SMS/Text Messaging Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Hawaii Disability Legal Services, LLLC, doing business as Haar Disability Law ("the Firm," "we," "us," or "our"), is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of individuals who communicate with us.

This SMS/Text Messaging Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose information associated with text messages exchanged between the Firm and our clients, prospective clients, authorized representatives, and other individuals who have consented to receive text messages from us.

This policy supplements our professional obligations concerning attorney-client confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, and the protection of sensitive personal information.

2. Information We Collect

In connection with text messaging, we may collect and maintain the following information:

Contact information

  • Names and mobile telephone numbers.

  • Email addresses and other contact information voluntarily provided.

  • Information identifying authorized representatives or other individuals with whom we have permission to communicate.

Client and case-related information

  • Information necessary to identify a client or prospective client's matter.

  • Appointment, consultation, and hearing information.

  • Case status, requests for documentation, and other information reasonably necessary to provide legal services.

  • Information voluntarily communicated to us through text messages.

Messaging information

  • The content of text messages sent to and received from the Firm.

  • Dates and times of communications.

  • Message delivery information.

  • Records of consent to receive text messages and requests to discontinue communications.

This information may be obtained directly from individuals, during the intake or representation process, through our existing client records, or through communications with the Firm.

3. How We Use Information

We use information collected through text messaging solely for legitimate purposes related to providing legal services, communicating with clients and prospective clients, and administering our practice.

These purposes may include:

  • Scheduling and confirming appointments, consultations, and hearings.

  • Communicating regarding disability claims, appeals, and other legal matters.

  • Requesting records, documents, signatures, or other information necessary for representation.

  • Providing case updates and responding to inquiries.

  • Communicating with authorized representatives when appropriate.

  • Maintaining records of communications and consent.

  • Complying with applicable legal and professional obligations.

  • Maintaining and improving the reliability and security of our communications systems.

We do not use our client text messaging service to send unsolicited advertising or promotional messages.

4. Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information

The Firm recognizes the sensitive nature of the information entrusted to us, including medical, financial, employment, and other information relevant to disability claims and legal representation.

We do not sell, rent, trade, or otherwise disclose personal information obtained through our text messaging services for advertising, lead generation, or third-party marketing purposes.

Mobile telephone numbers, SMS opt-in information, and text messaging consent will not be sold, rented, or shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

We do not disclose an individual's consent to receive text messages to third parties for their independent use.

Information associated with our messaging services may be disclosed only in limited circumstances, including:

Service providers: We may use trusted technology, telecommunications, case management, and communications service providers to transmit, receive, maintain, or manage text messages on our behalf. Information is provided to these service providers only as reasonably necessary to perform services for the Firm and subject to applicable confidentiality and privacy obligations. These providers are not authorized to use the information for their independent marketing purposes.

Authorized disclosures: We may disclose information when authorized by the individual concerned or when reasonably necessary to carry out legal representation, consistent with applicable professional obligations.

Legal requirements: We may disclose information when legally required, subject to applicable protections for confidential and privileged information and our professional responsibilities.

SMS opt-in information and consent records are not shared with third parties for purposes unrelated to the operation of our messaging services.

5. Security and Limitations of Text Messaging

We take reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

However, standard SMS and MMS messaging are not end-to-end encrypted communications. Messages may pass through telecommunications networks and third-party service providers, and individuals with access to a recipient's device may be able to view messages.

Accordingly, text messaging may not be appropriate for transmitting particularly sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, detailed medical records, financial account information, or other confidential documents.

When appropriate, the Firm may request that information be transmitted through a more secure communication method.

Although we endeavor to protect the confidentiality of communications, we cannot guarantee the security or delivery of information transmitted through standard text messaging.

6. Consent to Receive Text Messages

The Firm sends text messages to individuals who have consented to receive communications through this method.

Consent may be obtained through our client intake or engagement process, a separate written or electronic authorization, or another documented method consistent with applicable requirements.

Participation in text messaging is voluntary. Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of obtaining legal representation.

Text messages may include appointment reminders, requests for information, case updates, and other communications concerning legal services.

Message frequency varies depending on the nature and status of the individual's legal matter.

Standard message and data rates may apply according to the recipient's wireless service plan.

7. Opting Out and Obtaining Assistance

Individuals may discontinue text message communications from the Firm at any time.

To opt out, reply STOP to a text message received from the Firm. An automated confirmation may be sent acknowledging the request. After the opt-out is processed, the Firm will discontinue further text messages to that number unless the individual subsequently provides renewed consent.

Individuals may also contact the Firm directly to request that text messaging be discontinued.

For assistance with text messaging, reply HELP or contact the Firm using the contact information below.

Choosing not to receive text messages does not terminate an attorney-client relationship or affect an individual's right to receive legal services. The Firm may continue to communicate through telephone calls, email, postal mail, or other appropriate methods.

8. Retention of Messaging Information

Text messages and related records may be maintained as part of the Firm's client files, communications records, or administrative systems.

Information will be retained as reasonably necessary for representation, business operations, compliance with professional responsibilities, or other lawful purposes, consistent with applicable records retention requirements.

9. Access to and Correction of Information

Individuals may contact the Firm to request corrections to their contact information, update their communication preferences, or inquire about information maintained in connection with text messaging.

Requests concerning client records will be addressed in accordance with applicable law and the Firm's professional obligations.

10. Changes to This Policy

The Firm may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in its communication practices, technology, or applicable requirements.

The effective date will be revised when material changes are made. The current version will be available upon request and through any publicly accessible location where the Firm publishes this policy.

11. Contact Information

Questions about this Privacy Policy or our text messaging practices may be directed to the Firm using the contact information on this site.