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Privacy & Cookies Policy

Abbleys Solicitors (“Abbleys”, “We” or “Us”) is an SRA Regulated law firm providing legal services to individuals, small businesses and organisations. This privacy policy and notice sets out how we will use information you provide to us and how we will keep it safe.

As an essential part of our business, we collect and manage data from clients and non-clients. We take privacy and confidentiality very seriously and are committed to respecting and protecting the privacy and rights of all those whose data is held by us. We comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and related data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

We have developed this privacy notice to help you better understand the ways in which we collect, manage, process, store and share information about you when you use our website or engage with our services, as well as how you may exercise control over your data.

By visiting our website and submitting your details to us, you consent to our using your personal data in accordance with this policy. If you are a client of the firm, additional privacy information will be provided as part of our client onboarding process.

This website is not intended for children and we do not knowingly collect data relating to children.

This notice may be updated periodically in line with UK legislation. Continued use of our website indicates acceptance of any updates made.

If you have any comments or queries, please contact us at Admin@abbleys.co.uk, or write to Abbleys Solicitors, Piccadilly House, 49 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AP.

Data Controller

Thomas Hulme acts as the data controller for Abbleys and is responsible for your personal data. If you are referred to an external partner (such as a barrister or expert), their own privacy policy will apply.

Thomas Hulme oversees queries relating to this notice, including requests to exercise data rights.

Third Party Links

Our website may include links to third-party websites, plugins or applications. Clicking these links may allow third parties to collect or share data about you. We do not control these websites and encourage you to read their privacy notices.

Your Data

You may choose whether to provide your personal information to us. We only hold data from clients or individuals who have opted in to receive communications. We do not use your data for any unrelated purpose unless required by law.

We will not contact you for marketing purposes without your explicit consent. You may change or withdraw your preferences at any time.

What Information Do We Collect?

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Identity Data: name, marital status, title, date of birth, gender.
  • Contact Data: address, email, telephone number.
  • Financial Data: bank details, payment information.
  • Transaction Data: details of services purchased or instructed.
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, time zone, device information, browsing patterns.
  • Identification Data: documents for onboarding and regulatory checks.
  • Special Category Data (only where required for your legal matter).
  • Marketing & Communications Data: preferences and subscription settings.

Some technical data is collected automatically. This does not identify individuals.

Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device to enable basic website functionality.

Abbleys uses only essential and functional cookies. We do not use analytics, advertising, behavioural tracking or profiling cookies.

Types of Cookies We Use

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies – required for security and site functionality. These cannot be disabled.
  • Functional Cookies – support usability (e.g., form behaviour). These do not track or identify users.

Managing Cookies

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but parts of the website may not function correctly without them.

If You Fail to Provide Data

Where we must collect personal data by law or to perform a contract and you fail to provide it, we may be unable to provide the requested services.

How We Collect Information

We collect data through:

  • Direct interactions – forms, calls, emails, meetings.
  • Automated technologies – essential cookies and server logs.
  • Third-party sources – where legally permitted.

How We Use Your Personal Data

We use your data when the law allows, including:

  • Managing your enquiry or case.
  • Performing our contract with you.
  • Compliance with legal obligations (SRA, AML, court requirements).
  • Internal administration and service improvement.

Purposes for Using Your Data

We may process your data for one or more of the following reasons:

  • To register you as a new client.
  • To manage payments and recover fees owed.
  • To communicate updates, changes to terms or service information.
  • To comply with regulatory and legal obligations.
  • To maintain accurate internal records.

Marketing

You will receive marketing communications only if you have explicitly opted in.

Change of Purpose

We will only use your data for the purpose for which it was collected unless required or permitted by law.

Disclosures of Your Data

We do not sell or rent your personal data.

We may share your data with:

  • Barristers, experts or professional third parties engaged in your matter.
  • Regulatory bodies or courts.
  • Suppliers processing data on our behalf (e.g., IT support).

All third-party processors must comply with confidentiality and data protection standards.

Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard your personal data. Access is restricted to authorised staff only.

Data Retention

Your personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil legal, regulatory or operational requirements.

You may request deletion of your data at any time unless we are legally required to keep it.

Your Legal Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal data.
  • Request correction of incomplete or inaccurate data.
  • Request deletion of your data.
  • Object to processing.
  • Request restriction of processing.
  • Request transfer of your data.
  • Withdraw consent at any time.

To exercise these rights, email Admin@abbleys.co.uk.

Verification of Identity

We may request proof of identity before responding to a rights request to ensure data is not disclosed unlawfully.

Governing Law

This website and policy are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be handled by the courts of England and Wales.

Contact Details

Abbleys Solicitors
Data Privacy Manager: Thomas Hulme
82 King Street, Manchester, M2 4WQ
Phone: 0161 200 9964
Email: Admin@abbleys.co.uk

Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you may contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.

Review of This Policy

This Policy is reviewed regularly. Continued use of our website following updates indicates acceptance of any changes made.

If you instruct us as a client, you will receive our detailed Privacy & Data Protection Notice as part of your onboarding documents.