1. Privacy Policy Commitment

Birch Bay Law Group PLLC (“Birch Bay Law Group,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your information in accordance with the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct and applicable privacy laws. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information obtained from visitors to our website, https://birchbaylawgroup.com/ (the “Site”).

• Information Collection: We may collect personal information (name, email, phone number) when you submit forms on our site.
• We do not collect sensitive personal information unless voluntarily provided.
• Use of Information: Information is used to contact you and respond to your inquiries.
• We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
• Cookies: Our website may use cookies to improve user experience. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.
• Third-Party Links: Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.
• Data Security: We implement reasonable safeguards to protect your data.
• Changes: We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be posted on this page.
• Contact: For questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact Karim Hamir, Managing Attorney at karim@cowlitzgroup.com

2. No Attorney-Client Relationship

3. Information We Collect

We collect personal and technical information through various means, including:

• Information You May Provide Voluntarily:
  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Brief description of legal matter or inquiry
  • Any other information you provide in communications
• Information Collected Automatically:
  • IP address
  • Browser type and settings
  • Device information
  • Pages visited and duration of visit
  • Referring URL

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for purposes including:

• Evaluating potential client relationships
• Conducting conflict checks as required by the Rules of Professional Conduct
• Responding to inquiries and requests
• Scheduling consultations
• Internal recordkeeping
• Improving our website and services
• Complying with legal and ethical obligations

5. Prospective Client Information

If you contact us about potential representation, you may become a “prospective client” under RPC 1.18. Information you provide will be:

• Protected as confidential under applicable ethics rules
• Used to conduct conflict checks before representation begins
• Not used or revealed except as permitted by the Rules of Professional Conduct
• Subject to protection even if no formal attorney-client relationship is established.

We have implemented intake procedures designed to limit our receipt of confidential or sensitive information before conducting conflicts checks.

6. Confidentiality and Information Security

We take our confidentiality obligations seriously and have implemented reasonable safeguards to protect information received through our website, including:

• Encrypted transmission of sensitive data
• Secure, password-protected databases
• Limited access to submitted information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on confidentiality requirements.

While we strive to protect your information, no internet transmission is completely secure. We encourage you to use caution when submitting sensitive information online.

7. Disclosure of Information

We respect the confidentiality of information provided through our website and restrict disclosures to:

• Lawyers and staff within our firm who need access to respond to your inquiry
• Third-party service providers who have contractually agreed to maintain confidentiality
• Situations where disclosure is required by law, court order, or ethics rules
• Circumstances where disclosure is necessary to detect or resolve conflicts of interest.

All third-party vendors (ie. Clio) with access to website data are bound by confidentiality agreements that meet the standards required by the Rules of Professional Conduct.

8. Cookies and Analytics

Our Site uses cookies and analytics technologies to enhance functionality and improve user experience. These technologies collect anonymous usage data that helps us understand how visitors use our website. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.

9. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Request access to personal information we have collected about you
• Request correction or deletion of your information
• Opt-out of future communications
• Withdraw any previously provided consent.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 12.

10. External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this Policy regularly.