Introduction to Our Data Privacy Commitment

At DBE Certification Legal Services we know you care, and so do we. That is why, as your choice for a law firm able to represent you in connection with the DBE, ACDBE, and 8(a) certification processes, we are committed to handling all of your personal and professional information in the most confidential and secure way possible. The following Privacy Policy explains how we go about collecting, using, protecting, and disclosing information from you when you contact our law firm through our website, by email correspondence, over the phone, or in person. We are committed to handling your privacy concerns with openness and transparency, and empowering you to have control over your information.

Who We Are

DBE Certification Legal Services is a U.S. law firm that provides legal assistance in the field of small businesses owned and/or controlled by socially and/or economically disadvantaged individuals. We assist our clients in overcoming the arbitrary and fluctuating standards that are used by various jurisdictions who administer Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), and/or 8(a) certification programs. During our engagement, your privacy will be respected in every way possible by our staff of experienced attorneys. If you have specific questions regarding our privacy practices, you may contact us at [email protected], 629-232-8247, or by writing us at 150 4th Ave N Ste 74, Nashville TN 37219.

Applicability of This Privacy Policy

This privacy policy governs all information collected by DBE Certification Legal Services from our website (https://dbecertificationguide.com/) through telephone consultations, e-mail correspondence, and other forms of communication. This policy applies to information we obtain from prospective and current clients, website visitors, and those seeking information about our legal services. The policy governs our practices concerning the collection, use, storage, protection, and disclosure of your personal and business information. It also describes your rights regarding your information.

Information We Collect

• Personal Information: Names, contact information (email, phone, address), identifying numbers (SSN, if required for certification).
• Business Information: Business name, ownership, structure and financial information solicited in connection with DBE, ACDBE, 8(a) certification applications.
• Communication Data: Our records of your communications and correspondence with our firm (including emails, call records, meeting notes and forms you provide).
• Site Usage Data: Information collected about you as you interact with our website (including IP address, browser type, pages viewed, “cookies,” etc.), in the aggregate or individually, to enhance user experience and site functionality.
• Sensitive Information: On rare occasions, we may ask for information such as SSNs or other tax identification numbers – strictly for purposes of advance preparation of certification applications and necessary legal compliance.
• All information that we consider relevant to the legal advocacy that you request for us to undertake; beyond that, we always attempt to limit our requests for your information.

Methods of Information Collection

• Direct Submission: Information you submit directly to us. For example, the information you provide when you complete forms on our website, email us, or call or meet with us in person.
• Application Materials: Information and documentation that you provide as part of your DBE, ACDBE, 8(a) certification, or similar certification application process.
• Website Activity: Data we gather automatically (i.e. cookies and analytics software) so that Chelsea Group can see how websites are being used and optimize their service as necessary.
• Third Party Data: Information we gather from publicly available information such as public records or government agencies for auditing and certification and compliance purposes only. We make sure that all our data-gathering techniques are transparent and compliant with relevant legislation.

Purpose of Information Collection

• Legal Consultation / Representation: We use this information to assess your eligibility for certifications and to provide you with legal advice related to your situation.
• Application Preparation and Submission: We use this information to prepare, review and submit your DBE, ACDBE, or 8(a) certification applications.
• Communications: We use this information to communicate with you about the status of your application, developments on the law, changes to our service, etc.
• Compliance: We use this information to meet legal requirements, fulfill certification agency requirements, and to comply with our professional obligations.
• Improving Our Service: We use this information to analyze website usage and preferences, to improve our online submissions and our understanding of our clients’ preferences. This helps us give them a better legal service and web experience.
• Security: We use this information for the security of our clients, staff and systems against fraudulent or malicious activity including hacking.

Your information is not used for anything outside of your legal representation without your consent.

Use and Processing of Your Information

At DBE Certification Legal Services, we are cautious with your information and treat it with care. Data is used solely in accordance with its intended purpose: to deliver legal services, process your certification application, and adhere to regulations. Your contact data is accessible by the legal team on a need-to-know basis, as are client files. Only members of our staff are authorized to manage client matters. We use secure platforms to store and transmit documents. Your confidential information is protected every step of the way.

