Legal
Privacy Policy
Effective July 1, 2026
Information we collect
When you submit a consultation request through this website, we collect the information you provide: your name, telephone number, the general nature of your matter, and any message you include. We do not ask for, and you should not submit, detailed confidential facts through the form — save those for the consultation itself. The site also records routine technical data (browser type, pages visited) through standard analytics.
How it is used
Form submissions are used for one purpose: contacting you to arrange the consultation you requested. We do not sell, rent, or share your information with third parties for marketing. We do not add you to a newsletter you did not request, because we do not have one.
Confidentiality and privilege
Communications with the firm in pursuit of legal advice are protected by attorney-client privilege, whether or not an engagement follows. Website form submissions are handled with the same discretion as telephone inquiries. Note, however, that submitting the form does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship — see the Terms of Use.
Retention and security
Inquiry records are kept only as long as needed to respond and to meet our professional-responsibility obligations, then deleted. Client files are governed by the Virginia State Bar's record-retention rules and our engagement letters, not by this policy. Data in transit to this site is encrypted.
Questions
Write to counsel@merrittbell.com or telephone (804) 555-0158. A person will answer both.