Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Scope

1.1. Esquare Legal (“we,” “our,” “us,” or “the Firm”) is a legal practice registered and operating in the Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We are committed to safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of our clients, website visitors, and all individuals whose personal data we process.

1.2. This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) articulates our principles and practices concerning the collection, use, storage, disclosure, transfer, and protection of Personal Data. It applies to all personal data processed by us, whether through our website, via electronic correspondence, in-person meetings, telephone communications, or any other means.

1.3. By accessing our website, engaging our services, or providing your Personal Data to us, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to this Policy.

1.4. This Policy is intended to comply with the relevant laws and regulations applicable in the UAE and the Emirate of Dubai, including but not limited to UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (the “UAE PDPL”).

2. Information We Collect

We may collect, store, and process the following categories of Personal Data:

2.1. Data Provided Voluntarily

• Identification and Contact Data. Identification details, nationality, contact address, email address, telephone number.
• Client Matter Data. Information necessary for the provision of legal services, which may include sensitive and confidential information related to your legal matters.
• Financial and Payment Data. Bank account details, billing address, and other data necessary for processing payments.
• Correspondence Data. Content of communications, including emails, letters, and call recordings (where applicable and with prior notice).
• Recruitment Data. CV, cover letters, references, qualifications, and employment history submitted by job applicants.

2.2. Data Collected Automatically (Website Usage)

When you visit our website, your browser automatically sends information to our server, which is temporarily stored. This includes:

• Your IP address
• Date and time of your visit
• Pages and files accessed
• Browser type and version
• Operating system

This data is used to ensure a smooth connection, evaluate system security, and for administrative purposes. It is anonymized where possible.

3. Purposes and Legal Basis for Processing

We process Personal Data for lawful purposes and based on one or more legal grounds under UAE law, including:

• Performance of a Contract. To provide our legal services to you.
• Compliance with a Legal Obligation. To meet our obligations under UAE laws and regulations.
• Legitimate Interests. To manage our business operations, ensure security, prevent fraud, and for marketing our services (where permissible).
• Consent. For specific purposes where we have obtained your explicit, prior consent.

4. Disclosure and Sharing of Personal Data

We treat client information as strictly confidential. We do not sell your Personal Data.

4.1. We may share your data with:

• Service Providers. Third-party vendors who provide IT, hosting, or administrative services under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Professional Advisors. Other law firms, experts, or notaries as necessary for your legal matter.
• Courts and Authorities. As required by law, regulation, or court order.
• Successor Entities. In the event of a merger or sale of assets, subject to continued compliance with this Policy.

4.2. International Transfers

Your data may be transferred outside the UAE. We will ensure any such transfer complies with applicable laws, implementing appropriate safeguards.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your Personal Data against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. Access is limited to those with a legitimate need and a duty of confidentiality.

6. Data Retention

We retain your Personal Data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including to meet legal, regulatory, and professional obligations as a law firm in Dubai. Upon expiry of the retention period, data is securely destroyed or anonymized.

7. Your Rights as a Data Subject

Subject to the provisions of the UAE PDPL, you may have the following rights regarding your Personal Data:

• Right of access. To access and request a copy of your data.
• Right to rectification. To request correction of inaccurate data.
• Right to erasure. To request deletion of your data under certain circumstances.
• Right to restriction or objection. To restrict or object to the processing of your data.
• Right to withdraw consent. Where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 10. We may require proof of identity.

8. Specific Processing Activities

8.1. Job Applications

Data from applicants is processed for recruitment purposes. We delete data of rejected applicants within a reasonable period unless longer storage is requested.

8.2. Newsletter

If you subscribe to our newsletter, we use your email address to send it to you. We use a double opt-in procedure. You can unsubscribe at any time via a link in every newsletter.

8.3. Social Media

We maintain profiles on social networks (e.g., LinkedIn). When you interact with these profiles, the relevant social network provider also processes your data according to its own privacy policy. We may receive anonymous usage statistics.

8.4. Online Meetings

For video calls or online meetings, we may use services like Zoom. When you participate, data such as your name, email address, and IP address is processed to conduct the meeting. We configure settings to prioritize data security where possible.

9. Cookies and Third-Party Links

9.1. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance functionality and analyze traffic. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, but this may affect website functionality.

9.2. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

10. Contact Us

For any questions, concerns, or to exercise your data subject rights, please contact:

Esquare Legal
Address: Office A, RAK DAO Business Centre, RAK Bank ROC Office, Ground Floor, Al Rifaa Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zayed Road, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Email: admin@esquarelegal.com

11. Updates and Complaints

We may update this Policy periodically. The updated version will be posted with a new “Effective Date”.

If you have a complaint, please contact us first. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority in the UAE, such as the UAE Data Office.