Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Gardea Law, PLLC (“Gardea Law,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information when you visit gardea-law.com (the “Site”), submit information through our contact form, communicate by phone, SMS/text message, email, video conference, or interact with us in any other way.

By using our Site or providing information to us, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are & Contact Information

Gardea Law, PLLC
Email: [email protected]

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, contact us at the email above.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in three ways:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

This includes information you give us when you:

• Submit the Contact Us form
• Request or book a consultation
• Communicate with us by SMS/text, phone, email, WhatsApp, or video
• Provide documents or case-related materials
• Respond to an SMS or email requesting consent
• Give verbal consent to receive text messages

Information may include:

• Name, phone number, email address
• Preferred language
• Immigration or case-related information
• Appointment preferences
• Attachments or documents
• SMS consent responses (“YES,” “STOP,” “HELP,” etc.)

Do not submit highly sensitive identifiers (e.g., SSN, A-number) unless specifically requested. We will guide you to secure upload methods when necessary.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Our Site may collect information using cookies, analytics tools, and server logs, including:

• IP address and approximate location
• Browser type, device type, operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on the Site
• Referring and exit pages
• Basic usage, performance, and security data

We use this to maintain security, improve functionality, and understand visitor behavior.

2.3 Information We Receive from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Scheduling tools (e.g., Zoom)
• SMS and phone carriers (e.g., Zoom Phone)
• Referral sources such as attorneys or organizations
• Professional service providers with your consent

All data received is treated according to this Privacy Policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Respond to inquiries
• Schedule and manage consultations
• Provide legal services
• Send SMS/text updates if you have opted in
• Request documents or information
• Maintain accurate internal records
• Improve the Site’s performance
• Meet legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations

We do not sell personal information.

4. SMS/Text Messaging & Zoom Phone Compliance

Gardea Law sends SMS/text messages only when you have provided explicit prior consent. Text messages are used solely for lawful, case-related communications.

4.1 How We Use SMS

If you opt in to receive SMS messages, we may send:

• Appointment reminders
• Consultation confirmations
• Case status updates
• Intake follow-ups
• Document requests
• Urgent time-sensitive instructions

All messages are one-to-one and informational, never promotional.

4.2 How We Collect SMS Consent

A. Website Consent

The contact form includes a voluntary checkbox stating:

“I agree to receive SMS/text messages from Gardea Law, PLLC related to my case or inquiry.”

• This checkbox is not pre-selected
• Users must actively opt in
• Consent is stored along with the form submission

B. Email Consent

We may request consent through email. Consent is valid only if the individual replies with a clear affirmative statement, such as:

“YES, I consent to receiving text messages.”

The email thread is retained as documented proof.

C. Verbal Consent

During a phone or video call, we may ask:

“Do you agree to receive SMS/text messages from Gardea Law, PLLC related to your case or inquiry?”

We record the verbal “yes” or “no” in our internal notes.

4.3 Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt out of SMS communication at any time by replying:

• STOP — permanently ends SMS communication
• HELP — provides assistance

Message and data rates may apply. Opting out of SMS does not stop necessary communications through email or phone.

4.4 SMS Data Handling

Text message content may be stored in your client file for:

• Legal recordkeeping
• Ethical compliance
• Documentation of communications

We do not sell, trade, or share SMS consent with third parties for marketing.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties

5. How We Share Your Information

We share information only when reasonably necessary:

5.1 Service Providers

Trusted service providers may receive limited data to help us operate, including:

• Website hosting
• Email and calendaring tools
• Zoom Phone / Zoom Communications
• Cloud storage
• Scheduling tools
• Cybersecurity and IT services

These providers are required to protect your information.

5.2 Legal-Service-Related Sharing

We may share information with:

• Co-counsel or local counsel
• Experts, translators, or interpreters
• Courts and tribunals
• USCIS, EOIR, DOS, or other agencies
• Opposing counsel when required

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when necessary to:

• Respond to legal requests
• Comply with the law
• Prevent fraud or security threats
• Protect rights and safety

5.4 No Selling of Personal Information

We do not sell personal information to any third party.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Site may use:

• Cookies
• Analytics tools
• Web beacons
• Session identifiers

Cookies help us:

• Improve navigation
• Track usage analytics
• Enhance performance
• Remember user preferences

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, but some features may not work correctly.

7. Data Retention

We retain information as long as necessary to:

• Provide legal services
• Comply with attorney ethical obligations
• Maintain required records
• Resolve disputes
• Meet regulatory requirements

Retention periods vary by information type.

8. Data Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. While no system is completely secure, we take reasonable steps to reduce risk.

If you believe your information has been compromised, contact us immediately at [email protected].

9. Attorney–Client Relationship & Confidentiality

Submitting a form or contacting us does not create an attorney–client relationship. Representation begins only after:

• A conflict check
• Acceptance of representation
• A signed engagement agreement

We treat all information confidentially in accordance with legal and ethical rules.

10. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If we discover such data, we delete it promptly.

11. Your Rights & Choices

Subject to applicable law, you may:

• Request access to your information
• Request corrections
• Request deletion (with limitations)
• Change communication preferences
• Opt out of SMS anytime by replying STOP

Contact [email protected] to exercise these rights.

12. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

13. International Users

If you access the Site from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred and processed in the United States.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. The updated date will reflect the latest revision.