PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Last Updated: January 1, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

Metro Law ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website metrolaw.vip (the "Site"), use our services, or communicate with us.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our Site or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Site.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

  • Fill out contact forms or case evaluation forms
  • Call our office or use our AI phone system
  • Use our AI chat widget
  • Subscribe to our newsletter or blog updates
  • Request a consultation
  • Communicate with our attorneys or staff
  • Apply for employment

This information may include:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
  • Case Information: Details about your legal matter, accident details, injury information, insurance information
  • Professional Information: Employer, occupation, income information (when relevant to your case)
  • Identification Information: Driver's license, social security number (only when necessary for legal representation)
  • Financial Information: Payment information for case costs (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
  • Communications: Correspondence with our firm, including emails, chat messages, phone recordings, and voicemails

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing actions:

  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
  • Usage Information: Pages viewed, time spent on pages, click patterns, referring website addresses
  • Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: See Section 5 below

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

  • Medical Providers: Medical records and bills (with your authorization)
  • Insurance Companies: Claim information and policy details
  • Law Enforcement: Accident reports and investigation records
  • Witnesses and Experts: Statements and reports related to your case
  • Public Records: Court filings, property records, business registrations

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Legal Representation

  • Evaluating potential cases and providing legal consultations
  • Representing you in personal injury claims and litigation
  • Communicating with opposing parties, insurance companies, and courts
  • Preparing legal documents, pleadings, and correspondence
  • Investigating accidents and gathering evidence
  • Consulting with medical experts and other professionals
  • Negotiating settlements and pursuing litigation

3.2 Client Services

  • Responding to your inquiries and requests
  • Scheduling appointments and consultations
  • Providing case updates and legal advice
  • Processing payments and managing billing
  • Maintaining client files and case records

3.3 Website and Marketing

  • Operating and maintaining our website
  • Improving our website functionality and user experience
  • Analyzing website traffic and usage patterns
  • Sending newsletters, blog updates, and legal alerts (with your consent)
  • Marketing our legal services to potential clients
  • Responding to reviews and testimonials

3.4 Legal and Business Operations

  • Complying with legal obligations and court orders
  • Protecting against fraud, security threats, and illegal activity
  • Enforcing our terms of service and other agreements
  • Conducting internal audits and quality assurance
  • Training staff and improving our services
  • Defending legal claims and protecting our rights

4. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Your Consent

We may share your information when you explicitly authorize us to do so.

4.2 For Legal Representation

In the course of representing you, we may share your information with:

  • Medical Providers: To obtain records and evaluate injuries
  • Expert Witnesses: To support your case with professional opinions
  • Investigators: To gather evidence and interview witnesses
  • Opposing Parties: During discovery and settlement negotiations
  • Insurance Companies: To pursue compensation for your injuries
  • Courts and Government Agencies: As required by legal proceedings
  • Co-Counsel: When working with other attorneys on your case

4.3 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:

  • Technology Providers: Website hosting, email services, case management software
  • AI Services: Chat and phone automation providers
  • Payment Processors: Secure payment processing for case costs
  • Marketing Services: Email marketing, analytics, and advertising platforms
  • Document Services: Court filing, document storage, and copying services

These service providers are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law:

  • In response to court orders, subpoenas, or legal process
  • To comply with applicable laws and regulations
  • To protect our legal rights and property
  • To prevent fraud or illegal activity
  • To protect the safety of our clients, staff, or the public

4.5 Business Transfers

If our firm is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change and your options regarding your information.

5. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

5.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files placed on your device when you visit a website. We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience and collect usage information.

