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About this policy
Owen Hodge Lawyers respects your privacy. We are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). As lawyers, we also owe you duties of confidentiality. Legal professional privilege protects many of our communications with you.
This policy applies to Owen Hodge Lawyers Pty Ltd and its related entities, including [O.H.S. Services Pty Ltd]. In this policy, “we”, “us” and “our” mean those entities.
This policy explains what personal information we collect and how we use it. It explains how we use artificial intelligence (AI) and automated tools. It also explains how to access your information or make a complaint.
1. What personal information we collect
The kinds of personal information we usually collect include:
- your name, address, date of birth, email address and telephone numbers
- your business or company name and role
- identity documents and details we must verify by law, such as a driver licence or passport
- financial, employment, property and family information relevant to your matter
- information about other people involved in your matter, such as family members, beneficiaries, witnesses and other parties
- records of our communications with you, and the services you use
- your feedback, and services you may be interested in
Depending on the matter, we may collect sensitive information. This includes health and medical information, for example in personal injury, workers compensation, elder law and estate matters. It may also include criminal record information, or information about racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We only collect sensitive information with your consent, or where the law permits or requires it.
2. How we collect personal information
We collect personal information directly from you where we can. This happens when you contact us, meet with us, complete our forms, or use our website.
We also collect information from other sources when your matter needs it. These include courts and tribunals, government agencies, insurers, medical practitioners, other parties and their lawyers, public registers, and identity verification services.
If we receive personal information we did not ask for, and could not lawfully have collected it, we will destroy or de-identify it.
3. Why we collect, use and disclose personal information
We collect, use and disclose personal information to:
- provide the legal services you ask for, and act on your instructions
- check for conflicts of interest
- verify your identity and meet our legal obligations
- manage our relationship with you, including billing and records
- improve our services and train our staff
- tell you about our services, unless you ask us not to
We may also use or disclose your information for a related purpose you would reasonably expect, or where the law requires or authorises it.
4. Our legal obligations
Some collection is required by law. Under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth), we must verify the identity of our clients and certain related people. We must keep those records and report some matters to AUSTRAC. The law may prevent us from telling you that a report has been made.
Other laws may also require us to collect or disclose information. These include court rules, tax laws, and laws governing the legal profession.
5. How we use artificial intelligence
We use AI and other technology tools to help us deliver legal services efficiently. These tools may process your personal information. We use them to:
- draft and review documents, correspondence and advice
- conduct legal research and summarise documents
- organise, search and analyse matter files and evidence
- record and summarise meetings, with your consent
- receive, sort and respond to enquiries
- verify identity and screen for legal risk
We apply these safeguards:
- Lawyer responsibility. A lawyer reviews AI output before we rely on it or send it to you. Our lawyers remain responsible for all advice and work.
- Approved tools only. We only use AI tools we have assessed and approved. We do not enter client information into free or public AI tools.
- No training on your information. Our AI providers must not use your information to train their models.
- Confidentiality and privilege. Our providers must keep your information confidential and secure. We choose and configure tools to protect legal professional privilege.
- Court rules. We comply with court rules that limit AI use in documents such as affidavits and witness statements.
If you have concerns about AI use in your matter, tell your lawyer. We will discuss your options.
6. Automated decision-making
Some of our computer programs, including AI tools, use personal information to make, or help make, decisions that could significantly affect your rights or interests. A person at our firm makes the final decision in each case. We do not make decisions of this kind solely by computer program.
The kinds of decisions where a computer program does something substantially and directly related to the decision are:
- whether we can act for you, including initial assessment of enquiries and conflict checks
- identity verification and money laundering and terrorism financing risk assessment
- assessment of the merits or value of a claim, and estimates of legal costs
- the content of advice, documents and submissions prepared for your matter
The kinds of personal information used in these programs are:
- contact and identity information
- information you give us about your matter, and documents in our file
- financial, employment, property and family information
- health and medical information, where relevant to your matter
- information from public registers and screening databases
7. Who we disclose personal information to
We may disclose personal information to:
- courts, tribunals, government agencies and regulators, including AUSTRAC
- barristers, experts, medical practitioners, investigators and other advisers we engage for your matter
- other parties to your matter and their lawyers, as your matter requires
- service providers who support our practice, such as IT, cloud storage, AI, identity verification, mail and document management providers
- anyone acting for you, such as your financial adviser or accountant, unless you tell us not to
Our service providers may only use your information to provide services to us. They must keep it confidential. Otherwise, we only disclose your information with your consent, or where the law requires or authorises it.
