Confidentiality Policy

Confidentiality Legalstone works with matters that may involve sensitive personal, legal, commercial and strategic information. We recognise the importance of maintaining confidentiality and handling information responsibly throughout our relationship with you. Our approach Information provided to Legalstone in connection with an enquiry or engagement will be handled with appropriate care and treated as confidential where its nature or the circumstances require. We will not disclose confidential information except where this is reasonably necessary in connection with the services we provide, you have authorised or instructed us to do so, disclosure is made to a person who is subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations, or disclosure is otherwise permitted or required by law. Access to confidential information is limited, so far as reasonably practicable, to those who require it for legitimate purposes connected with an enquiry, engagement, the administration of our services or the operation of our business. Working as one team Legalstone operates a multidisciplinary model. Where appropriate, information may be shared between Legalstone personnel involved in your matter so that we can provide coordinated support. This may include legal advisers, consultants, solicitors, researchers, analysts and other professionals or personnel whose involvement is relevant to the services being provided. Those working on Legalstone matters are expected to respect the confidential nature of information to which they have access and any professional or contractual confidentiality obligations applicable to them. External professionals Some matters may require the involvement of professionals or specialist service providers outside Legalstone. Depending on the matter, this may include solicitors, barristers, authorised law firms, accountants, experts, consultants, investigators, corporate service providers and other specialist advisers. Where it is reasonably necessary to share confidential information with an external professional in connection with your matter, we will take appropriate steps to ensure that information is shared for a legitimate purpose and subject to appropriate professional, contractual or other confidentiality obligations. Where an external professional is separately instructed by you, their handling of information will also be governed by their own terms, professional obligations and privacy practices. Service providers Legalstone may use third-party technology, communications, document management, identity verification, corporate services, administrative and other service providers in operating its business and delivering its services. Where such providers process or have access to confidential or personal information, we take appropriate steps to ensure that information is handled in accordance with applicable contractual, confidentiality and data protection requirements. Further information about the processing of personal data and the categories of third parties with whom it may be shared is available in our Privacy Notice. Initial enquiries Submitting an enquiry to Legalstone does not itself create a client relationship. Prospective clients should therefore avoid providing highly sensitive, privileged or unnecessary confidential information until we have confirmed that we are able to consider the matter. Information provided during an initial enquiry will nevertheless be handled responsibly and in accordance with our applicable privacy and confidentiality practices. When disclosure may be required There may be circumstances in which Legalstone is required or permitted to disclose information. This may include disclosure required by law, regulation, court order or another binding legal obligation, or disclosure reasonably necessary to establish, exercise or defend legal rights or protect Legalstone's legitimate interests. Where legally permitted and reasonably practicable, we will seek to limit any such disclosure to what is necessary in the circumstances. Privacy and personal data Confidentiality and data protection are related but distinct. Our Privacy Notice explains how Legalstone collects, uses, stores, shares and protects personal data and describes the rights individuals may have in relation to their personal information. Legal professional privilege Confidentiality should not be confused with legal professional privilege. Whether legal professional privilege applies to a communication or document depends on the circumstances, including its nature and purpose and the status and role of the persons involved. Communications with Legalstone should not automatically be assumed to attract legal professional privilege merely because they concern a legal matter or involve Legalstone. Where privilege is relevant to a matter, we may discuss appropriate arrangements with you, including the involvement of an authorised legal professional where appropriate.