We take your privacy seriously - here's exactly how we handle your information
Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. But when you're dealing with international maritime disputes and cross-border trade agreements, confidentiality isn't just important, it's everything.
At Dreadspire Odyssey Legal, we've been navigating the complex waters of global commerce for years, and that means we've learned a thing or two about protecting sensitive information. This policy isn't filled with legal mumbo-jumbo (okay, maybe a little), but we've tried to make it as straightforward as possible.
When you work with us or even just browse our website, you're trusting us with your data. We don't take that lightly. Here's exactly what we do with your information, why we do it, and how you can control it.
When you reach out for a consultation or become a client, we'll need some basics:
Like most websites, we gather some technical info when you visit:
Given our specialty in maritime and international trade law, we often handle sensitive commercial information including vessel details, cargo specifications, insurance policies, trade agreements, and correspondence with customs authorities. All of this is protected under attorney-client privilege and handled with maximum confidentiality.
We're not in the business of selling your data or spamming you with junk. Here's what we actually do with it:
This is the big one. We use your information to represent you in maritime disputes, draft trade agreements, handle customs compliance issues, and manage insurance claims. Can't really do our job without it.
We'll reach out about your case, send updates, answer questions, and occasionally share relevant legal updates that might affect your business. You won't hear from us unless there's a good reason.
Processing payments, sending invoices, maintaining case files - the usual law firm housekeeping stuff.
Sometimes Canadian law or professional regulations require us to maintain certain records or report specific information. We only do this when legally required.
We look at how people use our site to make it better. Nothing creepy - just figuring out if our resources are helpful and if the site's easy to navigate.
We're pretty tight-lipped, but there are some situations where we need to share information:
We work with trusted third parties who help us run our practice - cloud storage providers, payment processors, case management software companies. They only get access to what they absolutely need, and they're contractually bound to keep it confidential.
If a court orders us to disclose information, or if Canadian law requires it, we've gotta comply. We'll always notify you first unless we're legally prohibited from doing so.
Sometimes in international cases, we need to work with foreign counsel, expert witnesses, or other professionals. We'll always get your okay before sharing case details with anyone outside our firm.
In the unlikely event we merge with another firm or sell our practice, your files would transfer to the new entity. They'd be bound by the same confidentiality obligations we are.
Security isn't just a checkbox for us - it's essential when you're handling multi-million dollar shipping disputes and sensitive trade agreements.
Everyone on our team gets regular training on data protection, confidentiality obligations, and security best practices. We take this stuff seriously, and so do they.
Yeah, we use cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately.
These keep the website functioning properly. They remember if you're logged into our client portal, maintain security settings, that kind of thing. Can't really disable these without breaking the site.
We use Google Analytics (anonymized) to understand how people use our site. This helps us figure out what resources are helpful and what needs work. You can opt out of these through your browser settings.
Most browsers let you control cookies through their settings. Just know that blocking all cookies might make some parts of our website wonky. Check your browser's help section for specific instructions.
Under Canadian privacy law (specifically PIPEDA), you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal information:
You can ask to see what personal information we've got on file for you. We'll provide it within 30 days (usually way faster).
If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it. Important for keeping case files accurate.
Want us to delete your info? We can do that, but there are some limits - like if we're legally required to keep certain records or if there's an ongoing legal matter.
If you gave us permission for something specific (like marketing emails), you can change your mind anytime.
In certain situations, you can object to how we're using your data. We'll review your request and respond accordingly.
If you think we've mishandled your information, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. We'd prefer you come to us first so we can make things right, though.
We don't keep your data forever - there's no point and it just creates unnecessary risk. Here's our general approach:
While we're working on your case, we keep everything related to it. Pretty straightforward.
After a case closes, we're required by the Law Society of British Columbia to maintain files for at least 10 years. This protects both you and us in case questions come up down the road. Maritime and trade cases can have long tails - sometimes issues resurface years later.
Tax law requires us to keep billing records for 7 years. After that, they're securely destroyed.
If you're on our mailing list or have just browsed the site, we'll keep that info until you ask us to delete it or until it's no longer relevant (typically 3 years of inactivity).
Here's where things get interesting. We're an international trade law firm, so by nature, we're dealing with cross-border stuff all the time.
Our primary servers are located in Canada, but some of our service providers (like cloud storage and case management systems) may store data in the United States or other jurisdictions. We only work with providers that meet strict security standards and comply with applicable data protection laws.
When your case involves parties in other countries - say, a shipping dispute involving vessels from multiple jurisdictions - we may need to share information with foreign counsel, regulators, or courts. We'll always get your consent first and use secure transmission methods.
If you're based in Europe, you've got additional protections under GDPR. We ensure that any data transfers comply with GDPR requirements, including using standard contractual clauses where necessary.
Our services aren't directed at anyone under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from kids, and honestly, if you're under 18 and reading a maritime law privacy policy, you might want to go outside and get some fresh air.
If we somehow end up with information from someone under 18, we'll delete it as soon as we realize what's happened.
Laws change, technology evolves, and our practices might need to adapt. When we update this privacy policy, we'll post the new version here and update the "Last Updated" date at the top.
For minor changes - like fixing typos or clarifying existing practices - we'll just post the update. For major changes that significantly affect how we handle your data, we'll send you a direct notification via email.
We recommend checking back here occasionally, especially if you're a client. The maritime industry moves fast, and privacy law tries to keep up.
Look, privacy policies can be confusing. If you've got questions, concerns, or want to exercise any of your rights, just reach out. We're actual humans and we promise to respond in plain English (not legalese).