Privacy Policy

Introduction

Westmount is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you use our legal services or visit our website. We comply with applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and maintain the confidentiality obligations required of legal practitioners.

Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our legal services:

Contact Information

When you reach out to us or engage our services, we collect your name, address, phone number, email address, and other contact details necessary for service delivery and communication.

Legal Matter Information

To provide legal services, we collect information relevant to your matter, which may include personal, financial, business, or family information as needed for representation. This information is protected by solicitor-client privilege where applicable.

Usage Data

We may collect information about how you access and use our website, including your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on pages. This helps us improve our website and understand visitor patterns.

Communication Records

We maintain records of our communications with you, including emails, letters, phone call notes, and meeting summaries, as part of our professional file management obligations.

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• Consent you provide when engaging our services or using our website
• Contractual necessity to fulfill our obligations as your legal counsel
• Legitimate interests in providing quality legal services and managing our practice
• Legal obligations under professional rules, law society requirements, and applicable legislation

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Providing legal services and advice specific to your matter
• Communicating with you about your legal matters and our services
• Maintaining client files and records as required by professional obligations
• Processing payments and managing billing
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
• Improving our services and website functionality
• Responding to inquiries and providing customer support

Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Specific retention periods include:

• Client files: Minimum of seven years after the conclusion of a matter, as required by the Barreau du Québec
• Financial records: Seven years as required by tax legislation
• Communications: Retained as part of client files or as long as necessary for business purposes
• Website usage data: Typically retained for up to two years for analytical purposes

When information is no longer needed, we securely destroy or permanently delete it in accordance with our document retention policies.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:

• Encrypted data transmission and storage
• Secure document management systems with access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on privacy and security protocols
• Physical security measures for our office premises
• Secure destruction of physical and electronic records when no longer needed

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but maintain industry-standard protections.

Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable law and professional obligations, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request copies of your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis
• Restriction: Request limitation on how we process your information
• Portability: Request transfer of certain information to another service provider
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy. We will respond to requests within 30 days. Note that some rights may be limited by professional obligations, such as our duty to maintain client files for prescribed periods.

Third-Party Services

We may share information with third parties who provide services on our behalf, including:

• Document storage and management providers
• Payment processors for billing services
• Professional service providers (accountants, consultants)
• Government agencies when required by law or court order
• Other legal counsel when coordinating on cross-border matters

We require third-party service providers to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security measures. We do not sell personal information to third parties.

International Data Transfers

When we work on cross-border matters or coordinate with counsel in other jurisdictions, we may transfer information outside Canada. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including contractual protections and compliance with applicable data protection laws. We will inform you when international transfers are necessary for your matter.

Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyze website usage. For detailed information about our cookie practices and how to manage your preferences, please review our Cookie Policy.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will post the updated policy on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated to active clients directly. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about how we handle your information, please contact us:

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe we have not addressed your privacy concerns appropriately.