Our Privacy Pledge
The privacy of your personal information is a high priority at Britton & Associates Legal Services. We have built our business since 1971 on trust, integrity, and a strong commitment to the protection of confidential information pertaining to our clients. The following Privacy Policy outlines our practices, including how you may visit, use, and interact with our court reporting, legal videography, and litigation support services throughout the United States. Our intent is to help ensure that attorneys, law firms, and court systems will safely rely on Britton & Associates to protect sensitive information at every level of the litigation process.
Who We Are and the Purpose of This Statement
Britton & Associates Legal Services is a nationwide provider of court reporting and legal videography support services for US attorneys. Located in Minneapolis, MN, and servicing customers across America, we provide real-time transcriptions, process service support, and a full suite of litigation support services. This Privacy Policy covers all the personally identifiable information that we process through our website, internet case schedule system, e-mail messages, telephone correspondence, and in-person visits. As an attorney, paralegal, or law assistant, your privacy rights are fully protected while using Britton & Associates.
What Information We Collect
Britton & Associates collects the minimum information necessary to fulfill our services in an efficient and secure manner. The types of information we collect may include:
- Contact information: names of contact persons, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of the attorneys, law firms, and court personnel
- Case data: case names, case docket numbers, parties in a case, and certain relevant scheduling data such as hearing times and other schedule deadlines
- Requests for services: information associated with requests for deposition scheduling, legal videography, process service, conference room bookings, transcript orders, and issue delivery
- Billing data: names, billing addresses, and payment confirmation data (Britton & Associates does not retain full credit card number or other sensitive payment information on the site)
- Usage data related to our website: IP address of the computer or device used to reach us, type of computer or browser used to reach us, and Google Analytics related to how a visitor might be using our website. This information is collected using secure cookies and other devices only used to improve site performance or for security purposes.
How We Use Your Information
Your data is used by Britton & Associates strictly for scheduling, managing, and improving our litigation support services. In particular, Britton & Associates uses your data to:
- Schedule and coordinate court reporting, videography, and process serving assignments
- Correspond with clients regarding service confirmations, transcript deliveries, and logistical details
- Maintain accurate records in order to bill and be compliant with the legal industry standards
- Manage the security and functionality of our website and client portal
- Analyze site usage trends in order to improve the user experience through anonymization
No data is ever sold, rented, or otherwise provided to third parties for direct marketing purposes.
Our Legal Basis for Collection and Processing
Britton & Associates is dedicated to processing client and personal data in compliance with applicable United States laws and regulations. The lawful bases for the collection and processing of information are as follows:
- Performance of a contract: to deliver services to our clients
- Compliance with a legal obligation: for instance, court orders and subpoenas
- Legitimate interests: enhancing services, ensuring security, and facilitating efficient administration
- Consent: When necessary, we will obtain your explicit consent prior to collecting any personal information. For example, we may request your consent to contact you regarding our services (we generate marketing communications on an infrequent and opt-in basis).
How We Protect Your Information
Britton & Associates utilizes strong security protocols and best industry practices to safeguard your information:
- Secure, encrypted e-mail delivery of transcripts and other sensitive case information
- Physical security protocols at the Britton & Associates headquarters in Minneapolis and all offsite locations
- Limited access to physical case files and your personal information. Only approved personnel may review such records
- Regular staff training in confidentiality, data security and breach prevention, and cyber security awareness
- Routine audits and updates of IT systems to address new threats
We routinely revisit our security protocols and procedures on an ongoing basis to keep pace with changes in the law and technology.
How We Store and Retain Information
As discussed in the contract, we only retain client and matter-related information as long as is needed to fulfill contractual requirements and legal need. Accordingly, our data retention periods are as follows:
- Service-related information (such as deposition transcripts and video recordings): retained for at least seven years, or longer where required by law or agreed to with the client
- Client contact and billing information: securely stored for the duration of the relationship and up to seven years thereafter to facilitate accounting and compliance reporting
- Website analytics and technical logs: up to 24 months in anonymized form for performance monitoring
Servers that house data are located within the US and information is securely deleted or destroyed upon request or at expiration of required retention periods.
