Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Estate Legal Limited (“we”, “us”, “our” or “the firm”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We recognise that personal information is extremely important and we take our responsibilities under data protection law seriously.

  • This Privacy & Cookies Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal data when: you visit our website (www.estatelegal.co.uk);
  • you contact or instruct us; or
  • we otherwise process personal data in the course of our business.

This Policy should be read alongside our Client Appointment Letter, General Terms of Business and Office Manual.

2. Controller and Regulatory Status

Estate Legal Limited is the data controller for the purposes of UK data protection legislation.

Registered Office: Lower Ground Floor Office 16 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2LG

We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

3. The Personal Data We Collect

We only collect personal data where it is necessary and proportionate for legitimate business and legal purposes.

3.1 Clients and Matters

This may include:

  • contact details;
  • identification information;
  • financial information;
  • documents and information relevant to your legal matter; and
  • information relating to third parties connected to your matter (e.g. surveyors, experts, witnesses, opposing parties).

3.2 Business Contacts and Referrers

We may hold limited contact information for:

  • former clients;
  • professional contacts, referrers and experts; and
  • individuals who have indicated a wish to remain in contact.

3.3 Recruitment

If you apply for a role with us, we may collect personal data including CVs, qualifications, employment history and contact details.

4. Lawful Bases for Processing

We process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, relying on one or more of the following lawful bases:

  • Performance of a contract – to provide legal services;
  • Legal and regulatory obligations – including AML and professional duties;
  • Legitimate interests – to operate and manage our practice;
  • Consent – where required, for example for marketing communications.

5. How We Use and Share Information

We only share personal data where necessary and proportionate, including with:

  • counsel, experts and professional advisers;
  • courts, tribunals and regulators;
  • IT and professional service providers.

We do not sell personal data or use it for commercial gain.

6. Data Security

We maintain appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including:

  • secure IT systems;
  • restricted access controls;
  • encryption and password protection;
  • staff training and internal policies.

Any suspected data breach is managed in accordance with our internal incident response procedures.

7. Data Retention

Client files and related personal data are generally retained for 7 years following the conclusion of a matter, unless a longer period is required by law or regulation.

Data relating to business contacts and recruitment is retained only for as long as necessary and reviewed periodically.

8. Your Rights

You have rights under data protection law, including:

  • the right to access your personal data;
  • the right to rectification;
  • the right to erasure (where applicable);
  • the right to restrict or object to processing;
  • the right to data portability.

Subject Access Requests will be responded to within one month, subject to legal exemptions (including legal professional privilege).

9. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact our Data Protection Officer in the first instance. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (www.ico.org.uk).

10. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to distinguish users and improve functionality.

Cookies may be blocked through browser settings, although this may affect website functionality. Continued use of the website indicates consent to cookie use.

11. Updates to This Policy

We review this Policy regularly and may update it from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.

12. Contact Details

Data Protection Officer:
Amy Rudrum Email: amyrudrum@estatelegal.co.uk
Telephone: 07825 336 680

Estate Legal Limited Lower Ground Floor Office 16 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 2LG