PRIVACY POLICY

Thorne Law, LLC

Effective Date: [Insert Date] Last Updated: [Insert Date]

Thorne Law, LLC (“Thorne Law,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects the privacy and confidentiality of individuals who visit our website, communicate with our office, or seek legal services from our firm.

We recognize that individuals who contact an immigration law practice may share highly sensitive personal, family, financial, medical, and immigration-related information. Protecting that information is an important responsibility of our firm.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, maintain, disclose, and protect personal information obtained through our website, electronic communications, and other interactions with our firm.

This Privacy Policy applies to our website, www.thornelaw.org, and information collected through our website and related communications. It should be read together with any applicable engagement agreements or other notices provided to clients.

By accessing or using our website, you acknowledge that you have had an opportunity to review this Privacy Policy. Your use of our website does not, by itself, establish an attorney-client relationship with Thorne Law.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, information collected automatically when you visit our website, and information received from third parties in connection with our legal services.

A. Information You Voluntarily Provide

You may provide personal information when you:

Submit a contact or inquiry form through our website;
Send an email or other electronic communication to our office;
Call, write to, or otherwise communicate with our firm;
Request information about our legal services;
Schedule or attend a consultation;
Become a client of Thorne Law; or
Provide documents or information in connection with legal representation.

Depending on the nature of your inquiry or legal matter, information collected may include:

Your name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number;
Date of birth and other identifying information;
Immigration history, immigration status, and immigration-related identification numbers;
Citizenship, nationality, and country of origin;
Information concerning family members, spouses, children, and other relatives;
Employment, educational, and financial information;
Information concerning prior applications, petitions, immigration proceedings, or government interactions;
Criminal history or other information relevant to an immigration matter;
Medical information or other sensitive personal information when relevant to your legal matter; and
Documents, photographs, identification records, and other materials you voluntarily provide.

We collect information reasonably necessary to respond to inquiries, evaluate potential legal matters, provide legal services, and conduct our business.

Please do not submit sensitive immigration documents, government identification numbers, financial account information, or other highly confidential information through a general website contact form unless our office has specifically instructed you to do so through an appropriate method.

B. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically through your browser, our website hosting platform, or other website technologies.

Our website is designed and hosted using Framer. In connection with providing website hosting and related services, Framer may process certain technical information associated with website visits.

Depending on the website features and services enabled, automatically collected information may include:

Internet Protocol (IP) address;
Browser type and version;
Device type and operating system;
Date and time of website visits;
Pages viewed and links accessed;
Referring website addresses;
General geographic information, such as country; and
Other technical, diagnostic, and security-related information.

We may also receive aggregated or analytical information concerning website traffic and usage.

C. Information Received from Third Parties

In connection with legal representation, we may receive information from third parties, including:

Government agencies and immigration authorities;
Courts and administrative bodies;
Other attorneys or law firms;
Family members or authorized representatives;
Employers, educational institutions, and other organizations;
Interpreters, translators, and other professionals assisting with a matter; and
Other sources authorized by you or permitted by applicable law.

Information received from third parties will be handled in accordance with our professional obligations and applicable law.

2. How We Use Personal Information

We may use personal information for legitimate business and professional purposes, including:

Responding to inquiries and requests for information;
Evaluating potential legal matters and determining whether our firm can provide representation;
Conducting conflict-of-interest checks;
Providing legal advice and representation;
Preparing, reviewing, and filing immigration applications, petitions, and supporting documentation;
Communicating with clients, government agencies, courts, and other authorized parties;
Managing client files, appointments, billing, and payments;
Maintaining business, accounting, and legal records;
Operating, maintaining, and improving our website;
Understanding website traffic and usage;
Protecting the security and integrity of our systems and information;
Complying with applicable legal, regulatory, and professional obligations; and
Protecting the rights, property, safety, and legal interests of our firm and others.

We do not use confidential client information for unrelated marketing or advertising purposes.

3. Confidentiality of Attorney-Client Information

Thorne Law is a law firm and is subject to professional obligations concerning the confidentiality of information relating to client representation.

Information relating to the representation of a client is protected under the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct, including Missouri Supreme Court Rule 4-1.6. Our confidentiality obligations may extend beyond information that is protected by the attorney-client privilege.