5.2 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (login, security, load balancing)
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Site (Google Analytics)
  • Performance Cookies: Improve website speed and functionality
  • Marketing Cookies: Track effectiveness of advertising campaigns
  • Chat Cookies: Enable our AI chat widget to function properly

5.3 Third-Party Cookies

We use third-party services that may place cookies on your device:

  • Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis
  • Google Ads: Advertising and remarketing
  • Facebook Pixel: Social media advertising
  • LinkedIn Insight Tag: Professional network advertising

5.4 Your Cookie Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

  • Block Cookies: Set your browser to refuse all cookies
  • Delete Cookies: Clear existing cookies from your device
  • Selective Blocking: Accept some cookies while blocking others

Note: Disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our Site.

Opt-Out Links:

6. DATA SECURITY

6.1 Security Measures

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information:

  • Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
  • Access Controls: Limited access to personal information based on job function
  • Secure Storage: Encrypted databases and secure file storage systems
  • Authentication: Strong password requirements and multi-factor authentication
  • Monitoring: Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
  • Training: Staff training on data security and confidentiality

6.2 Attorney-Client Privilege

Information you provide in connection with legal representation is protected by attorney-client privilege. We take special care to protect privileged communications from unauthorized disclosure.

6.3 Limitations

No security system is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. You provide information at your own risk.

7. DATA RETENTION

7.1 How Long We Keep Your Information

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

  • Provide legal services and maintain client files
  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
  • Support business operations and recordkeeping

7.2 Retention Periods

  • Active Cases: Duration of representation plus applicable statute of limitations
  • Closed Cases: Typically 7-10 years after case closure (per California State Bar guidelines)
  • Marketing Data: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
  • Website Data: As long as necessary for operational purposes

7.3 Secure Deletion

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it using industry-standard methods.

8. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS

8.1 California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the following rights:

Right to Know: You can request information about:

  • Categories of personal information we collect
  • Sources from which we collect information
  • Business purposes for collecting information
  • Third parties with whom we share information
  • Specific pieces of personal information we have about you

Right to Delete: You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.

Right to Opt-Out: You have the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information. We do not sell personal information.

Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights.

8.2 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your CCPA rights, contact us:

  • Email: privacy@metrolaw.vip
  • Phone: (213) 555-0100
  • Mail: Metro Law, 2000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90010

We will respond to verified requests within 45 days.

8.3 Verification Process

To protect your privacy, we will verify your identity before fulfilling requests by:

  • Matching information you provide with information in our records
  • Requesting additional documentation if necessary
  • For sensitive information requests, requiring signed declarations under penalty of perjury

8.4 Authorized Agents

You may designate an authorized agent to make requests on your behalf. The agent must provide:

  • Written authorization signed by you
  • Proof of their identity
  • Verification that they are authorized to act on your behalf

8.5 Additional Rights

You also have the right to:

  • Access Your Information: Request copies of your client file and personal data
  • Correct Information: Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Opt-Out of Marketing: Unsubscribe from marketing emails and communications
  • Limit Data Sharing: Object to certain uses of your information

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our Site is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

10. THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., social media, payment processors, medical providers). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

11. INTERNATIONAL USERS

Our Site is operated in the United States and governed by U.S. law. If you access our Site from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States, which may have different data protection laws than your country.

12. DO NOT TRACK SIGNALS

Our Site does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" browser signals. You can control tracking through your browser settings and opt-out links provided in Section 5.

13. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy on our Site
  • Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top
  • Sending email notifications to clients (for significant changes)

Your continued use of our Site after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. CONTACT US

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

Metro Law
P.O. Box 1281
St. Petersburg, FL 33731

Phone: 727-346-6423
Email: privacy@metrolaw.vip
Website: https://metrolaw.vip

Privacy Officer: Mitchell Herman
Email: privacy@metrolaw.vip

15. CONSENT

By using our Site or services, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

If you have questions about whether to provide certain information, please contact us before submitting it. Once you become a client, we will discuss confidentiality and attorney-client privilege in detail during our initial consultation.

You may choose to prevent this website from aggregating and analyzing the actions you take here. Doing so will protect your privacy, but will also prevent the owner from learning from your actions and creating a better experience for you and other users.