Legal Basis for Information Processing

• Contractual: to perform our contract with you to provide you with legal services.
• Legal: to comply with relevant regulatory, statutory and certification obligations with federal, state and certification agencies.
• Legitimate interests: to run and administer our business and to improve our services, including security.
• Consent: where required we will seek your specific consent before processing sensitive information or additional data not included under this policy and which is not intrinsically necessary as part of the services we provide.

We will at all times comply with all applicable data protection laws including (where applicable) the relevant US state and federal regulations.

Sharing and Disclosure of Information

• With Your Consent: if you authorize us to share your information with a certification agency or other authorized entity.
• To Certification Agencies: as needed in connection with the processing of your DBE, ACDBE or 8(a) application.
• Service Providers: as necessary to trusted suppliers (i.e., IT provider, secure document storage service, etc.) under acceptable confidentiality obligations.
• Legal Requirements: when we believe in good faith that we are required to do so by court order or subpoena or law or regulation.
• Business Transfers: in the unlikely event of a merger, acquisition or firm sale of all or a portion of a business unit, client information may be transferred to the successor entity, with notice.

We do not sell or rent your data to third parties. We will ensure that any third parties who receive our clients’ data maintain effective privacy and security measures.

Storage of Your Information

Summit retains your information only to the extent necessary for the purposes indicated in the present Privacy Policy or as necessary to satisfy legal requirements, resolve disputes and enforce any relevant agreements. In general, client files are safely maintained for a period of at least seven (7) years following the termination or conclusion of representation unless a longer retention period is required by applicable law. After the retention period has expired, your information is permanently deleted or irreversibly destroyed so as to prevent unauthorized access.

Your Privacy Rights and Choices

• Right to Access: You may submit a request for access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Right to Correction: You may submit a request to us to correct any of your personal information that is incorrect or incomplete.
• Right to Erasure: You may submit a request for deletion of your information, taking into account our legal and contractual obligations.
• Right to Restrict Processing: You may submit a request for the restriction on the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
• Right to Portability: Subject to the conditions set out by applicable law, you may request us to provide you with a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format.
• Right to Object: You may submit a request objecting to our processing activity based on legitimate interests.
• Withdrawing Consent: Where the processing of your personal information is based on your consent, you can withdraw such consent at any time.

If you wish to exercise such rights you can do it by contacting us by email at [email protected] or by phone (629) 232-8247.

Confidentiality and Privilege

DBE Certification Legal Services must adhere to the rules of professional discipline and the rules of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality. Information, communication and documents exchanged with us in connection with legal advice are protected by privilege, except as disclosure may be compelled by law or with your express permission. We strongly recommend that all clients correspond with us concerning privileged information directly through our secure communication services, to maintain the protection of privileged information at every step of the process.

Safeguarding Your Information

• Physical security: secure offices, limited access areas, and locked file storage for physical files
• Digital security: encrypted communications (e-mail and file transfers), secure cloud-based documentation control, and firewall protection
• Staff training: consistent staff training on data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethics requirements
• Periodic review: internal examination of security procedures and protocols to identify and address potential points of vulnerability

It is important to understand that, despite reasonable efforts, no security system is ever completely secure. In the event of an actual or suspected data breach, we will notify affected individuals and authorities as required by applicable law.

Cookies and Web Analytics

Our Sites use cookies and other similar technologies to provide functionality, analyze traffic, and enhance your experience. Cookies are small files that are placed on your device and stored on your hard drive. They allow us to remember your settings, record site activity, and collect non-personal usage statistics about your use of our sites. While most web browsers allow you to control cookies through browser settings, some areas of our sites or applications may function with limited or reduced functionality if you disable cookies. Certain of our Sites use third parties with whom we have agreements that limit their use of any information they gather on our behalf. These third parties must protect your information and are prohibited from using it for any purpose other than as specified by us.

Links to Third Parties and Other Resources

We provide links to third-party websites, resources, and legal materials on DBE, ACDBE, and 8(a) certifications as a courtesy. We do not control the privacy policies or terms of use of those third-party sites. When partaking in activities on third-party websites and resources, you should ensure that you have read the privacy policy and understand it before disclosing personal and business information.

Children and Privacy

DBE Certification Legal Services does not knowingly solicit personal information from or market its services to children under the age of 18. Our services are aimed at business owners and entrepreneurs requiring legal services or guidance for certification process. In the event that we learn that the website has inadvertently collected personal information from a child, we will take all reasonable measures to promptly remove such information from our files.

