How we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
Giardino Law (operating the 4 Steps to Close service) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information collected through our website, our intake forms, and our communications with you. This policy describes what information we collect, how we use and disclose it, and the choices you have regarding your personal data. It applies to the 4stepstoclose.com website.
We handle personal information in accordance with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). As a law firm regulated by the Law Society of Alberta, we are also bound by solicitor-client privilege and the rules of professional conduct that apply to all client information.
We collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:
We also collect limited technical information automatically when you visit our website — such as IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited — for site security, analytics, and advertising measurement (see "Cookies, analytics and advertising" below).
Personal information you provide is used to deliver the legal services you have retained us for, including:
Website and technical information is used to operate and secure the site, understand how it is used, and measure the performance of our advertising. We rely on your consent and on our legitimate interest in operating our practice as the basis for these uses.
We do not sell or rent your personal information. We share information only with parties necessary to complete your transaction (such as your lender, real estate agent, opposing counsel, and Alberta Land Titles), with service providers who process information on our behalf, or as required or permitted by law.
Our online intake is processed through Clio Grow, a third-party secure intake platform; information you submit through it is encrypted and stored in Canada. Our website uses the Meta (Facebook) Pixel, which shares certain website-activity information with Meta Platforms, Inc. as described below.
We use industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including encryption in transit (256-bit SSL), encrypted storage in Canada, secure trust-accounting procedures, and access controls within our office. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we take reasonable steps to safeguard your information.
Our website uses essential cookies needed for the site to function, and uses cookies and similar technologies for analytics and advertising measurement.
Specifically, our website uses the Meta (Facebook) Pixel. The Pixel uses cookies and similar technologies to record website activity — such as pages viewed and actions taken — and shares that information with Meta Platforms, Inc. so we can measure the effectiveness of our advertising and reach relevant audiences on Facebook and Instagram. This may involve the transfer and processing of information outside Canada.
You can control these technologies in several ways: adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies; manage ad personalization in your Facebook and Instagram account settings; or opt out of interest-based advertising through the Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada at youradchoices.ca. Refusing non-essential cookies will not affect your ability to contact us or retain our services.
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services, to comply with our professional, regulatory, and legal obligations (including file-retention requirements that apply to Alberta law firms), and to resolve disputes. When information is no longer required, it is securely destroyed or de-identified.
Subject to our obligations as a law firm, you have the right to access and correct the personal information we hold about you, and to withdraw consent for non-essential processing. To exercise these rights, or to ask a question or make a complaint about how we handle your information, contact us at info@4stepstoclose.com. You also have the right to contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date above shows when it was last revised. Material changes will be reflected on this page.
Questions about this privacy policy can be directed to:
Giardino Law
218, 10113-104 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 1A1
780-473-7779
info@4stepstoclose.com
This page provides general information about our privacy practices and is not legal advice. Existing clients should refer to their retainer agreement for the full terms governing our handling of their information.