How We Share Information
Britton & Associates does not provide your personal information or case information to third parties except in the following limited circumstances:
- With your express permission, in connection with arranging services with co-counsel, expert witnesses, or Court entities
- To a trusted service provider (e.g., a certified court reporter, videographer court reporting company, or information technology vendor) who by contract is also required to maintain strict confidentiality and security standards
- When we are compelled by law to do so – i.e., pursuant to subpoena, court order, or in connection with a government investigation
We never disclose client lists or matter information for commercial purposes. Any third-party partner is appropriately credentialed and responsible for complying with our policies and protocols regarding privacy, security, and confidentiality.
Your Rights, Preferences and Choices
Britton & Associates values your rights to your data. As a client, you have the right to:
- Access personal and case information we maintain about you
- Correct information that is inaccurate or outdated
- Challenge non-essential uses of your data, such as marketing messages
- Request deletion or anonymization of content, subject to legal and contractual requirements
You can exercise your rights by contacting us at [email protected] or by calling us at (612) 931-3415. We will respond to all requests for privacy-related information in a timely manner, consistent with all applicable law.
Our Commitment to Website Security and Privacy Online
Our website, https://brittonandassociates.com/, has several security features designed to keep our users safe at all times when scheduling appointments, speaking with us, and/or filing information into an account. These include the following:
- SSL Encryption of all data to/from your computer to our web servers
- Client portal for document uploads and confidential communications
- Two-Factor Authentication for approved users
- Regular system vulnerability scans and updates to security systems to block unauthorized users
We do not, for example, collect superfluous cookies or track user activity any more than is necessary to provide a working website. Currently, analytics data is used only in the aggregate and is anonymized to enhance our ability to function with a minimum of disruption to a web user’s experience.
Privacy of Children
Our services are available only to attorneys, law firms, and the legal community. We do not knowingly solicit or collect information from anyone under the age of 18. Should we become aware that a minor has submitted information to us, we will delete such information from our records. If you believe a minor may have submitted information to us, you should contact us via email at [email protected].
International Data Transfers
Britton & Associates Legal Services is located in the United States and operates in the U.S. All data is processed and stored on servers based in the United States. Britton & Associates does not ship client or case data to foreign countries. In circumstances where data transfer across international borders is requested (such as for cross-border litigation), Britton & Associates will provide notice to affected clients and employ reasonable safeguards, in accordance with applicable law, to accomplish compliance.
Third-Party Websites / Links
Our site may contain links to third-party resources of interest to legal service professionals (e.g., a court directory, a database of state laws, local area information for traveling attorneys, etc.). Britton & Associates disclaims any responsibility for the information or content contained on these external sites. Please be sure to review the privacy policies of any external sites that may be linked from our site.
Breach Notification Policy
In the unlikely event of a data breach involving client data held by Britton & Associates, we will act swiftly to contain the incident, assess its impact, and will promptly inform affected clients of the facts underlying the breach, the type of information involved, and what measures have been taken to protect it. Britton & Associates will cooperate with law enforcement and regulatory authorities where required to do so by law. We review and revise our processes for responding to possible breaches from time to time as necessary in order that we can act with appropriate swiftness in a dynamic threat environment.
Professional Secrecy, Confidentiality and Legal Privilege
As a trusted provider to attorneys and law firms, Britton & Associates maintains the highest standards of confidentiality and professional conduct. Members of Britton’s staff, including deposition court reporters, videographers, document & Exhibit clerks, and administrative assistants are all required to sign strict non-disclosure contracts and abide by the code of ethics common to the industry. We understand the sensitive nature of court proceedings and therefore handle each client matter with discretion and respect, safeguarding protected information at all times during the litigation process.
E-mail Communication
Britton & Associates utilizes secure e-mail delivery to transmit your expedited transcript, service confirmation, and correspondence relevant to your case. We use encrypted e-mail services and implement industry-standard best practices in order to block interception or unintentional disclosure of e-mails to unauthorized third parties. Clients should utilize secure methods when transmitting case materials or sensitive requests for information. If you prefer alternate secure means of correspondence (secure file transfer sites or encrypted messaging), please advise us of your preferences and we will happily implement accordingly.