International Data and Transfers

Our legal services and website are directed at users located in the United States (“U.S.”). Use of our services from territories outside the U.S. is at your own risk and with knowledge that your information will be transferred to and processed in the U.S., and that data protection laws may not afford the same level of protection as those in other countries. By use of our services, you authorize such transfer, storage and processing of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Updating Your Information

If your contact information or business information changes or your certification status changes, please email [email protected] or call (629) 232-8247, and provide us updated information. We will update our records so that your file is accurate and up-to-date.

Privacy Policy Changes

DBE Certification Legal Services may revise this Privacy Policy each time there is a change in law or change in our services or privacy best practices. When we revise the policy we will post it on our website at https://dbecertificationguide.com/ and also note the effective date. Where our changes are material we will give additional notice, including by direct email or other direct communication.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, under the California Consumer Privacy Act you have certain rights in relation to your personal information, including the right to know about our collection, use, disclosure and sale of your personal information (we do not sell your personal information), to request the deletion of your personal information, and to opt out of certain data sharing. Your CCPA rights can be exercised by contacting us at [email protected] or (629) 232-8247. We will not discriminate against you if you choose to exercise any of your rights under the CCPA.

Other State and Federal Privacy Rights

Beyond California, individuals in other states may have other privacy rights under state or federal law. DBE Certification Legal Services complies with all applicable privacy laws, including but not limited to The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), state data breach notification laws and professional conduct rules. We will protect your legal rights and help you exercise them.

Data Security Incident Response

In the event of a highly unlikely data security event, DBE Certification Legal Services has established processes for quickly identifying, containing, investigating, and remediating. If any information about you is impacted by a security event, we will contact you in accordance with the law, describe the event to you, and include recommendations regarding actions you may take to help protect yourself. The firm monitors threats on an ongoing basis and updates our protections to minimize risk.

Locations and Practices for Data Storage

Your information is stored on secure servers in the U.S., with backups using standard encryption and access controls. The physical documentation is in secure, locked physical file storage in our office. We periodically review our policies for storing information; we apply best practices to manage both digital and physical information to maintain security.

Client Testimonials and Case Studies

From time to time, we may post anonymized testimonials or case studies on our site for illustrative purposes and promotional value. We will never use your name, business name, or identifying information except as expressly permitted in writing by you. All content published is carefully reviewed for conformance with our privacy and professional obligations.

Marketing and Communications Preferences

DBE Certification Legal Services occasionally may contact you with information about our services, legal developments, or certification opportunities that we believe may be of interest to you. You can opt out from receiving marketing communications at any time by following the instructions provided in each communication or contacting us directly. Your opt-out choice will not impact your ability to receive legal services, or otherwise communicate with us on matters pertinent to your case.

Contacting Us Regarding Privacy

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests concerning this Privacy Policy, please contact us through the following means of communication:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (629) 232-8247
• Address: 150 4th Ave N Ste 74, Nashville TN 37219

We will be sure to drive quick and honest responses.

Your Responsibilities for Protecting Your Information

While DBE Certification Legal Services takes active steps to protect your data, we also encourage clients to observe good security hygiene, including using strong passwords, securing your devices, and refraining from transmitting sensitive information to unencrypted inboxes. If you have reason to believe that someone else has accessed your data, please contact us so that we can investigate and attempt to assist you.

Acceptance of This Privacy Policy

By visiting our Website, using our legal services or contacting DBE Certification Legal Services, you agree to have read, understood and accepted the terms of our Privacy Policy. If you disagree with how we handle business, do not use our services and/or submit your questions to us.

Continuous Improvement

DBE Certification Law Firm is committed to the continued enhancement of our privacy program. Our firm actively follows legal changes and client inquiries, as well as industry best efforts in order to keep our privacy policy current and dynamic. While we welcome suggestions for improvement, we also strive to uphold the highest levels of privacy, ethics and client service.

Conclusion: Trust, Transparency, and Advocacy

Your trust in us forms the basis of our client relationship with you. Rest assured here at DBE Certification Legal Services, we will safeguard your privacy with as much attention and care as is given to our strategic defense of your legal rights. Whether certification assistance, legal counsel, or simply information concerning your options are what you need, we stand ready to assist you with a transparent process, confidentiality, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy. Contact us today to help you attain your DBE ACDBE 8(a) certification goals confidentially and securely.