Privacy Policy
Regina M. Banis, LLC
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 23, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how Regina M. Banis, LLC ("Firm," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information obtained through our website, electronic communications, and the provision of legal services.
This policy is intended to comply with applicable federal law, South Carolina law, and professional obligations governing attorney confidentiality.
1. Information We Collect
The Firm may collect personal information including, but not limited to:
- Name, address, phone number, and email address
- Information provided through website contact forms or intake forms
- Information related to legal matters or representation
- Billing and payment information
- Communications sent to the Firm via email, text message, phone, video conference, or client portals
- Website usage data such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited
2. How We Use Information
The Firm uses personal information to:
- Provide legal services and communicate with clients
- Respond to inquiries and requests
- Schedule appointments and manage client matters
- Process billing and payments
- Comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations
- Maintain internal records and improve firm operations
The Firm does not sell, rent, or trade personal information for marketing purposes.
3. Attorney-Client Privilege and Confidentiality
Information provided to the Firm by clients may be protected by attorney-client privilege and confidentiality obligations where an attorney-client relationship exists.
Submitting information to the Firm does not create an attorney-client relationship unless and until a written engagement agreement is executed.
Prospective clients should not submit confidential or sensitive information until representation is confirmed.
4. Electronic Communications
The Firm communicates with clients and others through electronic means, including email, text messaging, phone calls, video conferencing, and client portals.
While the Firm takes reasonable steps to safeguard electronic communications, no method of electronic transmission is completely secure. Clients acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of electronic communications.
5. Website Cookies and Tracking
The Firm’s website may use cookies or similar technologies to:
- Enable website functionality
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
You may adjust your browser settings to disable cookies; however, doing so may limit certain website features.
6. Information Sharing and Disclosure
The Firm may share personal information only as necessary to:
- Provide legal services
- Comply with legal obligations or court orders
- Work with trusted service providers who assist with firm operations (such as practice management, billing, or communication platforms)
Service providers are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security measures.
7. Data Security
The Firm implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.
Despite these safeguards, the Firm cannot guarantee absolute security of information.
8. Data Retention
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill legal, ethical, and business purposes, including record retention requirements under applicable law.
9. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Request access to personal information held by the Firm
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Request limitations on certain uses or disclosures of information
Requests should be submitted to the Firm using the contact information below.
10. External Links
The Firm’s website may contain links to third-party websites. The Firm is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.
11. Policy Updates
The Firm reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be posted on the Firm’s website with a revised effective date.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or the Firm’s information practices, please contact:
Regina M. Banis, LLC
PO Box 1609
Bluffton, SC 29910
843-757-5500
This Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Regina M. Banis, LLC
Messaging Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 23, 2026
Regina M. Banis, LLC (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Firm”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy (the “Policy“) describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide to us when you visit www.reginabanis.com (our “Website“) or when you communicate with us electronically through the Website, SMS messages, emails and our client portal, if applicable. This Policy also describes our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information.
Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to:
• Current clients
• Prospective clients
• Former clients
• Any individual who communicates with the Firm via text message or similar messaging services
This policy applies only to messaging communications and should be read in conjunction with the Firm’s general Privacy Policy and/or Terms and Conditions.
Consent to Receive and Send Messages
By initiating communication with the Firm via text message (SMS/MMS) or by providing your mobile number and opting in to receive messages, you consent to:
• Receive text messages from the Firm related to legal services, scheduling, reminders, requests for information or documents, case updates, billing notifications, and administrative matters
• Allow the Firm to retain copies of these communications as part of its records
Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates may apply.
You may opt out of text messaging at any time by replying STOP or by contacting the Firm directly. Opting out of text messages may limit our ability to communicate with you efficiently.
Information We Collect
When you opt-in to receive SMS messages, we collect:
• Your name
• Your phone number
• Message content
• Date and time of communications
• Consent to send SMS messages
How We Collect Your Information
We may collect your information directly from you, such as when you complete a form or contact us or automatically, such as when you interact with our website. Text messages may be:
• Stored in our case management software or recordkeeping systems
• Retained in accordance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements
Appropriate Use of Messaging
Text messaging is provided as a convenience and should not be used for urgent matters, emergencies, or time-sensitive legal deadlines.
Clients are discouraged from sending:
• Highly sensitive personal information
• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Medical records
The Firm may request that sensitive information be communicated through more secure means.
Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege
Text messages exchanged with the Firm may be protected by attorney-client privilege if an attorney-client relationship exists. However:
• Text messaging may not be as secure as other forms of communication
• There is an inherent risk of unauthorized access, misdelivery, or interception
• Messages may be accessed by third parties with access to the client’s device or messaging account
By choosing to communicate via text message, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
• Send you the SMS messages you’ve opted in to receive
• To comply with our legal, professional ethics, and regulatory obligations
• Provide updates, schedule appointments, or other relevant content based on your preferences
• To process your requests
• To provide you with support and to respond to your inquiries
• To operate our business
You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message we send you. You can review our Terms and Conditions on our website for additional information about the opt-out process.
To Whom We Disclose Your Information
The Firm may use third-party service providers to facilitate messaging communications. These providers may store or process messages on the Firm’s behalf and are contractually required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security standards. We do not share your personal information, phone number, or SMS consent opt-in data with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
Protection of Information
We take steps to protect your information against unauthorized use or disclosure. The Firm implements reasonable safeguards to protect messaging communications, including:
• Secure practice management systems
• Role-based access controls
While reasonable precautions are taken, no electronic communication method can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Updates
We may periodically update this Privacy Policy. If we make material changes that have a substantive and adverse impact on your privacy, we will provide notice on this website prior to the change becoming effective. We encourage you to periodically review this page for the latest information about our privacy practices.
How to Contact Us
You can reach us by texting the word HELP for support to 843-757-5500. You may also call us directly by phone at 843-757-5500.