Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions for Text Messaging Communications

Privacy Policy for SMS/Text Messaging Communications

This Privacy Policy explains how [Law Office Name] (“we,” “our,” or “the Firm”) collects, uses, and protects information communicated through text messaging (SMS/MMS) between our office and clients, prospective clients, and other authorized individuals.

By providing your mobile number and consenting to receive text messages from the Firm, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Purpose of Text Messaging

Our Firm may use text messaging to communicate regarding:

• Appointment scheduling and reminders
• Case updates and status notifications
• Requests for documents or information
• Billing and payment reminders
• Court dates and deadlines
• General administrative communications
• Responses to inquiries from prospective clients

Text messaging is intended for convenience and should not be used for emergency communications.

2. Consent to Receive Messages

By providing your mobile telephone number to the Firm, you consent to receive text messages from the Firm at that number.

Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of obtaining legal services.

You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying:

• STOP to discontinue messages
• HELP for assistance

Message and data rates may apply depending on your wireless carrier plan.

3. Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Communications

While the Firm takes reasonable precautions to protect client confidentiality, text messaging is not always a secure method of communication.

Clients should understand that:

• Text messages may be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized persons;
• Mobile devices may be lost, stolen, or accessible to others;
• Standard SMS messages may not be encrypted.

The Firm recommends avoiding transmission of highly sensitive, confidential, or privileged information via text message unless specifically requested or approved.

4. Information We Collect

We may collect and retain:

• Mobile phone numbers
• Names and contact information
• Message content
• Dates and times of communications
• Delivery confirmations and responses

This information may become part of the client file or business records.

5. How We Use Information

Information obtained through text messaging may be used to:

• Provide legal and administrative services
• Communicate regarding representation
• Maintain records of communications
• Improve client service and responsiveness
• Comply with legal and ethical obligations

We do not sell or share mobile information with third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Third-Party Service Providers

The Firm may use third-party service providers or platforms to facilitate SMS communications. These providers may process message data on our behalf subject to confidentiality and data protection obligations.

7. Data Retention

Text message communications may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary to:

• Maintain client records;
• Comply with legal obligations;
• Resolve disputes; or
• Enforce Firm policies.

8. Security Measures

The Firm employs reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information communicated through text messaging. However, no electronic communication system can be guaranteed completely secure.

9. No Legal Advice Guarantee via Text

Text messages are intended primarily for brief communications and administrative matters. Legal advice may require formal consultation and review of complete facts and documents.

Do not rely solely on text messages for urgent legal matters, deadlines, or emergency situations.

10. Changes to This Policy

The Firm reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Updated versions will be posted or otherwise made available to clients.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our text messaging practices, please contact:

Law Office of Lance C. Venable, PLLC
4939 W. Ray Rd. Suite 4-219
602-730-1422
lance@venableiplaw.com