We take reasonable steps to preserve the confidentiality of information received from clients and prospective clients, consistent with applicable law and our professional responsibilities.

Information provided in connection with a potential legal matter may be subject to confidentiality protections even if the firm ultimately does not accept the matter. Missouri Supreme Court Rule 4-1.18 also addresses a lawyer’s duties concerning information received from prospective clients.

However, submitting information through this website does not automatically establish an attorney-client relationship or guarantee that the information will be protected by attorney-client privilege.

Please do not submit highly sensitive or confidential documents through a general website contact form unless our office has specifically instructed you to do so through an appropriate method.

4. How We Share Personal Information

Thorne Law does not sell personal information to third parties. We do not use confidential client information for targeted advertising.

We do not disclose confidential client information except as permitted or required by applicable law, the Rules of Professional Conduct, or the client’s authorization.

In the ordinary course of operating our law practice, we may disclose or provide access to personal information in the following circumstances:

A. Website Hosting and Technology Providers

Our website is designed and hosted using Framer. Framer may process certain technical information and information submitted through website features, including contact forms, as necessary to provide its hosting and website services.

Framer acts as a service provider or data processor in connection with personal information processed on our behalf through our website, as applicable.

For additional information about Framer’s privacy practices, please review Framer’s Privacy Statement at:

https://www.framer.com/legal/privacy-statement

B. Other Service Providers

We may use third-party service providers to assist with operating our law practice and website. These providers may include:

Website hosting and maintenance providers;
Email and electronic communication providers;
Legal case-management and client-portal providers;
Electronic document storage and file-sharing providers;
Scheduling and appointment-management providers;
Payment processing providers;
Accounting and bookkeeping providers;
Information technology and cybersecurity providers; and
Other vendors who assist with administrative or operational functions.

These providers may have access to personal information only as reasonably necessary to perform services on our behalf or as otherwise permitted by applicable law.

We take reasonable steps to select and work with service providers in a manner consistent with our obligations to protect confidential client information, including applicable professional confidentiality requirements.

C. Government Agencies and Other Authorized Recipients

We may disclose personal information when necessary to provide legal services, including submitting documents or information to USCIS, the Department of State, the National Visa Center, immigration courts, other government agencies, or other authorized recipients.

D. Legal and Regulatory Requirements

We may disclose information when required by applicable law, court order, subpoena, or other valid legal process, subject to our professional obligations and any applicable protections or privileges.

E. Protection of Rights and Security

We may disclose information when reasonably necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of Thorne Law, our clients, or others, or to investigate suspected fraud, unlawful activity, or security incidents, subject to applicable confidentiality obligations.

5. Cookies, Analytics, and Website Technologies

Our website is hosted through Framer and may use certain technologies to support website functionality, security, and performance.

A. Framer Analytics

Framer offers built-in website analytics that may be used to understand general website traffic and visitor activity.

According to Framer, its built-in analytics does not use cookies or persistent visitor identifiers. Framer describes using a daily rotating hash of certain technical information, including an IP address and browser information, to calculate daily unique visitors. It may also estimate a visitor’s country. Framer states that the original IP address is not stored by its built-in analytics system.

We may use aggregated analytics information to understand how visitors interact with our website and to improve its content and functionality.

B. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website may use essential cookies or similar technologies necessary for website functionality, security, or technical operations.

If we add third-party services or integrations that use nonessential cookies or tracking technologies, those services may collect additional information about your website activity.

Examples may include analytics services, embedded videos, scheduling applications, or other third-party website tools.

Where required by applicable law, we will provide appropriate notice and obtain consent before using nonessential cookies or tracking technologies.

C. Managing Cookies

You may be able to control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

For additional information about Framer’s analytics and cookie practices, please review:

https://www.framer.com/help/articles/gdpr-and-cookies/

6. Data Security

Thorne Law recognizes the importance of protecting personal and confidential information, particularly information relating to immigration matters and legal representation.

We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Depending on the nature of the information and the systems involved, safeguards may include:

Access restrictions and account authentication;
Password protection and other security controls;
Secure electronic storage and document-management practices;
Use of appropriate security measures when transmitting sensitive information;
Confidentiality obligations for individuals and service providers with access to information;
Reasonable procedures for handling and disposing of records; and
Periodic review of security practices.

