Privacy Policy

Introduction

ambewod is committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services or visit our website.

We comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) of Hong Kong and follow best practices in data protection. If you have questions about this policy, please contact us at [email protected].

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

When you engage our services, we collect information that you voluntarily provide, including:

• Contact information: name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Identification documents when required for legal services
• Information about your family situation and legal matters
• Financial information relevant to your case
• Communications with our firm, including emails and meeting notes
• Any other information necessary to provide legal representation

Information Collected Automatically

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

• Log data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on pages
• Device information: device type, operating system
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see our Cookie Policy for details)

Information From Third Parties

In some cases, we may receive information about you from third parties such as opposing counsel, courts, financial institutions, or other professionals involved in your legal matter.

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Legal Services

• Providing legal representation and advice
• Preparing legal documents and court filings
• Communicating with you about your case
• Conducting legal research relevant to your matter
• Representing you in negotiations and court proceedings

Business Operations

• Processing payments and managing billing
• Maintaining client records and case files
• Compliance with professional and legal obligations
• Improving our services and client experience

Communication

• Responding to your inquiries
• Providing case updates and legal advice
• Sending appointment reminders and administrative notices
• Informing you of changes to our services or policies

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

• Consent: When you engage our services or submit information through our website
• Contract: To fulfill our obligations under our client engagement agreement
• Legal Obligation: To comply with Hong Kong laws and professional conduct rules
• Legitimate Interest: To operate our business effectively and provide quality legal services

Data Sharing and Disclosure

When We Share Information

We may share your information with:

• Other Parties in Your Legal Matter: Opposing counsel, courts, mediators, as required for legal proceedings
• Professional Advisors: Accountants, financial advisors, expert witnesses when necessary for your case
• Service Providers: IT support, document management systems, billing services (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• Legal and Regulatory Authorities: When required by law or professional regulations

Solicitor-Client Privilege

Communications between you and our solicitors are protected by solicitor-client privilege and will not be disclosed without your consent except where legally required or when privilege is waived.

Data Security

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

• Encrypted data transmission and storage
• Secure servers with restricted access
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
• Physical security measures at our offices

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide legal services and fulfill our legal and professional obligations. Generally:

• Client files are retained for seven years after case closure, as required by Law Society regulations
• Financial records are retained for seven years for tax purposes
• Some documents may be retained longer if required by law or if litigation is ongoing or anticipated

After the retention period, personal data is securely destroyed or anonymized.

Your Rights

Under Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request access to your personal data we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where consent was the basis

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within 40 days as required by Hong Kong law.

Note that some rights may be subject to limitations due to legal or professional obligations, such as our duty to maintain client files for regulatory purposes.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please see our Cookie Policy.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or using our cookie consent tool.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately.

International Data Transfers

Your personal information is primarily stored and processed in Hong Kong. If we transfer data outside Hong Kong, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Changes to This Privacy 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
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you an email notification for significant changes

We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Complaints

If you believe we have not handled your personal data in accordance with this policy or applicable laws, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in Hong Kong.