8. Overseas disclosure
Some service providers, including cloud and AI providers, may store or process personal information outside Australia. These countries are likely to include [United States, European Union member states, United Kingdom, New Zealand]. We take reasonable steps to ensure these providers handle your information consistently with the APPs.
9. Direct marketing
We may send you information about our services. You can opt out at any time. Use the unsubscribe link in any email, or contact our Privacy Officer. We do not sell personal information.
10. Our website
Our website (owenhodge.com.au) uses cookies and analytics tools. These record information such as visit date and time, pages viewed, browser and device type, and IP address. We use this to operate and improve our website. In some cases this information may identify you. We then treat it as personal information. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, but some features may not work.
11. How we hold and protect personal information
We hold personal information in paper and electronic form, including in secure cloud systems. We take reasonable steps to protect it from misuse, interference and loss. We also protect it from unauthorised access, change or disclosure. Our steps include access controls, encryption, staff training, and supplier due diligence.
We keep files for as long as the law and our professional obligations require. We then securely destroy or de-identify the information.
If a data breach is likely to cause you serious harm, we will notify you and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) as the law requires.
12. Dealing with us anonymously
You can make a general enquiry without giving your name, or by using a pseudonym. We cannot act for you on a legal matter without identifying you. The law requires us to verify your identity.
13. Access and correction
You can ask for access to the personal information we hold about you. You can also ask us to correct information that is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading. Contact our Privacy Officer. We will verify your identity first.
We do not charge for making a request. We may charge a reasonable fee for providing access. We usually respond within 30 days. If we refuse access or correction, we will explain why in writing. Some information may be withheld, for example where it is privileged or the law prevents disclosure.
14. Complaints
If you have a complaint about how we handle your personal information, contact our Privacy Officer in writing. We will acknowledge your complaint promptly and aim to respond within 30 days.
If you are not satisfied, you can complain to the OAIC:
- website: www.oaic.gov.au
- telephone: 1300 363 992
Complaints about a lawyer’s conduct can also go to the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner (www.olsc.nsw.gov.au).
15. Contact us
Privacy Officer
Owen Hodge Lawyers
Level 3, 171 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Email: ohl@owenhodge.com.au
Telephone: 02 9549 0700
16. Changes to this policy
We review this policy regularly, and when our practices change, including when we adopt new AI tools. The current version is on our website. You can ask us for a free copy.
Last updated: 25 September 2026
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by clients
across Sydney
Our family engaged Owen Hodge Lawyers to help secure a partner visa for my fiancé. We worked with Pamela who is their immigration specialist and she was consistent in demonstrating herself as a diligent person…
Owen Hodge Lawyers is one of the best and most reliable migration consultancies. I have had several visas granted with their assistance, and most recently, my 189 visa was successfully approved. A special hats off…
Pamela has been my immigration lawyer from my Graduate Visa through to my 189 visa, and I couldn’t have asked for better guidance. She is exceptionally thorough with every detail of the application, right down…
Throughout the visa process, Pamela demonstrated exceptional professionalism and outstanding attention to detail, both of which are crucial for a successful application. Her dedication went above and beyond, as she worked with me through Christmas…
Hi Pamela, Thanks so much for all your help over the past five years! You’ve guided us through everything, our studies, visa applications, and all the steps along the way. We wouldn’t have made it…
I am a client of Kristy-Lee and we have just finalised a property settlement via OHL over a period of ~3 years for my Father who is in an Aged Care home suffering dementia. I…
Thank you again for all of your help you have been a pleasure to deal with this whole time and I’m a very happy with the final outcome. Couldn’t have done it without you and…
Dear Pamela, I do not have the words to express my joy at getting my resumption of Australian Citizenship approved. You worked so diligently and professionally on my case. Not to mention that I live in the…
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Although it took over 2 years to get to an out of court settlement with the company, Krislyn kept me up to date on everything that was occurring and all that was required of me…
I am extremely grateful to our lawyer Pamela for her exceptional expertise and guidance throughout our visa application process. Her extensive knowledge of Australian immigration laws, attention to detail, and prompt communication were instrumental in…
Thankyou Krislyn for your very much appreciated efforts. I didn’t expect a positive outcome and it’s obvious that engaging the services of your firm was the best decision I made. It was lovely meeting you…
Dear David, I cannot thank you and Alice enough for your help with this situation. Your professionalism as well as your personal insight and support of me during this time really gave me clear guidance…
Thank you to Kristy and Sarah for their work and support based on their deep experience and understanding of my case and the legal system. Not only were they fair financially but I was briefed…
I highly recommend Owen Hodge Lawyers, they have helped me in a completely professional way. They have given me several options for the path to obtaining my PR, always taking care of the details and…
I highly recommend Owen Hodge Lawyers. I have sought advice regarding my immigration paths and Pamela gave me all the support and guidance I needed in my case. She looked at every detail and with…
Thank you Owen Hodge Lawyers. I was really happy with your work and responsiveness in regards to my matter. Thanks again.