Use of Cookies and Analytics
Our site only uses necessary cookies for functionality and to improve the user experience. Our site does not employ tracking cookies for advertising or profiling. Analytics tools are used to perform analysis on aggregated, anonymous data about how our site is used. This information helps us to better manage content, navigation, and the site to serve our clients with better and more efficient service. You may change your browser settings to disable or refuse cookies through its preferences or settings menu. However, if you disable cookies it is possible that some features of the site may no longer function properly.
Accessing Client Portal and Maintaining Data Privacy
For clients who use our online scheduling and document management system, Britton & Associates offers a secure, password-protected client portal. Only authorized users have access to the account. Role-based permissions determine which files and documents may be viewed by whom. All uploaded documents are scanned for malware, encrypted while in transit and at rest, and periodically backed up to discourage loss of data. We recommend that clients create strong and unique passwords and call us immediately with any reasonable suspicion of unauthorized access.
Process Serving and Confidential Information
The process that we have developed requires the collection of information on person(s) to be served which includes names, addresses, and in some cases documents of record that may contain confidential information. Britton & Associates contracts with process servers who are vetted and trained in confidentiality and the security of legal documents, and they follow strict protocols for their handling and delivery. Records related to proof of service are secured and maintained in a fashion that will permit access only to authorized users.
Conferencing Facilities and Privacy Onsite
For depositions and legal proceedings held at our Minneapolis conference facilities, or other locations, Britton & Associates assures the physical security and privacy of clients and case materials. Our conference room facilities provide secure wi-fi, appropriate storage lockers for documents, and controls limiting access to conference rooms and other common areas. Additional onsite staff are trained to be discreet and help provide a confidential environment for the activity at hand.
Deponents who come to our Minneapolis offices will find attorneys and their staff have taken extra measures to ensure the privacy of the deposition.
Additional security measures may be employed for sensitive depositions or discovery proceedings, if needed.
Video Recordings and Video Database
Legal video services performed by Britton & Associates require strict privacy and chain-of-custody procedures. Video tapes of depositions, evidence, court presentation, or anything else are recorded onto secure media and are only available to authorized legal professionals. At completion of a case, or at the client’s request, media may be securely destroyed or returned. Client video-tape recordings are never copied for advertising use or released for any other use without the client’s consent.
Payment Protocol and Payment Data Security
Britton & Associates co-operate with conscientious payment processors to handle payments for court reporting and litigation technology services. We do not store full or partial credit card numbers or other sensitive payment data on our servers. All financial transactions are encrypted and handled in accordance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) obligations. We deliver invoices and receipts for your records through secure channels.
Updating this Information
Clients may alter their contact information, services provided, or information regarding a particular case at any time by contacting our office at [email protected]. Any request for an update will promptly be processed to ensure your records have the most current and correct information.
Updating Our Privacy Policy
The lawyers at Britton & Associates Legal Services constantly monitor and modify this Privacy Policy to comply with changes in our practices, technology, and the law. If we make significant changes in our practices, we will notify clients by e-mail as well as posting notices in prominent places on our website. Clients should periodically review this policy to ensure they are aware of how we protect information about them. Continued use of our services after changes have been made to this policy will constitute your acceptance of the policy changes.
How to Reach Us For Privacy Matters
Our privacy team welcomes your inquiries, concerns, and feedback relative to our privacy practices. If you would like additional information, or wish to exercise your rights as set out in this policy, please contact our privacy team at:
Britton & Associates Legal Services
800 Washington Ave SE Ste 60
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: (612) 931-3415
E-mail: [email protected]
We strive to timely and professionally respond to all inquiries.
You Can Trust Britton & Associates
Britton & Associates Legal Services has proudly served attorneys, law firms, and court systems for over 50 years in a professional, honest manner with the utmost degree of confidentiality. We know that when it comes to legal matters, privacy is a priority which is why we work hard to gain your trust on a daily basis. We greatly appreciate your confidence in Britton & Associates Legal Services and your continued use of our court reporting services, legal videography services, and litigation support services. We respect your right to confidentiality and promise to serve you with the highest level of security and professionalism.