We also take reasonable steps to evaluate the security practices of third-party providers that may have access to confidential client information.

Although we take reasonable measures to protect information, no method of electronic transmission, internet communication, or electronic storage is completely secure. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee the absolute security of information transmitted to or maintained by our firm.

7. Data Retention

Thorne Law retains personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including providing legal services, maintaining client files, satisfying professional and legal obligations, resolving disputes, collecting fees, and maintaining appropriate business records.

Client files and other legal records may be retained in accordance with applicable law, professional obligations, and the firm’s document-retention practices.

When information is no longer reasonably necessary for its intended purpose, we may securely dispose of, delete, or otherwise destroy it, subject to applicable legal, regulatory, and professional requirements.

8. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

Depending on applicable law and the nature of the information involved, you may have certain rights concerning personal information maintained by Thorne Law.

These rights may include:

Requesting information about the personal information we maintain about you;
Requesting correction of inaccurate personal information;
Requesting deletion of personal information when legally permissible;
Withdrawing consent for certain uses of information where consent is the applicable basis for processing; and
Requesting information about certain disclosures of personal information.

The availability and scope of these rights may depend on your state of residence, applicable privacy laws, the nature of the information, and the circumstances in which it was collected.

Missouri residents may also have rights and protections under applicable Missouri laws, including laws governing data security and notification of certain security breaches. Missouri does not currently impose a general comprehensive consumer privacy rights framework applicable to every business.

Requests may be subject to applicable legal exceptions, including our obligations to maintain client files, comply with legal requirements, protect confidential information, preserve legal claims, and fulfill professional responsibilities.

Nothing in this Privacy Policy limits any rights or obligations established by applicable law or the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct.

To submit a privacy-related request, please contact our office using the contact information provided below.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our website is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under the age of thirteen.

We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under thirteen through our website without the required parental consent or other authorization under applicable law.

If we become aware that personal information has been collected directly from a child under thirteen through our website in violation of applicable law, we will take reasonable steps to address the information appropriately.

This provision does not prohibit Thorne Law from collecting or maintaining information about minor children when necessary in connection with a parent’s or guardian’s immigration matter or other legal representation. Such information will be handled in accordance with applicable law and our professional confidentiality obligations.

10. Third-Party Websites and Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, government websites, or other online resources for informational convenience.

Thorne Law does not control the privacy practices, content, or security of third-party websites. Accessing those websites is subject to their respective privacy policies and terms of use.

We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they access.

11. No Attorney-Client Relationship Created Through Website Use

Visiting our website, submitting a general inquiry, sending an email, or communicating with our office does not, by itself, establish an attorney-client relationship with Thorne Law.

An attorney-client relationship is established only through an appropriate agreement and acceptance of representation by the firm.

Please do not send confidential or time-sensitive information concerning a legal matter until our office has confirmed that we are able to receive and review that information.

Information submitted before an attorney-client relationship is established may be subject to applicable confidentiality protections, but should not be assumed to be protected by attorney-client privilege.

12. Applicable Laws

Thorne Law operates in Missouri and seeks to handle personal information in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy, data security, and professional responsibility requirements.

These requirements may include, as applicable:

The Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct, including Rules 4-1.6 and 4-1.18 concerning confidentiality and prospective clients;
Missouri Revised Statutes Section 407.1500 concerning notification of certain security breaches involving personal information of Missouri residents;
Applicable provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act concerning unfair or deceptive business practices;
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), when applicable; and
Other state or federal privacy and data security laws that may apply based on the nature of the information collected, the services provided, and the location of the individuals whose information is processed.

The applicability of particular privacy laws may depend on the circumstances and statutory requirements. This Privacy Policy is not intended to limit any rights or protections provided by applicable law.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Thorne Law may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our business practices, website functionality, service providers, applicable laws, or professional obligations.

Any revisions will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date.

We encourage visitors to review this Privacy Policy periodically to remain informed about how personal information is collected, used, and protected.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact:

Thorne Law, LLC Attn: Rebecca Thorne Tolman Liberty, Missouri Email: becky@thornelaw.org Telephone: 816-704-7127 Website: www.thornelaw.org

We will make reasonable efforts to review and respond to privacy-related inquiries.