Thank you very much for outlining your advice in a clear and concise manner. Many thanks for your efforts.
Thank you very much for your assistance. We appreciate your guidance during this stressful time. I appreciate your prompt responses, given how busy you are! Thanks again.
Thank you for your great work on my matter. I’m extremely satisfied with the advice you have given and I would be happy to work with the Owen Hodge Lawyers team again on this, or…
Highly recommended, we were lucky enough to discuss our case with Pamela, and we are very happy, super involved and with great professionalism and patience they solved all our doubts. I would definitely work with…
I had an awesome experience at OHL and would definitely recommend it to everyone seeking legal services. The whole team was exceptional and Pamela is certainly a very dedicated and professional lawyer.
I highly recommend OHL!! They are professional and very precise. I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to leave Pamela responsible for my case.
Thank you for all your help with my legal matter. I really appreciate everything that you have done.
Karen’s advice and guidance throughout our property purchase was invaluable. I highly recommend Owen Hodge for a seamless and professional experience. Thank You!
Karen is super attentive and knows her stuff, we ended up with an early settlement thanks to Karen’s coordination and professionalism. Patty also provided great support throughout. Both Karen and Patty are a pleasure to…
Karen was wonderful during our sale of our house and purchase of a new house. She was always able to answer questions and kept calm when I was starting to stress. I would recommend Karen…
My partner and I hired Pamela for our partner visa. Pamela is incredibly professional, hard-working, and made what would usually be a stressful process the complete opposite! No matter what question we had, Pamela explained…
I would, and have recommended Owen Hodge Lawyers to friends and colleagues and to anyone needing expert legal counsel in any area of the law. The results of my case, regarding the Will & Estate…
We had our permanent application done with them. Very professional team, Pamela, our lawyer, helped us a lot through the whole process until we get a positive outcome. I highly recommend their services for any…
We had a very positive experience with Owen Hodge Lawyers, and in particular with James Kelly when we needed to update our wills.
Dealing with Lawyers can be a huge stress for all parties concerned. As I live in NZ I was under the impression it would be an extremely difficult and lengthy process but Owen Hodge Lawyers…
My experience with Christine Vrahas was Exceptional. In this complex case; she had all bases covered and genuinely exceeded my expectations. I have had dealings with other Lawyers, to be brief – they paled in…
“I won my case at the Guardianship Tribunal yesterday.. After discussions with my mother, we agreed that it would be in my aunt’s best interest to have the Public Guardian take over as I just…
“A short note to thank you for all of the assistance you gave us recently….
“I have been dealing with Owen Hodge Lawyers for approximately 2 years now, in that time they have increased my cash collections by 100%. Their assistance in the recovery of doubtful debts has been exceptional….
Thanks so much for looking after us. I know it is your job, but your professionalism and efficiency is second to none.
Just a quick note to thank Debbie and James for the great work you did for Dad in the sale of his Greglea unit. You made the sale for me very easy to deal with…
The information provided, both in the excellent talk by James Kelly and the handout, was extremely beneficial as an outline on a number of legal aspects….
Will definitely recommend Owen Hodge lawyers to those who need guidance and expert advice. I worked with the Immigration team and they are very professional, honest and straight to the point….
James, Louise and the entire Estate Planning team, we have been very impressed with your firms professionalism and the way in which you’ve handled our matter. We have enjoyed working with Louise and your team.…
Owen Hodge Lawyer’s expert help in a moment of crisis for me was invaluable. They were extremely professional in judging the situation and facts and responded in a way that I felt the matter was…
Thank you for your time, effort and honesty in assisting me with my case this year.
My divorce has gone through without a hitch. Thank you for all your help and advice through this process.
