Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026  ·  Effective immediately upon site use

Sterling & Associates ("we," "our," or "the firm") is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to this website and clients of our firm. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

When you submit a contact form, use the AI chatbot, request a consultation, or create a client account, we collect the information you directly provide — including your name, email address, phone number, and the substance of your inquiry.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior, including: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, pages visited and time spent, referring URLs, and general geographic location.

How We Use Your Information

Primary Uses

We use collected information to: respond to your inquiries and consultation requests; provide legal services to clients under a representation agreement; send appointment reminders and case updates to clients; improve our website and AI tools; and comply with legal obligations.

We Do Not Sell Your Data

Sterling & Associates does not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Period.

Data Security

Technical Safeguards

We use HTTPS encryption, secure servers, and limited access controls to protect your information. Client portal data is additionally protected by authentication and session security.

Limitations

No method of transmission or storage over the internet is 100% secure. While we use commercially reasonable safeguards, we cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

Third-Party Services

Services We Use

We use the following third-party services that may process your data: Google Analytics (website analytics, anonymized); email service provider (inquiry responses); scheduling software (consultation bookings); and payment processor for client invoicing. Each service operates under its own privacy policy.

Attorney-Client Privilege

What Creates Privilege

Attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications between attorney and client made for the purpose of seeking or providing legal advice — but only after a formal attorney-client relationship is established via written retainer.

Before Representation

Information submitted through our website forms, chatbot, or email before execution of a representation agreement may not be protected by full attorney-client privilege. However, we treat all such communications with strict professional confidentiality.

Your Rights

Access & Deletion

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, request correction of inaccurate data, or request deletion of your data, subject to applicable legal requirements and our retention obligations.

Opt-Out

You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time by contacting us at privacy@sterlingdefense.com.

Policy Updates

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted to this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of our website after such posting constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Our Privacy Team

Questions about this Privacy Policy or your data? Contact us at:

Email: privacy@sterlingdefense.com

Mail: Sterling & Associates, 1250 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020

Phone: (212) 555-0199