1. Introduction
Alium International Legal Services Limited ('Alium International', 'we', 'our' or 'us') is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality and security of personal information entrusted to us. This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, retain, disclose and safeguard personal information when you visit our website, contact us, request a consultation or instruct us to provide legal and business advisory services. It is intended to comply with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and applicable UK data protection principles.
2. Our Privacy Principles
- Confidentiality: We recognise that clients entrust us with sensitive information and treat confidentiality as fundamental to our professional service.
- Transparency: We explain what information we collect, why we collect it and how it is used.
- Data Minimisation: We collect only information reasonably necessary for the services requested or legal obligations.
- Security: We implement appropriate technical and organisational safeguards.
- Accountability: We regularly review our governance and data protection practices.
3. Who We Are
Alium International Legal Services Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales providing cross-border legal and business advisory services relating principally to Kenya and East Africa. For UK data protection purposes we act as the data controller for the personal information described in this notice.
Contact: contact@alium-legal.com
Website: www.alium-legal.com
4. Information We Collect
- Identity and contact details.
- Information submitted through website enquiry and consultation forms.
- Correspondence by email, telephone or video meeting.
- Identity verification documentation where required.
- Information relating to legal or commercial matters.
- Payment and invoicing information where applicable.
- Technical information generated when using our website.
5. Why We Process Personal Information
- Responding to enquiries and arranging consultations.
- Assessing whether we can accept instructions.
- Providing legal and business advisory services.
- Complying with legal, regulatory and professional obligations.
- Maintaining business records and protecting legal rights.
- Improving our services and website.
6. Lawful Bases
Depending upon the circumstances, processing is carried out because it is necessary for pre-contract steps, performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, our legitimate interests, or your consent where required.
7. Confidentiality & Information Sharing
We do not sell personal information. Information is shared only where reasonably necessary to deliver requested services or comply with legal obligations. Recipients may include trusted technology providers, insurers, professional advisers, courts, regulators, payment providers and appropriately qualified legal professionals assisting on cross-border matters.
8. Technology Providers
We use carefully selected providers supporting secure business email, cloud document management, website hosting, website enquiry management, transactional email delivery, online meetings, accounting and payment processing, and (where introduced) electronic identity verification. Providers are selected based on appropriate security and contractual safeguards.
9. International Transfers
Because our practice supports cross-border matters, personal information may occasionally be transferred outside the UK. Where this occurs we implement appropriate safeguards consistent with applicable data protection legislation.
10. Information Security
- Secure cloud storage.
- Multi-factor authentication where appropriate.
- Role-based access controls.
- Strong password management.
- Routine security review.
- Secure backup procedures.
11. Data Retention
| Category | Retention Approach |
|---|---|
| Website enquiries | Retained only as long as reasonably necessary unless an engagement follows. |
| Consultation records | Retained for appropriate business and legal purposes. |
| Client files | Retained in accordance with legal, regulatory and professional obligations and the firm's retention policy. |
| Identity documents | Retained only where necessary for compliance purposes. |
| Accounting records | Retained for applicable statutory periods. |
| Marketing preferences | Until consent is withdrawn or communications are no longer appropriate. |
When information is no longer required it will be securely deleted, anonymised or otherwise disposed of.
12. Your Rights
- Access your personal information.
- Request correction.
- Request erasure where applicable.
- Request restriction of processing.
- Object to certain processing.
- Request portability where applicable.
- Withdraw consent where consent is the lawful basis.
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office.
13. Cookies
Our website uses essential cookies. Additional information is provided in our separate Cookie Notice.
14. Changes
This Privacy Notice may be updated to reflect changes in our business, technology, legal obligations or regulatory requirements.
15. Our Commitment
At Alium International Legal Services Limited we believe that protecting personal information is not merely a legal obligation; it is an essential component of trusted professional practice. We are committed to treating every client's information with care, discretion and professionalism.