800-8660 for assistance; text STOP or email waitlist@wandcfl.com to unsubscribe — you'll receive a final confirmation text, and your number is removed within 24 hours.
Non-sharing clause: we do not sell, rent, or share your mobile information with third parties for marketing purposes, under any circumstances.
Policy 9
Questions & Complaints
The Privacy Officer (the Managing Lawyer) is responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy and PIPA. Please direct complaints, concerns or questions in writing to the Privacy Officer. If unresolved, you may also write to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of British Columbia.
Privacy Officer
Betti White, Managing Lawyer
495 Van Horne Street, Penticton, British Columbia V2A 4K7
Email: info@wandcfl.com · Telephone: (778) 800-8660