Effective Date: Feb 14, 2025
Last Updated: Feb 19, 2025

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how FirmLex Advisor uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website firmlexadvisor.com. This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Contact Information:

• Email: cookies@firmlexadvisor.com
• Phone: +1 (905) 889-4851
• Address: 21 Vulcan St, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1L3, Canada

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and login status, making your next visit easier and the site more useful to you.

2.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a specified period
• First-Party Cookies: Cookies set directly by firmlexadvisor.com
• Third-Party Cookies: Cookies set by external services we use

3. How We Use Cookies

3.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide our legal services:

Security and Authentication

• session_id: Manages your session on our website
• csrf_token: Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks
• auth_token: Remembers your login status for secure client areas
• security_hash: Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive areas

Website Functionality

• language_preference: Remembers your language selection
• accessibility_settings: Stores your accessibility preferences
• contact_form_data: Temporarily stores form information during submission
• legal_disclaimer_accepted: Records acceptance of legal disclaimers

Legal Basis: Legitimate interests (essential for website operation)
Retention Period: Session to 1 year

3.2 Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website and improve our services:

Google Analytics

• _ga: Distinguishes unique users
• _gid: Distinguishes unique users for 24 hours
• _gat: Throttles request rate
• ga[ID]: Contains campaign-related information

Website Performance

• performance_monitoring: Tracks page load times
• error_tracking: Identifies technical issues
• user_journey: Analyzes navigation patterns
• bounce_rate: Measures user engagement

Legal Basis: Consent
Retention Period: Up to 2 years

3.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience on our website:

Personalization

• client_preferences: Remembers your personal settings
• consultation_history: Tracks your previous inquiries
• document_preferences: Remembers document viewing preferences
• notification_settings: Manages your notification preferences

Communication

• chat_session: Maintains live chat sessions
• callback_request: Stores callback preferences
• meeting_preferences: Remembers scheduling preferences
• timezone_setting: Stores your timezone for appointments

Legal Basis: Consent
Retention Period: Up to 1 year

3.4 Marketing Cookies

These cookies are used for marketing purposes (with your consent):

Google Ads

• _gcl_au: Google Ads conversion tracking
• gac: Google Ads campaign attribution
• google_conversion: Tracks consultation requests
• remarketing_audience: Enables targeted advertising

Social Media Integration

• facebook_pixel: Facebook advertising and analytics
• linkedin_insight: LinkedIn professional advertising
• twitter_conversion: Twitter advertising tracking

Legal Industry Marketing

• legal_content_tracking: Tracks engagement with legal content
• webinar_attendance: Records legal webinar participation
• newsletter_engagement: Measures newsletter interaction

Legal Basis: Consent
Retention Period: 30-90 days

4. Detailed Cookie Information

4.1 Essential Cookies Table

4.2 Analytics Cookies Table

4.3 Functional Cookies Table

4.4 Marketing Cookies Table

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Legal Technology Services

We use specialized legal technology services that may set cookies:

• Legal research platforms: Westlaw, LexisNexis
• Document management systems: NetDocuments, iManage
• Electronic signature services: DocuSign, Adobe Sign
• Client portal systems: Secure client communication platforms

5.2 Business Services

We use business services that may set cookies:

• Microsoft Office 365: Email and document collaboration
• Google Workspace: Business productivity tools
• Zoom: Video conferencing for client meetings
• Calendly: Appointment scheduling system

5.3 Website Services

Our website uses third-party services including:

• Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis
• Google Ads: Online advertising and conversion tracking
• Social media platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter integration
• Content delivery networks: Fast content delivery

6. Cookie Consent and Control

6.1 Your Cookie Choices

You have several options to control cookies on our website:

Our Cookie Consent Tool

When you first visit our website, you can:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences by category
• Change your preferences at any time

Cookie Settings Page

You can manage your cookie preferences by:

• Visiting our Cookie Settings page
• Adjusting preferences by cookie category
• Saving your choices for future visits
• Reviewing and updating settings regularly

6.2 Browser Cookie Controls

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

Chrome

• Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Choose to block all cookies or allow only first-party cookies
• Manage exceptions for specific websites

