Privacy Statement Introduction
At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we take your privacy very seriously. As a full-service law firm representing individuals and companies throughout New Hampshire and Maine, we understand that the personal information and sensitive data you share with us means a great deal to you. Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, share, disclose, and protect your information when you visit our website, request information from us, interact with our attorneys and staff, and utilize our legal services. Our procedures for handling your information are consistent with applicable privacy laws and industry best practices, and signify that we respect your privacy, care about your security, and wish to alleviate your concerns. Please read this policy carefully, as it informs you of your rights and how we utilize your information.
Who We Are
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. is a prominent New Hampshire law firm. Our Northern New Hampshire law offices are located in Concord, Dover, Manchester, and Nashua, NH. In addition, we have a full-service office in Portland, Maine. We practice in immigration, personal injury, criminal defense, family law, business law, health care, and other areas of the law. Our list of accomplished attorneys includes: William H. Shaheen, Steven M. Gordon, D. Michael Noonan, Sean T. O’Connell, William E. Christie, Timothy M. Harrington, James D. Rosenberg, Christine M. Craig, Ronald L. Abramson, and Emily Assunta White. Our individual approach to advocacy is tailored to the specific needs of each of our clients; privacy is one aspect of our client-centered approach that is critical to our ability to provide effective legal representation.
Information We Collect
We obtain personally identifiable and non-personally identifiable information from visitors, prospective clients, and current clients. The types of information we collect include:
- Personally identifiable information (such as name, address, telephone number, and email address)
- Demographic information (such as date of birth, citizenship, current area of residence or proposed area of residence, and gender)
- Other information related to your legal case (such as type of case, specific facts and circumstances related to the case, and supporting documentation)
- Identification numbers (such as Social Security Number, passport number, or alien registration number) if necessary for an immigration or other type of legal case
- Employment and education history (if relevant to immigration or business type cases)
- Payment and billing information
- Website usage information (such as IP address, browser type, pages visited while connected to our website, path through the website, cookies)
- Communication records (such as email, telephone conversation records, website forms submitted to us)
We collect this information either directly from you or through our website or other communications, or from third-party sources (such as government agencies or referral source attorneys) with your permission.
Use of Information
Your information is used for business and legal purposes only. These purposes include, but are not limited to:
- Legal consultation, representation, and related services
- Administration and processing of your matter, including preparation of legal documents and filings
- Verification of your identity and eligibility for certain legal assistance or benefits
- Communication with you regarding your matter, appointments, and other related matters
- Responding to your requests and inquiries
- Accounting/billing and payment processing procedures
- Our continuous improvement of our website, services, and overall experience
- Compliance with any and all legal, regulatory, or ethical obligations
- Protection of the security and integrity of our systems
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. Any use of your information outside those purposes will be upon your explicit consent.
How Information Is Collected
We collect information in dozens of ways, such as:
- From you when you complete our online contact form, email us, call our offices, or visit us in person
- From the documents or information you submit to us when we represent you
- Automatically through our website via cookies, analytics services, and other technologies
- From parties that are authorized to provide us with information (i.e., government bodies, courts, opposing counsel) as necessary for your case
While you do not have to provide certain information to us, in some cases that may limit the extent to which we can provide legal services to you.
Cookies / Tracking
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. utilizes cookies and similar technologies on this site to improve your browsing experience, analyze site performance, and personalize content. Cookies are small files that are placed on your device that permit us to remember your preferences, to track how you are using our site, and to enhance the functionality of the website. We may employ session and persistent cookies, as well as cookies set by third-party analytics providers, such as Google Analytics. You can choose to modify your browser settings to refuse cookies or to alert you when they are being utilized; however, please be advised that doing so may limit the functionality and features of our site. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.
Disclosure of Information
We use commercially reasonable efforts to protect your information, and we will only share it in the following circumstances:
- With Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. attorneys, paralegals, and other employees as needed to provide you with legal services
- With third parties that perform services on our behalf (e.g., IT service providers, document storage providers, payment processors) pursuant to confidential contractual arrangements
- With government entities, administrative agencies, courts, or adverse parties where necessary for your legal engagement with us
- As required by law or regulation, court order, or lawyers’ professional obligations
- If a merger or acquisition is proposed, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to various safeguards
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personally identifiable information to or with third parties.
