The Privacy Act 1993 and JMJ Lawyers

The Privacy Act came into force on 1st July 1993. It relates to the collection, use and disclosure of information. A law practice is an agency that collects, uses and discloses information so we are bound to comply with the Act.
The following principals in the Act will be considered when dealing with our clients and their affairs.
Information must be collected for a lawful purpose
Information must be collected directly from the person concerned, unless:

• It is public information
• The person authorises the collection
• It can be used without identifying anyone
• It is another type of authorised collection under the Act
• We must must make the person aware of your purpose in collecting information and the use it will be put to.
• We must identify yourself and the firm you represent when collecting information.

Information must be stored correctly to protect it from:

• Loss
• Misuse

Confidentiality

As part of normal duties, staff at JMJ Lawyers will obtain, or have access to confidential information concerning clients.

Under no circumstances will any use be made of any information that would bring any client, staff member, JMJ Lawyers or related company into disrepute.

All employees of JMJ Lawyers and related companies are also bound by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client) Rules 2008

Privacy and Collection of Personal Information (Including Indirect Collection)

Collection of Your Information:  In the course of providing services to you, we may collect personal information about you. While we prefer to collect this information directly from you, we may sometimes collect it indirectly from third-party sources (such as your accountant, bank, credit reporting agencies, government departments, or previous service providers).

Purpose of Collection: We collect your personal information to carry out the services outlined in this engagement letter, verify your identity, comply with applicable laws (e.g., Anti-Money Laundering legislation), and for internal administrative purposes.

Intended Recipients: Where necessary, we may disclose your personal information to third parties. These recipients may include:

• Regulatory bodies, government agencies, or law enforcement (where required by law)
• Our trusted third-party service providers, including cloud-based software, IT, and identity verification platforms
• Other professionals or agencies as mutually agreed upon with you during the course of our engagement

Holding of Information: All personal information collected by or on behalf of JMJ Lawyers Limited will be held at our offices at 173 Evans Street, Timaru, 105 King Street Temuka or securely stored in our cloud database.

Access and Correction: Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to request access to and correction of any personal information we hold about you. If you would like to view or update your information, please contact our Privacy Officer at Privacy@jmjlawyers.co.nz or at 03 6879010.

By signing an engagement letter, or by continuing to instruct us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as set out under this statement on Privacy and Collection of Personal information.