I would highly recommend Kristy-Lee to my family and friends for family law matters that they have……
I was always informed and reassured that the outcome of my case would be best for myself but most importantly moving forward with my children and my life. Kristy-Lee has extensive experience and knowledge in…
During my divorce proceedings I was in a position I had never experienced previously and was not sure what direction to take. Kristy Lee advised me in a way that was easy to understand but…
Many thanks to Christine Vrahas, Alice Holman, and James Kelly for all the time and support that was given leading up to the settlement of my Aunts estate.
On behalf of the family I would like to thank you for the professionalism that you have shown in your handling of our mother’s estate. We appreciate it very much. It was a hard and…
We had found Owen Hodge Lawyers when we were very sad and our case was looking helpless ….
Owen Hodge Lawyers have provided me with excellent legal advice. The processes they administered were done thoroughly and all actions communicated clearly. They provide a friendly and considerate service and I would certainly recommend them…
I would like to send a big thank you to the team at Owen Hodge Lawyer Hurstville for their collective effort to resolve my late Wife’s estate dispute and all before Christmas.
Owen Hodge – particularly Alice Holman and Christine Vrahas, with the help of co-partner James Kelly – were efficacious, pragmatic and most reassuring in the eighteen months we went into battle in a probate case….
Dear Alice and the Team, I would like to thank you and your team for the help and guidance you have given me throughout the year…..
Our family engaged Owen Hodge Lawyers to help secure a partner visa for my fiancé. We worked with Pamela who is their immigration specialist and she was consistent in demonstrating herself as a diligent person…
Owen Hodge Lawyers is one of the best and most reliable migration consultancies. I have had several visas granted with their assistance, and most recently, my 189 visa was successfully approved. A special hats off…
Pamela has been my immigration lawyer from my Graduate Visa through to my 189 visa, and I couldn’t have asked for better guidance. She is exceptionally thorough with every detail of the application, right down…
Throughout the visa process, Pamela demonstrated exceptional professionalism and outstanding attention to detail, both of which are crucial for a successful application. Her dedication went above and beyond, as she worked with me through Christmas…
Hi Pamela, Thanks so much for all your help over the past five years! You’ve guided us through everything, our studies, visa applications, and all the steps along the way. We wouldn’t have made it…
I am a client of Kristy-Lee and we have just finalised a property settlement via OHL over a period of ~3 years for my Father who is in an Aged Care home suffering dementia. I…
Thank you again for all of your help you have been a pleasure to deal with this whole time and I’m a very happy with the final outcome. Couldn’t have done it without you and…
Dear Pamela, I do not have the words to express my joy at getting my resumption of Australian Citizenship approved. You worked so diligently and professionally on my case. Not to mention that I live in the…
The team at Owen Hodge supported me during my case and were extremely helpful. Krislyn always kept me up to date with where we were at, and I felt I was in capable hands. She…
Although it took over 2 years to get to an out of court settlement with the company, Krislyn kept me up to date on everything that was occurring and all that was required of me…
I am extremely grateful to our lawyer Pamela for her exceptional expertise and guidance throughout our visa application process. Her extensive knowledge of Australian immigration laws, attention to detail, and prompt communication were instrumental in…
Thankyou Krislyn for your very much appreciated efforts. I didn’t expect a positive outcome and it’s obvious that engaging the services of your firm was the best decision I made. It was lovely meeting you…
Dear David, I cannot thank you and Alice enough for your help with this situation. Your professionalism as well as your personal insight and support of me during this time really gave me clear guidance…
Thank you to Kristy and Sarah for their work and support based on their deep experience and understanding of my case and the legal system. Not only were they fair financially but I was briefed…
I highly recommend Owen Hodge Lawyers, they have helped me in a completely professional way. They have given me several options for the path to obtaining my PR, always taking care of the details and…
I highly recommend Owen Hodge Lawyers. I have sought advice regarding my immigration paths and Pamela gave me all the support and guidance I needed in my case. She looked at every detail and with…
Thank you Owen Hodge Lawyers. I was really happy with your work and responsiveness in regards to my matter. Thanks again.
Thank you very much for outlining your advice in a clear and concise manner. Many thanks for your efforts.
Thank you very much for your assistance. We appreciate your guidance during this stressful time. I appreciate your prompt responses, given how busy you are! Thanks again.
Thank you for your great work on my matter. I’m extremely satisfied with the advice you have given and I would be happy to work with the Owen Hodge Lawyers team again on this, or…
Highly recommended, we were lucky enough to discuss our case with Pamela, and we are very happy, super involved and with great professionalism and patience they solved all our doubts. I would definitely work with…
I had an awesome experience at OHL and would definitely recommend it to everyone seeking legal services. The whole team was exceptional and Pamela is certainly a very dedicated and professional lawyer.