Protection of Information
Your data security is very important to us here at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. We maintain physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to help us prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse of your data. Some of these safeguards are:
- Storing physical files in offices with limited access
- Password-protection of electronic files/communications
- Servers protected by firewall and security software updated regularly
- Access restrictions, staff training, and confidentiality requirements
- Auditing our security policies and procedures regularly
We strive to protect your information with commercially reasonable security measures. But no system can ever provide complete security.
Applicable Attorney-Client Privilege and Confidentiality Principles
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., a law firm, is bound by strict professional responsibilities and rules of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality. Information provided by you to us intending that we provide legal advice or representation to you will be protected by laws and rules of our profession as privileged and confidential. We will not disclose privileged communications except at your direction or in very limited situations required by law or applicable rule of ethics. Our promise of confidentiality covers all information from you and all information about you in connection with your relationship with us.
Your Rights and Options
Depending on your relationship with Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. and the applicable laws, you may have certain rights with respect to your information, including:
- The right to request access to, review of, and a copy of your information
- The right to correction, deletion, or recycling of inaccurate or obsolete information
- The right to object to or otherwise restrict certain types of processing
- The right to withdraw consent (wherever applicable) to our use of your data
- The right to portability of your data (in certain contexts)
To exercise these rights, you may reach out to us using the contact details listed in this policy. We will aim to respond without undue delay and comply with any statutory deadlines.
Minors’ Privacy
Our website and our law services are not directed to children under age 13. We will not intentionally collect personal information from a child under age 13. If we learn that personal information has been collected without proper authorization from the parent or guardian, we will take steps to delete such information.
If you believe your child has supplied information to us, contact us immediately.
Data Retention
We keep personal information only for as long as it serves the purpose(s) stated in this Privacy Policy, to meet our contractual or legal requirements, or to comply with professional rules. Legal files and documents are generally maintained for a number of years according to state bar and other rules. When data is no longer relevant, it is either appropriately destroyed or otherwise anonymized to prevent later retrieval.
Third Parties and Links to Other Websites
Our site may contain links to websites, resources, or social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) operated by third parties. These sites are not in any way operated by Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., and their privacy policies and procedures are not in any way our own. We do not accept responsibility for the privacy practices or content of other such sites. You should check their policies before you provide any information to them.
International Considerations
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. enters into attorney-client agreements with clients based in New Hampshire and Maine, but our site may be viewed by users around the world. If you use this site or retain our services from outside the United States, you consent to the transfer of data, storage of your information, and processing of your information in the United States and you further agree that your information will be treated according to this Privacy Policy and relevant applicable United States law.
Notice to Prospective Clients Regarding Immigration Matters Only
Clients seeking immigration-related assistance may have to reveal highly confidential personal information including, but not limited to, personal immigration status, immigration status of family members, employment history, and any legal proceedings. The Firm will maintain a heightened level of confidentiality with respect to all such information because our Firm recognizes the enhanced risk and sensitivity of such matters. Our immigration attorneys Ronald L. Abramson and Emily Assunta White emphasize protection of client information at all times.
Promotional E-Mails and Your Choices
We may use the information we collect and receive from you to occasionally notify you about new legal developments, our legal newsletters and articles, upcoming events, services that we believe you would find of interest, or of any changes to our policies. You can opt out of receiving these types of communications at any time by following the unsubscribe procedure in the email we send you, or by contacting us directly. Your choice not to receive these types of communications will not limit your access to legal or case-related information.
Information Given Through Online Transmissions
As much as we try to protect your personal information, rest assured, no method of electronic delivery is 100% secure. In all cases, we suggest you avoid relaying sensitive personal or financial information via unencrypted email or contact form on the internet. To pass confidential information, please request a secure method from our office. We utilize encrypted email and secure client portal for especially sensitive data.
