Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 24, 2025

The Law Office of Stephen Wall (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, sw-law.com (the “Website”), contact us, or engage our legal services. By using our Website or providing us with your personal information, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Website or provide us with your information.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

a. Personal Information

Personal information is any information that can identify you, either directly or indirectly. We may collect:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address, or other contact details provided when you fill out forms, contact us, or request legal services.
Case-Related Information: Details related to your legal matter, such as accident reports, medical records, or other sensitive information you provide in connection with our legal services.
Payment Information: Billing details, such as credit card or bank account information, if you engage our services and make payments.
Correspondence: Information you provide in emails, contact forms, or other communications with our office.

b. Non-Personal Information

We may collect non-personal information that does not directly identify you, including:

Usage Data: Information about how you interact with our Website, such as IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, time spent on the Website, and referring URLs.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We may use cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze Website usage, and improve our services. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

c. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from third parties, such as referral sources, public records, or marketing partners, to the extent permitted by law.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

To Provide Legal Services: To evaluate, manage, and represent you in your legal matter, including communicating with you about your case.
To Respond to Inquiries: To answer questions or requests submitted through our Website or other communication channels.
To Improve Our Website and Services: To analyze usage data, enhance user experience, and improve the content and functionality of our Website.
For Billing and Payments: To process payments for legal services, if applicable.
For Marketing and Communications: To send you updates, newsletters, or promotional materials about our services, provided you have consented or as permitted by law. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time (see Section 8).
To Comply with Legal Obligations: To fulfill our obligations under applicable laws, regulations, or court orders, including responding to subpoenas or government requests.
To Protect Our Rights: To enforce our Terms and Conditions, protect our legal rights, or defend against claims.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Service Providers: We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers (e.g., IT support, payment processors, or marketing platforms) who assist us in operating our Website or providing legal services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.
With Legal Authorities: We may disclose your information to comply with legal obligations, such as responding to subpoenas, court orders, or government investigations, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
With Your Consent: We may share your information with other parties, such as co-counsel or experts, if you provide explicit consent or as necessary to handle your legal matter.
In Business Transfers: If the Law Office of Stephen Wall is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to confidentiality protections.

4. Attorney-Client Privilege and Confidentiality

Information you provide in connection with legal services may be protected by attorney-client privilege or confidentiality obligations under Wisconsin law. However, information submitted through the Website (e.g., contact forms) before an attorney-client relationship is established may not be considered confidential or privileged. Please refrain from sending sensitive or confidential information until an attorney-client relationship is formalized through a written engagement agreement.

5. Your Choices

You have the following choices regarding your personal information:

Opt-Out of Marketing: You may opt out of receiving marketing emails by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails or contacting us directly.
Cookies: You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect your ability to use certain features of the Website.
Access and Correction: You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us (see Section 10). We will respond to such requests in accordance with applicable law.

6. Wisconsin Privacy Rights

Under Wisconsin law, residents may have certain rights regarding their personal information. While Wisconsin does not currently have a comprehensive data privacy law like the CCPA, we are committed to protecting your privacy. If you are a Wisconsin resident, you may:

Request information about the categories of personal information we collect and how it is used or shared.
Request deletion of certain personal information, subject to legal exceptions (e.g., information necessary for legal services or compliance).

To exercise these rights, contact us as provided in Section 10. We will respond within the timeframes required by law.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes. For example, case-related information may be retained for the duration of your legal matter and as required by Wisconsin law or professional responsibility rules.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Law Office of Stephen Wall

3402 Oakwood Mall Drive

Second Floor

Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 912-1113

stephen@sw-law.com

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on our Website with a revised “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Website after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

12. Attorney Advertising

This Website may be considered attorney advertising under Wisconsin law. The information provided here does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by your use of the Website or submission of information unless a formal engagement agreement is signed.

Notes for Implementation:

Customization: Replace placeholders (e.g., [insert website URL], [insert physical address], [insert phone number], [insert email address]) with your firm’s specific details.
Wisconsin-Specific Compliance: Wisconsin does not currently have a comprehensive consumer privacy law like California’s CCPA, but you must comply with federal laws (e.g., HIPAA for medical information) and Wisconsin’s data breach notification law (Wis. Stat. § 134.98). Consult a Wisconsin attorney to ensure compliance with state-specific rules, especially for handling sensitive client data.
Attorney-Client Privilege: The policy emphasizes that information sent via the Website is not confidential until an attorney-client relationship is established, per Wisconsin Rules of Professional Conduct.
Accessibility: Place this Privacy Policy on a dedicated page on your website, linked in the footer alongside the Terms and Conditions.
Legal Review: Have a Wisconsin-licensed attorney review this policy to ensure it meets state bar requirements, Wisconsin privacy laws, and any federal regulations (e.g., if you serve clients in other states).
Cookies and Tracking: If your website uses analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) or advertising, you may need a cookie consent banner to comply with privacy laws, especially for users in other jurisdictions like the EU (GDPR).