Privacy
Privacy Policy
Commonwealth Legal PLLC
Effective Date: March 22, 2025
Last Updated: March 22, 2025
At Commonwealth Legal PLLC ("we," "us," or "our"), a Virginia-based law firm, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients, prospective clients, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information in accordance with Virginia law, including the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), federal laws, and our professional obligations under the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. By engaging our services or visiting our website www.cwlegal.org, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
a. Personal Information
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address, or other details you provide when contacting us or engaging our services.
- Identification Information: Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, or other identifiers required for legal representation or compliance with Virginia or federal law.
- Financial Information: Billing details, payment information, or other financial data necessary to process payments for our services.
- Case-Related Information: Details relevant to your legal matter, which may include sensitive personal data such as health information, criminal history, or family details, as necessary to provide legal services in Virginia or elsewhere.
b. Automatically Collected Information
- Website Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on our website, collected via cookies or similar technologies (see Section 6).
- Communication Data: Information from emails, phone calls, or other correspondence with our firm.
c. Information from Third Parties
We may receive information about you from third parties, such as Virginia courts, government agencies, opposing counsel, or other entities involved in your legal matter, as permitted by law or with your consent.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- To provide legal services and representation under Virginia law, including case management, communication, and fulfilling our professional obligations to you.
- To process payments and manage billing in compliance with Virginia regulations.
- To comply with legal, regulatory, or ethical obligations, such as Virginia’s anti-money laundering requirements, tax laws, or court orders.
- To communicate with you regarding your legal matter or our services.
- To improve our website, services, and client experience (e.g., analyzing website usage trends).
- To protect the security and integrity of our systems and operations.
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information as defined under the VCDPA. We may share your information in these circumstances:
- With Your Consent: When you authorize us to share information with third parties (e.g., experts, co-counsel, or mediators).
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors (e.g., IT support, payment processors, or document management systems) who assist us, subject to confidentiality agreements and VCDPA requirements.
- Legal and Regulatory Requirements: When required by Virginia or federal law, court order, or government authority, or to comply with our obligations under the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Protection of Rights: To defend against legal claims, protect our rights, or ensure the safety of our clients, staff, or the public.
- SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes
As a Virginia law firm, we adhere to strict attorney-client privilege and confidentiality rules under the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct (Rule 1.6) and will not disclose your information unless permitted or required by law or ethical standards.
4. Data Security
We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration, consistent with Virginia law and industry standards. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Your Rights Under Virginia Law
As a Virginia resident, under the VCDPA, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information, subject to exceptions (e.g., our legal and ethical duties):
- Access: Request confirmation of whether we process your personal data and access to that data.
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to our obligations to retain records under Virginia law or bar rules.
- Opt-Out: Opt out of the processing of your personal data for targeted advertising, sales, or profiling (if applicable—note that we do not engage in these activities as a law firm).
- Appeal: Appeal a decision we make regarding your rights requests.
To exercise these rights, contact us at scott@cwlegal.org . We will respond within 45 days, as required by the VCDPA, with a possible 45-day extension if necessary. Note that our ability to fulfill certain requests may be limited by our professional obligations (e.g., retaining case files as required by Virginia State Bar guidelines).
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and improve functionality. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. We do not use your personal data for targeted advertising or profiling as defined under the VCDPA.
7. Retention of Information
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with Virginia or federal legal requirements, or meet our obligations under the Virginia State Bar. For example, we may retain case files for at least five years after the conclusion of your matter, as recommended by Virginia State Bar guidelines, unless a longer period is required.
8. International Transfers
If your legal matter involves cross-border issues, your information may be transferred outside Virginia or the United States. We will ensure such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and maintain appropriate safeguards.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing information.
10. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The updated version will be posted on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated as required by Virginia law.
12. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights under this Privacy Policy or Virginia law, please contact us at:
Commonwealth Legal PLLC
14321 Winter Breeze Dr., Suite 129
Midlothian VA 23113
Visit
https://www.cwlegal.org/privacy for privacy policy and
https://www.cwlegal.org/SMSTerms for Terms of Service
Disclaimer: This Privacy Policy does not create an attorney-client relationship. Engaging our services requires a separate agreement under Virginia law.
