Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Changes

Martinez Law LLC (“Martinez Law,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) provides this Privacy Policy to explain how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard Personal Data. “Personal Data” means information that identifies or relates to an identifiable individual, as defined under applicable laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”).

• Scope: This Policy applies to Personal Data collected through our websites and through any services, events, publications, or programs where this Policy is referenced.

• Consent through Use: By using our services or providing Personal Data, you agree to this Policy. Do not use our services if you disagree.

• Updates: We may amend this Policy periodically. If new processing purposes are introduced, we will update the Policy and obtain additional consent where required.

• Effective Date: The current version took effect on July 8, 2025.

2. Personal Data We Collect

We collect:

a. Direct submissions
– Contact requests, form responses, event registrations, employment applications, or other inquiries.
– Optional special categories of data (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, biometric data, criminal history) only with explicit consent or where legally required.

b. Automatically collected data
– Browser/device information (e.g., IP address, device type, operating system).
– Website usage metrics (e.g., pages visited, session duration), including via Google Analytics.

c. Third-party sources
Publicly available information and data received from authorized representatives.

3. How We Use Personal Data & Legal Basis

We process Personal Data for these purposes:

1. Provide & improve services
   Legal Basis: performance of contract; legitimate interest.

2. Respond to inquiries and communicate
   Legal Basis: consent; contract; legitimate interest.

3. Recruiting and employment evaluation
   Legal Basis: pre‑contract assessment; legitimate interest.

4. Event administration and alumni engagement
   Legal Basis: consent; legitimate interest.

5. Website analytics and optimization
   Legal Basis: legitimate interest.

6. Legal, compliance, and security needs
   Legal Basis: legal obligation; legitimate interest.

7. Anti‑fraud and security monitoring
   Legal Basis: legal obligation.

8. Regulatory and legal compliance
   Legal Basis: legal obligation.

If we collect special-category data, it will only be processed with your explicit consent unless otherwise legally permissible or required.

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use the following:

• Essential cookies: necessary for basic site functionality.

• Analytics cookies: via Google Analytics to understand usage patterns.

• Optional cookies: for preferences or marketing (only used if you opt in).

To manage cookies: use our cookie banner or browser settings. More options at aboutcookies.org. For more on Google Analytics data handling, see Google’s policy.

5. Disclosure of Personal Data

We do not sell your Personal Data.

We may share your Personal Data with:

• Service providers (e.g., IT, hosting, analytics, email services);

• Affiliates and trusted advisors (e.g., accountants, auditors, counsel);

• Law enforcement or government authorities, when required by law;

• Other parties, in connection with business mergers or restructuring.

6. International Transfers (GDPR)

For data transfers outside the EEA, we use EU Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission to ensure adequate protection.

7. Your Rights

Under GDPR (if applicable):

• Access, rectify, erase, restrict, object, port, or withdraw consent.

• Lodge a complaint with a Data Protection Authority.

Under CCPA (for California residents):

• Know what categories of personal information we collect, use, and share.

• Access specific pieces of data collected.

• Delete personal information, subject to legal exceptions.

• Opt out of any data “sale” (Martinez Law does not sell your data).

• Non‑discrimination for exercising rights.

To exercise these rights, contact us (see Section 14). We may verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

8. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect Personal Data from individuals under the age of 13. If discovered, any such data will be promptly deleted. Our services are not marketed toward children.

9. Security

We implement reasonable organizational, technical, and administrative safeguards. However, no internet-based transmission is completely secure. We use encryption and secure protocols where appropriate, but Personal Data transmission and storage remain at your own risk.

10. Governing Communications & Retainer Agreement

Any communications between you and Martinez Law are governed exclusively by the terms of your retainer agreement or other written contract with us. You agree to comply with those terms in all interactions, and no part of this Privacy Policy supersedes or alters any contractual obligations within that agreement.

11. Links to Third‑Party Websites

Our websites may contain links to external sites not controlled by Martinez Law. We are not responsible for their practices or content. Review their privacy policies independently.

12. How to Contact Us

To exercise your rights or for any privacy inquiries:

• 📞 Phone: +1‑773-818-3020

• 📧 Email: info@martinezlawllc.net

• We may request identity verification. Authorized agents must comply with legal standards. We aim to respond promptly and in accordance with applicable law.

By opting into SMS from a web form or other medium, you are agreeing to receive SMS messages from Martinez Law LLC. This includes SMS messages for conversations (external). Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. See privacy policy at https://www.martinezlawllc.net/general-5. Message HELP for help. Reply STOP to any message to opt out.