Privacy Policy
At Richards Law, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring we comply with the Privacy Act 2020.
1. Scope of This Policy
This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information. It also explains your rights and how you can get in touch with us regarding your information.
2. What is Personal Information?
“Personal information” means any information that can identify you — whether directly or indirectly.
We collect personal information so we can:
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Provide legal services to you
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Comply with legal obligations (including under AML laws)
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Communicate with you and market our services (where appropriate)
3. What Information Do We Collect?
The type of personal information we collect depends on the services we’re providing, but may include:
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Your full name, date of birth, and contact details
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Your address and occupation
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Payment and billing information
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Source of funds or wealth (when required under AML laws)
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Any other details needed to carry out legal work or comply with regulations
4. How We Collect Your Information
We usually collect information directly from you, through:
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Phone calls, emails, meetings, and forms
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AML/CFT verification tools, including third-party providers
Sometimes, we may collect information from third parties where you’ve authorised this, or where required by law.
Our website may also collect basic technical information using cookies (such as IP address, browser type, and page visits). This helps us improve site functionality.
5. AML and Third-Party Providers
To meet our obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009, we may use trusted third-party agencies to carry out identity and background checks on our behalf.
These providers may collect personal information from you directly, but always in accordance with privacy laws and this policy.
If you do not provide the required information, we may not be able to act for you.
6. Storage and Security of Information
We take all reasonable steps to keep your information safe and secure from misuse, unauthorised access, or loss.
Your information is stored either:
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Electronically, with password protection and system security; or
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Physically, in secured offices with limited access
Only authorised personnel can access your personal information.
We keep your information only as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected or as required by law.
In the event of a privacy breach, we will follow legal requirements, including notifying you and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner if necessary.
7. When We May Disclose Your Information
We will only share your personal information where:
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It is necessary to deliver our services or comply with the law
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You have given us permission
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Disclosure is required by courts, tribunals, or government agencies
We may also share information with:
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Verification and AML service providers
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IT service providers or data storage companies (which may be overseas)
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Consultants, barristers, or others working on your matter
Where information is shared with overseas parties, we will take reasonable steps to ensure it is protected to a similar standard as under New Zealand law.
8. Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, and to ask us to correct any inaccuracies.
To do so, please contact us. We may charge a small fee for retrieving this information, but we’ll let you know beforehand.
9. Questions or Complaints?
If you have concerns about how your personal information is handled, or would like more information about this policy, please contact Tania Richards.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.