I highly recommend OHL!! They are professional and very precise. I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to leave Pamela responsible for my case.
Thank you for all your help with my legal matter. I really appreciate everything that you have done.
Karen’s advice and guidance throughout our property purchase was invaluable. I highly recommend Owen Hodge for a seamless and professional experience. Thank You!
Karen is super attentive and knows her stuff, we ended up with an early settlement thanks to Karen’s coordination and professionalism. Patty also provided great support throughout. Both Karen and Patty are a pleasure to…
Karen was wonderful during our sale of our house and purchase of a new house. She was always able to answer questions and kept calm when I was starting to stress. I would recommend Karen…
My partner and I hired Pamela for our partner visa. Pamela is incredibly professional, hard-working, and made what would usually be a stressful process the complete opposite! No matter what question we had, Pamela explained…
I would, and have recommended Owen Hodge Lawyers to friends and colleagues and to anyone needing expert legal counsel in any area of the law. The results of my case, regarding the Will & Estate…
We had our permanent application done with them. Very professional team, Pamela, our lawyer, helped us a lot through the whole process until we get a positive outcome. I highly recommend their services for any…
We had a very positive experience with Owen Hodge Lawyers, and in particular with James Kelly when we needed to update our wills.
Dealing with Lawyers can be a huge stress for all parties concerned. As I live in NZ I was under the impression it would be an extremely difficult and lengthy process but Owen Hodge Lawyers…
My experience with Christine Vrahas was Exceptional. In this complex case; she had all bases covered and genuinely exceeded my expectations. I have had dealings with other Lawyers, to be brief – they paled in…
“I won my case at the Guardianship Tribunal yesterday.. After discussions with my mother, we agreed that it would be in my aunt’s best interest to have the Public Guardian take over as I just…
“A short note to thank you for all of the assistance you gave us recently….
“I have been dealing with Owen Hodge Lawyers for approximately 2 years now, in that time they have increased my cash collections by 100%. Their assistance in the recovery of doubtful debts has been exceptional….
Thanks so much for looking after us. I know it is your job, but your professionalism and efficiency is second to none.
Just a quick note to thank Debbie and James for the great work you did for Dad in the sale of his Greglea unit. You made the sale for me very easy to deal with…
The information provided, both in the excellent talk by James Kelly and the handout, was extremely beneficial as an outline on a number of legal aspects….
Will definitely recommend Owen Hodge lawyers to those who need guidance and expert advice. I worked with the Immigration team and they are very professional, honest and straight to the point….
James, Louise and the entire Estate Planning team, we have been very impressed with your firms professionalism and the way in which you’ve handled our matter. We have enjoyed working with Louise and your team.…
Owen Hodge Lawyer’s expert help in a moment of crisis for me was invaluable. They were extremely professional in judging the situation and facts and responded in a way that I felt the matter was…
Thank you for your time, effort and honesty in assisting me with my case this year.
My divorce has gone through without a hitch. Thank you for all your help and advice through this process.
I would highly recommend Kristy-Lee to my family and friends for family law matters that they have……
I was always informed and reassured that the outcome of my case would be best for myself but most importantly moving forward with my children and my life. Kristy-Lee has extensive experience and knowledge in…
During my divorce proceedings I was in a position I had never experienced previously and was not sure what direction to take. Kristy Lee advised me in a way that was easy to understand but…
Many thanks to Christine Vrahas, Alice Holman, and James Kelly for all the time and support that was given leading up to the settlement of my Aunts estate.
On behalf of the family I would like to thank you for the professionalism that you have shown in your handling of our mother’s estate. We appreciate it very much. It was a hard and…
We had found Owen Hodge Lawyers when we were very sad and our case was looking helpless ….
Owen Hodge Lawyers have provided me with excellent legal advice. The processes they administered were done thoroughly and all actions communicated clearly. They provide a friendly and considerate service and I would certainly recommend them…
I would like to send a big thank you to the team at Owen Hodge Lawyer Hurstville for their collective effort to resolve my late Wife’s estate dispute and all before Christmas.
Owen Hodge – particularly Alice Holman and Christine Vrahas, with the help of co-partner James Kelly – were efficacious, pragmatic and most reassuring in the eighteen months we went into battle in a probate case….
Dear Alice and the Team, I would like to thank you and your team for the help and guidance you have given me throughout the year…..