Privacy Policy

1. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to all visitors, users, and prospective clients who access or use knicholslaw.com (the “Site”). This online Privacy Policy applies only to information collected through this website and does not apply to information collected offline, via direct telephone consultations, court proceedings, or through direct attorney-client communications.

2. Your Consent

By accessing and using this Site, you consent to the collection, use, and transfer of your information as outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please discontinue use of this Site immediately.

3. Information We Collect

We collect information through this Site in two primary ways:

• Information You Voluntarily Provide: When you complete a consultation request form, contact inquiry, or court/GAL intake form on our Site, we collect personal information, including your full name, email address, telephone number, legal practice area of interest, opposing party names (for preliminary conflict checks), and brief factual descriptions you type manually.

• Automated Data & Device Information: Like most modern web platforms, our site platform (Squarespace) and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) automatically capture non-personally identifiable data transmitted by your browser or mobile device. This includes your IP address, operating system, browser type, visit timestamp, and page interaction metrics.

• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We utilize cookies and functional site tags to optimize browsing performance, remember user preferences, and analyze site traffic patterns. You can configure your internet browser to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are sent; however, disabling cookies may impact certain interactive features on our Site.

4. How We Use Your Information

The Law Office of Katherine A. Nichols, PLLC uses information collected through this Site strictly for legitimate professional purposes, including:

• Conducting preliminary conflict-of-interest checks prior to scheduling consultations;

• Responding to client inquiries and court/judicial referral communications;

• Managing administrative logistics, appointment scheduling, and client onboarding;

• Improving site usability, navigation, accessibility, and local search visibility across Central Virginia; and

• Protecting the security, integrity, and regulatory compliance of our Site and firm operations.

5. Sharing & Disclosure of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third-party marketers. We share information only under the following limited circumstances:

• Essential Practice Service Providers: We may share data with vetted legal technology vendors who support our firm’s operations (such as our practice management software Smokeball, Microsoft 365 cloud routing, and website hosting providers). These service providers access data strictly to perform contracted services and are bound by confidentiality obligations.

• Legal & Regulatory Obligations: We may disclose information when required in good faith by law, court order, subpoena, or to protect the safety, legal rights, or property of The Law Office of Katherine A. Nichols, PLLC, our clients, or the public.

6. Information Security & Ethics Notice

While we implement industry-standard technical and administrative safeguards to protect personal data, no internet transmission or electronic storage method is 100% secure. Furthermore, submitting information through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, and information sent prior to executing a formal engagement agreement may not be protected by attorney-client privilege.

7. Children’s Privacy

In compliance with federal regulations, this public website is directed toward adults aged 18 and older. While Attorney Katherine A. Nichols serves as a certified Guardian ad Litem (GAL) advocating for children in court, we do not knowingly collect personal information directly from minor children online. Any information regarding a minor child must be submitted solely by a parent, legal guardian, or court official.

8. Managing Your Information & Privacy Rights

If you wish to review, update, correct, or request the removal of personal contact information submitted through this Site, please submit a written request to info@knicholslaw.com.