Firefox

• Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Choose custom settings for cookie management
• Block cookies from specific sites

Safari

• Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
• Choose to block all cookies or allow from current website only
• Manage website data and cookies

Edge

• Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies
• Choose to block all cookies or allow only first-party cookies
• Manage permissions for specific sites

6.3 Third-Party Opt-Out Options

You can opt out of third-party tracking:

• Google Analytics: Use the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on
• Google Ads: Visit Google’s Ad Settings to opt out of personalized ads
• Facebook: Use Facebook’s ad preferences to control advertising
• LinkedIn: Adjust LinkedIn’s advertising preferences

7. Impact of Disabling Cookies

7.1 Essential Cookies

Disabling essential cookies will significantly impact your experience:

• Security issues: Unable to access secure client areas
• Functionality problems: Contact forms may not work properly
• Session management: Inability to maintain login sessions
• Legal compliance: May not be able to track acceptance of legal terms

7.2 Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies will:

• Reduce service improvement: We cannot identify and fix issues
• Limit optimization: Website performance may not improve
• Affect content: We cannot determine which content is most useful
• Impact accessibility: May not improve accessibility features

7.3 Functional Cookies

Disabling functional cookies will:

• Reset preferences: Settings will not be remembered between visits
• Affect personalization: Content will not be tailored to your interests
• Impact communication: Chat and callback features may not work
• Scheduling issues: Appointment preferences will not be saved

7.4 Marketing Cookies

Disabling marketing cookies will:

• Reduce targeted advertising: Ads will be less relevant to your interests
• Limit conversion tracking: We cannot measure marketing effectiveness
• Affect social integration: Social media features may not work
• Impact content delivery: Legal content recommendations may be less relevant

8. Professional and Legal Considerations

8.1 Client Confidentiality

We ensure that our cookie usage does not compromise:

• Solicitor-client privilege: Privileged communications remain protected
• Professional confidentiality: Client information is not shared inappropriately
• Legal professional privilege: Attorney work product remains confidential
• Duty of confidentiality: Professional obligations are maintained

8.2 Data Security

Our cookies are designed with security in mind:

• Encryption: Sensitive cookie data is encrypted
• Secure transmission: Cookies are transmitted over secure connections
• Access controls: Limited access to cookie data
• Regular audits: Periodic security reviews of cookie usage

8.3 Compliance Requirements

Our cookie usage complies with:

• Canadian privacy laws: PIPEDA and provincial privacy legislation
• Professional regulations: Law Society of Ontario requirements
• International standards: GDPR compliance for EU visitors
• Industry best practices: Legal technology security standards

9. Cookie Policy Updates

9.1 Policy Changes

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:

• New cookie technologies: Implementation of new tracking technologies
• Service changes: Addition or removal of third-party services
• Legal requirements: Changes in privacy laws and regulations
• Best practices: Industry developments and recommendations

9.2 Notification of Changes

We will notify you of material changes through:

• Website notifications: Prominent notices on our website
• Email communications: Notifications to active clients
• Updated timestamps: Changes to the “Last Updated” date
• Cookie consent updates: New consent requests when necessary

10. Contact Information

For questions about this Cookie Policy or to exercise your cookie preferences:

FirmLex Advisor
Cookie Privacy Officer
21 Vulcan St
Etobicoke, ON M9W 1L3
Canada

Email: cookies@firmlexadvisor.com
Phone: +1 (905) 889-4851

For data protection inquiries: privacy@firmlexadvisor.com

11. Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and privacy:

• About Cookies: www.aboutcookies.org
• Your Online Choices: www.youronlinechoices.com
• Privacy Commissioner of Canada: www.priv.gc.ca
• Digital Advertising Alliance: www.youradchoices.ca

12. Professional Resources

For legal professionals seeking cookie guidance:

• Law Society of Ontario: www.lso.ca
• Canadian Bar Association: www.cba.org
• Legal Technology Guidelines: Professional technology standards
• Privacy Best Practices: Legal industry privacy resources

By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy. You can change your cookie preferences at any time through our cookie settings or your browser preferences.