Privacy Policy
Our commitment to protecting your personal information and client confidentiality.
Introduction
Q.J. Williams & Associates Inc. (trading as Qlaw Inc) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) and all applicable South African data protection legislation.
Responsible Party
Entity Name: Q.J. Williams & Associates Inc.
Trading Name: Qlaw Inc
Location: Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa
Registration Number: 3739 7800
Personal Information We Collect
We collect personal information from clients, prospective clients, and website visitors, including:
- Identification information (names, contact details, identification numbers)
- Contact information (email addresses, telephone numbers, postal addresses)
- Professional information relevant to legal matters (business details, employment history)
- Financial information necessary for billing and payment purposes
- Legal and instructional information provided during consultations and instruction
- Website usage data (cookies, IP addresses, browser information) for site functionality and security
Purpose of Collection and Processing
We collect and process personal information for the following lawful purposes:
- Legal Service Delivery: To provide legal advice, representation, and services as instructed
- Client Instruction: To establish and maintain attorney-client relationships and fulfill our professional obligations
- Billing and Administration: To issue invoices, process payments, and maintain administrative records
- Compliance: To comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
- Communication: To communicate with clients regarding matters, appointments, and legal updates
- Website Operations: To ensure website security, functionality, and user experience
Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal information on the following legal bases:
- Contract performance (providing legal services)
- Legal obligation (compliance with law and professional conduct rules)
- Legitimate interest (protecting our practice and clients)
- Consent (for additional communications or marketing)
Client Confidentiality and Privilege
As an attorney practice, we maintain strict client confidentiality in accordance with professional conduct rules and the law. Information obtained from clients in the course of legal advice is protected by attorney-client privilege and will not be disclosed without express written consent, except where required by law or court order. All client files and communications are stored securely and accessible only to authorized personnel.
Data Protection and Security
We implement appropriate physical, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Security measures include:
- Secure document storage and controlled access
- Encrypted electronic communications where appropriate
- Regular security updates and system monitoring
- Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
- Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
Retention of Information
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including the duration of legal representation and for the period required by professional conduct rules and applicable law. Client files are retained in accordance with professional standards and statutory requirements. Upon request and where legally permissible, we will delete personal information when no longer required.
Sharing of Information
We do not sell or rent personal information to third parties. Information is shared only:
- With other professionals (advocates, experts, accountants) as necessary for legal service delivery
- With courts, regulatory bodies, and government authorities as required by law
- With our insurers and professional indemnity providers where necessary
- With your consent for purposes you have authorized
International Transfers
Personal information is generally processed and stored within South Africa. Where international transfer of personal information is necessary, we ensure adequate protections equivalent to those provided by POPIA.
Your Rights as a Data Subject
Under POPIA and South African law, you have the right to:
- Access: Request access to your personal information held by us
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of information (subject to legal obligations)
- Objection: Object to processing where applicable
- Portability: Request information in a portable format
- Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator
Contact Form and Website Communications
Information submitted through our contact form is used solely to respond to your inquiry and to provide information about our legal services. We will not add you to a mailing list without explicit consent. Your information will be treated confidentially and in accordance with this policy and POPIA.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. We will notify you of significant changes via email or by posting the updated policy on our website.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your data subject rights, or have concerns about our handling of your personal information, please contact us:
- Email: info@qlawinc.co.za
- Telephone: 021 762 5701
- Address: Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa
Information Regulator South Africa
If you believe your personal information has been processed in violation of POPIA and our efforts to resolve the matter have been unsuccessful, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator South Africa (IRSA):
- Website: www.inforegulator.org.za
- Email: enquiries@inforegulator.org.za
Last updated: August 2026