Matthew
Peak

This privacy notice explains how, why and for how long Matthew Peak will process or retain your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

If Matthew has been instructed by you, your litigation friend, your solicitor or agent, or through a pro bono referral, it is necessary to process your personal data in order to provide legal services. This may include advising on the prospects of litigation, advising on the value of a claim, representation at hearings or trial, and reviewing legal issues or evidence.

Recipients of your data

Depending on the nature of your case, data may be shared with courts and tribunals, your solicitors or agents, witnesses, experts, other legal representatives, ombudsmen or regulators, education and examining bodies, and current, past or prospective employers.

Special categories of data

Some matters require processing special category personal data, including information about health, ethnicity, religion, trade union membership, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal allegations and convictions. Such data will only be processed where necessary to represent you or advise on your claim.

Retention

Your personal data will be retained for no longer than necessary and, where possible, anonymised. In general, records relating to cases are retained for at least six years to comply with professional obligations under the Bar Code of Conduct and tax record-keeping obligations.

Once your case has concluded and any fees have been paid, only the personal data necessary for regulatory compliance, conflict checking, defence of complaints or fee disputes, and reference in future similar cases will be retained.

Your rights

You may request confirmation that your personal data is being processed, request a copy of that data, request rectification of inaccurate data, object to certain processing, request restriction of processing, or request erasure where the GDPR permits it. Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time, although doing so may mean Matthew can no longer provide the legal services requested.

Security

Appropriate physical and technical measures are taken to safeguard your personal data and prevent unauthorised access, accidental loss, misuse or disclosure.

Complaints or queries

If you have any questions about this privacy notice, or how your personal data is used, please email clerking@thebarristergroup.co.uk or the clerks at clerking@thebarristergroup.co.uk, or call 01823 247 247.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Further information is available at ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/.