How to Update or Correct Your Information
Please be sure to advise us of any change to your contact, case, or personal information as soon as you are aware of such a change in order to maintain the accuracy of our records. If you wish to have your information updated, you can do so by contacting your attorney directly, by calling your local office, or emailing us through the website. We will make every attempt to update our record with that information and confirm the same with you.
Policy Changes
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. (the “Firm”) may from time to time modify this Privacy Policy in response to changes in our practices, changes in the law, or advances in technology. We will reflect those changes on this page with the revised effective date. Any material changes will also be communicated to our existing clients by email or other appropriate means. You should be aware that this policy is subject to change periodically and you should review it frequently to understand how we protect your data.
How You Can Contact Us
Questions, concerns, or special requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the manner in which Concord Imaging processes your personal information should be referred to us in one of the following ways:
- Concord, NH 603-288-1294
- Dover, NH 603-288-1372
- Manchester, NH 603-288-1294
- Nashua, NH 603-288-1379
- Portland, ME 207-389-7350
- Toll-Free 888-801-9916
We can be contacted by U.S. mail at the appropriate office location address, or through the online contact request form and will respond in a respectful and timely manner. For more information, visit our Contact Us page.
Your Consent
By accessing the Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. website, submitting information through one of our website contact forms, or engaging our professional services, you are accepting our collection, use, and sharing of information, as set forth in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policy, do not engage our professional services or submit personal information. If you continue to exchange information with us, you are agreeing to any updates in this policy.
Complaints and Dispute Resolution
If you feel that privacy rights have been infringed or if you have any concerns regarding the use of your information as set out above, please get in touch with us at the contact details provided. All complaints will be considered and will be investigated immediately. If you are dissatisfied with our response, you have the right to file a complaint with the relevant state bar association or other data protection authority for the state in which you are based (depending on the nature and location of the complaint).
Privacy Policy for Clients and Other Institutions
For business clients and institutional partners – including employers, universities, and those seeking immigration or other legal services – Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. separately collects and processes entity-related information, such as employee/student provided information with regard to representation. While we require all organizational clients to represent that personal data submitted to us has been lawfully collected with appropriate consent, our duty of confidentiality extends to both organizations and represented individuals.
Data Breach Notification Procedures
In the unlikely event that a data breach compromises your personal information, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. will promptly respond in accordance with applicable law. We will notify affected individuals and appropriate authorities as required under relevant privacy and data security laws; provide information concerning the nature of the security incident; and provide information regarding measures taken to remediate the harm to the affected individuals. Our incident response plan is reviewed and assessed on an ongoing basis for preparedness and effectiveness.
Compliance With State and Federal Law
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. complies with applicable privacy laws and personal data protection laws, including but not limited to New Hampshire and Maine state privacy statutes (in certain matters), the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) (for health care-related matters), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”) (for financial/credit information), and related state regulations, among other regulations. We regularly review relevant law to ensure compliance and provide our clients with maximum protection and peace of mind.
Accessibility and Non-English Languages
We will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that our Privacy Policy, website, and all our legal services are available and usable by all of our clients, including individuals with disabilities or who have limited English language skills. If you prefer another language or format for this Privacy Policy or if you have questions about any part of this Privacy Policy, we will do our very best to accommodate your request. We want you to be able to fully understand your privacy and other rights in order to make an informed decision regarding the retainer of our attorneys and the legal matters for which you seek to hire us.
Policy Effect Date and Version History
This privacy policy is effective as of June 15, 2024. Older versions are stored for archived compliance needs and can be requested at any time. Substantial policy changes will be posted in our change history. Privacy is a never-ending process, and your voice could help guide our improvement.
Final Statement and Call to Action
To our clients and potential clients in New Hampshire and Maine:
We offer you the benefit of integrity, skill, and respect for your privacy. Your trust matters.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any question at all regarding this Privacy Policy or your legal situation.
You may call your nearest office or use our online form or email us to set up a confidential consultation.
We promise to protect your privacy. Let us review your case today so that you gain peace of mind as soon as possible.