We respect your privacy. This summary explains how we protect your information.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
We Protect Your Information
Your personal information is protected by attorney-client privilege once we represent you. Before that, we still keep your information secure and confidential under this Privacy Policy.
We Don’t Sell Your Data
We do not sell your personal information. Period.
We don’t share your information for advertising purposes. We only share with federal agencies (VA, SSA) to help win your claim, and with service providers who help us serve you (like our phone answering service and secure document portal).
AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement
We may use AI to help with research and drafting, but every piece of work is reviewed and approved by a licensed attorney. Your information does not train AI models.
You Have Rights
You can access, correct, or delete your information (subject to legal requirements). You can opt out of marketing emails anytime. You control your privacy.
WHAT INFORMATION WE COLLECT
Information You Give Us:
- Contact info: Name, email, phone, address
- Case info: Details about your VA or Social Security claim
- Medical info: Records and health information needed for your claim
- Financial info: Payment information (processed securely through Stripe)
- Military/work info: Service records, employment history
Information We Collect Automatically:
- Website usage: Pages you visit, time on site, device type
- Cookies: Small files that help our website work better
- Analytics: We use Google Analytics to improve our website
HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
To Represent You:
- File and manage your VA or Social Security claim
- Communicate with federal agencies on your behalf
- Gather evidence to support your case
- Represent you at hearings and appeals
- Provide legal advice and strategy
To Operate Our Business:
- Respond to your inquiries
- Provide customer support
- Process payments
- Improve our website and services
- Send case updates and appointment reminders
To Comply With Law:
- Meet attorney ethics requirements
- Respond to court orders or legal process
- Maintain required records
WHO WE SHARE WITH
Federal Agencies (When We Represent You):
- VA: Regional Offices, Board of Veterans’ Appeals
- SSA: Field offices, Administrative Law Judges
- OPM: For federal retirement benefits
You authorize these disclosures when you sign our engagement agreement.
Service Providers Who Help Us:
- Smith.ai Telephone answering service (calls may be recorded)
- Stripe: Secure payment processing
- Google Analytics: Website analytics (anonymized data)
- Email/communication platforms: To stay in touch with you
- Cloud storage: To keep your documents secure
- Medical record services: To get records for your claim
These providers are required to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.
We Do NOT Share With:
- ✗ Advertisers or marketing companies
- ✗ Social media platforms (for advertising)
- ✗ Data brokers
- ✗ Anyone who wants to buy your data
YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS
✓ Access Your Information
Request a copy of the personal information we have about you.
✓ Correct Inaccurate Information
If something is wrong, let us know and we’ll fix it.
✓ Delete Your Information
Request deletion (subject to legal requirements like attorney record-keeping rules).
✓ Opt Out of Marketing
Click “unsubscribe” in any email or reply “STOP” to text messages.
✓ Control Cookies
Manage cookies through your browser settings. You can block or delete cookies anytime.
✓ Request Data Portability
Get your information in a portable format (PDF, CSV, etc.).
SPECIAL PROTECTIONS
Attorney-Client Privilege
Once we sign an engagement agreement, all communications about your case are protected by attorney-client privilege—one of the strongest confidentiality protections in law.
Security Measures We Use:
- Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest
- Secure portal: Client documents uploaded to encrypted portal
- Access controls: Only attorneys and staff working on your case can access your information
- Backups: Regular secure backups prevent data loss
- Staff training: Everyone is trained on confidentiality and security
International Data Transfer Notice:
Our office is in Okinawa, Japan, but we store and process data primarily in the United States (where federal agencies are located). By using our services, you consent to this transfer.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Phone Recording
Calls to Pacific Valor Law may be recorded for quality assurance, training, and accurate record-keeping. By calling us, you consent to recording. If you don’t want to be recorded, tell the representative at the start of the call.
Text Messages
By providing your phone number, you consent to receive text messages from us (appointment reminders, case updates, etc.). Reply “STOP” to opt out anytime. Message and data rates may apply.
Before We Represent You
Information you provide before we sign an engagement agreement is not protected by attorney-client privilege. Don’t send highly sensitive information (SSN, detailed medical records) until we’ve established the attorney-client relationship.
AI Use
We may use AI tools for legal research, document analysis, and drafting. All AI-assisted work is reviewed by licensed attorneys. Your data does not train AI models. AI does not replace professional legal judgment.
Children’s Privacy
Our services are not for children under 18. We don’t knowingly collect information from children. (If we represent a minor for benefits, a parent or guardian is the client.)
STATE-SPECIFIC RIGHTS
California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)
You have additional rights including:
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to opt out of sale (we don’t sell, but the right exists)
- Right to limit use of sensitive information
- Right to non-discrimination
California Shine the Light: You can request information about disclosures to third parties for direct marketing (we don’t do this).
Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah Residents
You have similar rights to California, including:
- Right to access and correct your data
- Right to delete your data
- Right to opt out of targeted advertising (we don’t do targeted advertising)
- Right to appeal our decisions
Global Privacy Control (GPC): We honor GPC browser settings for opt-out preferences.
EU/EEA Residents (GDPR)
You have additional rights including:
- Right to restrict processing
- Right to object to processing
- Right to withdraw consent
- Right to lodge a complaint with your data protection authority
COOKIES & TRACKING
What Are Cookies?
Small files stored on your device that help websites function and remember your preferences.
Types We Use:
- Essential: Required for the website to work
- Analytics: Google Analytics (helps us improve the site)
- Marketing: Track ad effectiveness (if you consent)
How to Control:
- Browser settings: Block or delete cookies
- Google Analytics opt-out: Use Google’s browser add-on
- Do Not Track: We honor DNT signals
Note: Blocking essential cookies may affect website functionality.
DATA RETENTION
How Long We Keep Your Information:
| Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Case files (after case ends) | 7-10 years (required by attorney ethics rules) |
| Inquiries (if not engaged) | 2-3 years |
| Financial records | 7 years (tax requirements) |
| Marketing emails | Until you opt out or request deletion |
| Website analytics | 26 months (Google Analytics default) |
Secure Destruction:
When retention periods expire, we securely delete electronic data and shred paper records.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
Contact Us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Mail: Pacific Valor Law, [Address], Okinawa, Japan
Exercise Your Rights:
Access, correct, or delete your information:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: “[Your State] Privacy Rights Request”
Opt out of marketing:
Click “unsubscribe” in any email, or email [email protected]
Opt out of text messages:
Reply “STOP” to any text message
Report security concerns:
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes:
- We’ll post the updated policy on our website
- We’ll display a notice on our homepage for 30 days
- We may send you an email (if we have your address)
Changes take effect 30 days after posting. Your continued use of our services means you accept the updated policy.
Last Updated: [Date] | Effective Date: [Date]
READ THE FULL POLICY
This is a summary only. For complete details about how we collect, use, and protect your information, read our full Privacy Policy at:
www.pacificvalorlaw.com/privacy
The full policy includes:
- Detailed information about what we collect and why
- Complete list of third-party services we use
- Full explanation of your rights under state and federal law
- Attorney-client privilege and confidentiality protections
- International data transfer details
- Security measures and incident response
- Legal requirements and professional ethics obligations
YOUR CONSENT
By using our website or services, you:
- ✓ Acknowledge you’ve read this Privacy Summary
- ✓ Understand how we use your information
- ✓ Consent to our practices as described
- ✓ Understand you can review the full Privacy Policy anytime
- ✓ Know you can exercise your privacy rights at any time
- ✓ Consent to phone recording and text messages (if you call or text)
- ✓ Consent to international data transfers
- ✓ Understand information before engagement is not attorney-client privileged
Questions? Contact [email protected] before using our services.
PACIFIC VALOR LAW
Serving Veterans and Their Families Worldwide
Okinawa, Japan | Licensed in New Jersey & [Other States]
[Phone Number]
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
At Pacific Valor Law, your privacy is personal. We understand you’re trusting us with sensitive information about your health, your service, and your family. We take that trust seriously.
Every member of our team is trained on confidentiality and data security. We use enterprise-grade security tools. We comply with attorney ethics rules that are among the strictest in any profession.
Most importantly: We’re on your side. We use your information for one purpose—to win your claim and get you the benefits you’ve earned.
Questions about privacy? Just ask. We’re happy to explain our practices in plain English.
© 2024 Pacific Valor Law. All Rights Reserved.
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PRINT-FRIENDLY VERSION
To print this Privacy Summary:
- Use your browser’s print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P)
- Or download PDF version: [Link to PDF]
- Or request a mailed copy: [email protected]
ACCESSIBILITY
If you need this Privacy Summary in an alternative format (large print, audio, different language), please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [Phone Number]
We’re committed to making our privacy information accessible to everyone.
LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE / 言語サポート
Japanese / 日本語:
プライバシーポリシーの日本語版が必要な場合は、お問い合わせください。
Tagalog:
Kung kailangan mo ng Privacy Policy sa Tagalog, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa amin.
Korean / 한국어:
한국어 개인정보 보호정책이 필요하시면 연락주시기 바랍니다.
Contact: [email protected]
DRAFT FOR REVIEW – NOT YET EFFECTIVE
This Privacy Summary should be reviewed by legal counsel before implementation. Customize all bracketed placeholders [like this] with your specific information.
Prepared for: Pacific Valor Law
Date: December 11, 2024
Format: 2-page user-friendly summary (Tier 2)
Companion Document: Comprehensive Privacy Policy (Tier 1)