CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
Indian Attorneys (IA)
Effective Date: 01/04/2025
1. Introduction
At Indian Attorneys, we recognise that confidentiality is the cornerstone of the attorney-client relationship and a fundamental legal and ethical obligation. As a global-facing legal services provider facilitating cross-border legal solutions for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) through our UK platform, we are committed to ensuring that all personal, professional, and legal information shared with us is handled with the highest standard of discretion, integrity, and security.
This Confidentiality Policy outlines the principles, protocols, and legal frameworks that guide our information-handling practices across all services rendered via our platform, including:
- 1.1 Lawyer matchmaking and client onboarding
- 1.2 AI-enabled legal assessments and document review
- 1.3 Legal consultations and representation coordination
- 1.4 Real-time case tracking and digital communications
- 1.5 Cross-border legal case management and advisory
- 1.6 Data processing, payment handling, and dispute resolution
2. Legal and Regulatory Framework
Indian Attorneys is fully compliant with the applicable data protection and confidentiality requirements under the following jurisdictions:
2.1 United Kingdom
- 2.1.1 Personal data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently
- 2.1.2 Information is collected for legitimate purposes and retained no longer than necessary
- 2.1.3 Clients' data rights (access, correction, erasure, objection) are respected and facilitated
- 2.1.4 Breach management, encryption, and data minimisation protocols are actively implemented
2.2 Republic of India
- 2.2.1 The Information Technology Act, 2000, particularly Sections 43A and 72A
- 2.2.2 The information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011
- 2.2.3 The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), to the extent applicable
These frameworks govern how sensitive personal data (e.g., financial records, legal documents, biometric data, passwords, etc.) is collected, stored, and shared.
3. Scope of Confidentiality
The confidentiality obligation applies to all data, materials, and communications shared with or generated by Indian Attorneys, including but not limited to:
- 3.1 Identity documents, legal notices, agreements, and court filings
- 3.2 Case notes, client declarations, and evidence submissions
- 3.3 Payment details and billing information
- 3.4 Audio/visual records from calls, consultations, or hearings
- 3.5 Internal assessments and legal opinions generated via our AI tools
- 3.6 Communication logs, feedback, and transaction histories
This policy extends to all modes of communication, including digital (email, video conferencing, live chat), telephonic, and in-person consultations.
4. Professional Secrecy & Ethical Standards
Indian Attorneys and all affiliated legal professionals (whether based in the UK or India) are bound by strict codes of professional conduct, including:
- 4.1 The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct – UK
- 4.2 The Bar Council of India Rules under the Advocates Act, 1961
These rules reinforce our ethical duty to protect privileged communications and prohibit unauthorised disclosure of any information shared within the scope of legal representation.
5. Data Access, Storage & Security
5.1 Access Control
Access to confidential client information is strictly limited to authorised personnel, including in-house legal advisors, external counsel (where required), technical support, and administrative staff directly involved in case facilitation.
5.2 Storage
- 5.2.1 Digital files are encrypted using industry-standard protocols (AES-256) and hosted on secure, GDPR-compliant servers located in the UK and India.
- 5.2.2 Physical records, if any, are secured in restricted-access locations in accordance with chain-of-custody procedures.
5.3 Technical Safeguards
Our data protection architecture includes multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint protection, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular cybersecurity audits.
6. Cross-Border Data Transfers
Given the transnational nature of our services, certain personal or legal information may need to be transferred between the UK and India or other jurisdictions. In such cases:
- 6.1 All data transfers are conducted in line with UK GDPR Chapter V, ensuring adequacy decisions, binding corporate rules, or Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) are applied
- 6.2 All Indian legal partners and affiliates are contractually bound by confidentiality and data protection clauses equivalent to UK standards
- 6.3 Explicit client consent is obtained prior to international transfer of sensitive or case-critical information
7. Third-Party Access and Processing
We may, from time to time, engage third-party service providers such as:
- 7.1 Cloud storage providers
- 7.2 Case management software vendors
- 7.3 AI technology partners
- 7.4 Digital payment processors
- 7.5 Legal research databases
- 7.6 Courier/document handling agencies
All third-party providers are vetted for compliance with applicable data protection laws and bound by data processing agreements that requires strict adherence to our confidentiality protocols.
8. Limitations and Lawful Disclosures
We will not disclose any confidential information to third parties without your prior consent, except where:
- 8.1 Disclosure is mandated by a competent court, tribunal, or regulatory authority
- 8.2 It is required by applicable law or statute (e.g., Anti-Money Laundering obligations)
- 8.3 It is necessary to prevent imminent harm or fraud
- 8.4 Internal risk assessments suggest a need to protect IA's legal or ethical integrity
9. Breach Notification and Incident Response
In the unlikely event of a breach of client confidentiality or unauthorised access to sensitive information:
- 9.1 IA will notify the affected client(s) within 72 hours, in compliance with UK GDPR Article 33
- 9.2 A formal investigation will be launched to contain, assess, and remediate the incident
- 9.3 Regulatory authorities, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK and the Indian CERT-In, will be informed as legally required
10. Client Rights and Recourse
As a valued client of IA, you retain the right to:
- 10.1 Access your stored personal data and case information
- 10.2 Request correction, updating, or deletion of your data
- 10.3 Revoke prior consent where applicable
- 10.4 Submit a complaint to the ICO (UK) or the relevant data protection authority in India
11. Confidentiality Undertaking by Lawyers and Staff
All IA staff, affiliate law firms, legal associates, consultants, and technical service providers are required to sign legally binding Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) prior to being granted access to any client or case information.
This ensures that confidentiality obligations continue even after the termination of service relationships.
12. Updates to This Policy
This policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect evolving legal, technological, or operational requirements.
The most recent version will always be accessible via our official website or upon request.
Contact Information
For questions, complaints, or data access requests, please contact:
Indian Attorneys Ltd
Email: indianattorneys.uk@gmail.com