BotkinRose, PLC (“BotkinRose,” “the Firm,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects the privacy of visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through botkinrose.com (the “Site”), how we use it, and the choices available to you.
By using the Site, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.
1. No Attorney-Client Relationship
Information you submit through this Site does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship with BotkinRose is formed only after we have checked for conflicts of interest and you and the Firm have signed a written engagement agreement.
Please do not send confidential or time-sensitive information through this Site or by unsecured email until an attorney-client relationship has been established. Information sent to us before that point may not be treated as confidential or privileged.
Information provided to us by clients in the course of representation is protected by the attorney-client privilege and the confidentiality obligations of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct. Those protections are separate from, and in addition to, this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
- Contact and inquiry forms. Your name, email address, phone number, and any information you choose to include in your message.
- Email and telephone communications. Any information you send us directly.
- Payments. Billing name, contact information, invoice or matter reference, and payment amount submitted through our online payment page.
- Employment inquiries. Resumes, cover letters, and related materials you submit to us.
- Subscriptions. Your email address, if you sign up to receive firm updates or newsletters.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit the Site, our web servers and analytics tools may automatically record:
- IP address and general geographic location
- Browser type, operating system, and device type
- Pages viewed, time spent on pages, and links clicked
- Referring website or search terms
- Date and time of your visit
This information is collected in aggregate and is not ordinarily used to identify individual visitors.
3. Online Payments and LawPay
Online payments are processed through LawPay, a payment service operated by AffiniPay, LLC, that is designed for law firms and complies with attorney trust accounting requirements.
When you make a payment:
- Your payment card or bank account information is transmitted directly to LawPay and its processing partners.
- BotkinRose does not collect, view, or store your full payment card number, CVV, or bank account credentials on our systems.
- We receive only confirmation of the transaction and limited details such as the amount, date, payer name, and last four digits of the account used.
- LawPay’s handling of your payment information is governed by its own privacy policy and terms, available at https://www.lawpay.com.
We encourage you to review LawPay’s privacy policy before submitting payment information.
4. How We Use Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Respond to inquiries and communicate with you
- Perform conflict-of-interest checks
- Provide and administer legal services to clients
- Process payments and maintain billing and trust accounting records
- Operate, maintain, secure, and improve the Site
- Send firm news, legal updates, or event information where you have requested them
- Evaluate employment applications
- Comply with legal, ethical, regulatory, and professional obligations, including recordkeeping requirements applicable to Virginia attorneys
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information, and we do not use it for third-party advertising.
5. Cookies and Analytics
The Site uses cookies and similar technologies to remember preferences, maintain site functionality, and understand how visitors use the Site.
We may use third-party analytics providers, such as Google Analytics, which set their own cookies and collect usage data on our behalf. Information about Google’s practices is available at https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites, and you may opt out using Google’s browser add-on at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies through their settings. Disabling cookies may affect how parts of the Site function.
Do Not Track. Our Site does not currently respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals.
6. When We Share Information
We share personal information only in the following circumstances:
- Service providers. Website hosting, email, payment processing (LawPay), analytics, document management, and IT support vendors that perform services for the Firm and are obligated to protect the information they handle.
- With your authorization. When you direct or consent to a disclosure.
- In connection with representation. Where disclosure is necessary to carry out a client matter, such as filings with courts, communications with opposing counsel, or engagement of experts and co-counsel.
- Legal requirements. Where required by law, subpoena, court order, or applicable rules of professional conduct.
- Protection of rights. Where reasonably necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Firm, our clients, or others.
We do not sell personal information to third parties.
7. Data Security
We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information in our possession against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Unencrypted email is not a secure method of transmitting sensitive information. If you need to send us confidential materials, please contact us to arrange a secure method of delivery.
8. Data Retention
We retain website inquiry information only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this policy. Client files and billing records are retained in accordance with the Firm’s file retention policies and the requirements applicable to Virginia attorneys.
9. Your Choices and Rights
You may:
- Unsubscribe from firm emails using the link included in each message or by contacting us.
- Request access, correction, or deletion of personal information we hold about you. Requests may be limited by our professional, ethical, and legal recordkeeping obligations.
- Control cookies through your browser settings.
To make a request, contact us using the information in Section 13. We may need to verify your identity before acting on a request.
Depending on your state of residence, you may have additional rights regarding your personal information. We will honor applicable rights to the extent required by law and consistent with our professional obligations.
10. Third-Party Links
The Site may contain links to third-party websites, including legal resources, courts, professional organizations, and payment providers. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any site you visit.
11. Children’s Privacy
The Site is intended for adults and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our handling of your information, please contact:
BotkinRose, PLC 3190 Peoples Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: (540) 437-0019 Fax: (540) 437-0022 Email: info@botkinrose.com