Privacy Policy
The Starks Law Firm
Effective Date: March 18, 2026
The Starks Law Firm (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients and their contacts in accordance with applicable Georgia law, federal law, and professional ethical obligations.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of personal information:
a. Client Information
● Name, phone number, email address, and mailing address
● Case-related facts, documents, and medical or accident-related information
● Communications, including SMS/text messages
b. Contacts’ Information (Provided by Clients)
Clients may provide information about third parties relevant to their case (e.g., witnesses, medical providers), including:
● Name
● Phone number
● Email address
● Relationship to the case
c. SMS & Communication Data
When you communicate with us via text messaging:
● Phone number
● Message content and timestamps
● Delivery and response data
2. Legal Basis for Collection and Use
We collect and use personal information based on:
● Contractual necessity – to provide legal representation
● Client consent – including consent to receive SMS communications
● Legal and ethical obligations under Georgia law and the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct
● Legitimate business purposes such as client communication and case management
3. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:
● Provide legal services and manage personal injury claims
● Communicate with clients via phone, email, and text messaging (SMS)
● Send case updates, appointment reminders, and document requests
● Contact third parties relevant to a client’s case
● Comply with legal, court, and regulatory requirements
4. Text Messaging (SMS) Policy
By providing your phone number, you consent to receive SMS communications from The Starks Law Firm.
In compliance with Georgia telemarketing and communications laws, including recent updates to Georgia’s telemarketing statute (SB 73), we ensure:
● Messages are case-related and not unsolicited marketing
● You provide prior consent before receiving texts
● You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP”
Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.
We do not send unsolicited marketing text messages, and we maintain records of consent where required.
Additionally:
● Text communications with active clients are treated as confidential and may be protected by attorney-client privilege
● Texting may not be a fully secure method of communication, and clients accept this risk when opting in
5. Data Sharing Practices
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.
We may share information only when necessary:
● With service providers (e.g., case management software, SMS platforms) under confidentiality agreements
● With third parties involved in your case (insurance companies, medical providers, experts)
● When required by Georgia or federal law, subpoena, or court order
Important SMS Data Protection Rule
● Mobile opt-in data and consent will NOT be shared with third parties for marketing purposes
6. Protection of Contacts’ Data
If you provide us with another person’s contact information, you confirm that you have permission to do so.
We:
● Use such information only for case-related purposes
● Apply the same confidentiality standards as we do for client data
7. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information.
However:
● No system is completely secure
● SMS/text messaging carries inherent risks
Georgia ethical standards require attorneys to take reasonable steps to safeguard client information, including electronic communications.
8. Data Retention
We retain information only as long as necessary to:
● Fulfill legal representation obligations
● Comply with Georgia legal and ethical requirements
● Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
9. Your Privacy Rights (Georgia Residents)
While Georgia does not have a comprehensive consumer privacy law like some states, you still have the right to:
● Request access to your personal information
● Request corrections or updates
● Request deletion where applicable
● Withdraw consent for communications (including SMS)
10. Confidentiality & Attorney-Client Relationship
● Information shared with our firm is treated as confidential
● Attorney-client privilege applies once a formal relationship is established
● Communications from prospective clients may not be privileged until representation is confirmed
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as laws or practices change. Updates will be posted with a revised effective date.
12. Contact Information
The Starks Law Firm PO Box 360160, Decatur, GA 30036
(404) 372-2075
info@thestarksfirm.com
No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent.
SMS Terms & Conditions
The Starks Law Firm
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
By opting in to receive text messages from The Starks Law Firm (“we,” “our,” or “us”), you agree to the following SMS Terms & Conditions.
1. Program Description
The Starks Law Firm uses SMS (text messaging) to communicate with clients and prospective clients regarding:
● Case updates
● Appointment reminders
● Requests for documents or information
● Important legal notifications related to your case
SMS messages are not used for unsolicited marketing.
2. Opt-In Consent
By providing your mobile phone number and opting in, you:
● Expressly consent to receive SMS messages from The Starks Law Firm
● Confirm you are the authorized user of the mobile number provided
● Understand that consent is not a condition of purchasing legal services
Opt-in may occur through:
● Website forms
● Written agreements
● Verbal consent
● Text message confirmation (where applicable)
3. Message Frequency
Message frequency varies depending on your case and communication needs.
4. Message & Data Rates
Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan. The Starks Law Firm is not responsible for any charges incurred.
5. Opt-Out Instructions
You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time:
● Reply “STOP” to any message
● Contact our office directly at [Insert Phone Number]
After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS messages except for confirmation of your opt-out request.
6. Help Instructions
For assistance:
● Reply “HELP” to any message
● Or contact us at: Phone: [Insert Phone Number] Email: [Insert Email Address]
7. Privacy & Data Use
Your information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
● We do not sell or share your personal information for marketing purposes
● SMS opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties
● Information may be shared only as necessary to provide legal services or as required by law
8. Confidentiality Notice
While we take reasonable steps to protect your information:
● SMS is not a fully secure communication method
● Sensitive or confidential information should be shared through secure channels when possible
● Attorney-client privilege applies only after a formal agreement is established
9. Carriers Disclaimer
Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
10. Changes to Terms
We may update these SMS Terms & Conditions at any time. Updates will be posted with a revised effective date.
11. Contact Information
The Starks Law Firm PO Box 360160, Decatur, GA 30036
(404) 282-4250
info@thestarksfirm.com
SMS Opt-In & Opt-Out Policy
The Starks Law Firm
Opt-In Policy
The Starks Law Firm obtains prior express consent before sending SMS messages, in compliance with:
● Federal law (e.g., Telephone Consumer Protection Act – TCPA)
● Georgia telemarketing regulations (including SB 73)
Users may opt in by:
● Submitting a website form with consent language
● Signing an intake or representation agreement
● Providing verbal consent during consultation
● Initiating contact via text message
Sample Opt-In Language (Recommended for Website Forms)
“By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from The Starks Law Firm for case updates and communication. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.”
Opt-Out Policy
Clients and contacts may opt out at any time.
How to Opt Out
● Reply “STOP” to any SMS message
● Contact our office directly
After Opting Out
● You will receive a confirmation message
● No further SMS messages will be sent unless you re-consent
Re-Opt-In
You may opt back in at any time by:
● Contacting our office
● Re-submitting a consent form
● Replying to opt-in prompts (if available)
Compliance & Data Protection
● We maintain records of consent as required by law
● We do not send unsolicited messages
● We do not share or sell SMS opt-in data
Accessibility & Support
If you experience issues:
● Reply “HELP”
● Call: 404.282.4250
● Email: info@thestarksfirm.com