Watkins Solicitors - Website Privacy Policy

Watkins Solicitors - Website Privacy Policy

This privacy policy explains how Watkins Solicitors collects, uses, and protects personal data obtained through our website, www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk. It is designed for general website visitors and outlines how we manage data relating to site usage and online services.

If you are a client or become a client of Watkins Solicitors, you will receive additional privacy information tailored to the services we provide as part of your engagement with us.

Who We Are

Watkins Solicitors is a regulated law firm operating in England and Wales. We are the data controller for any personal data collected through this website.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact: marketing@watkinssolicitors.co.uk  / Watkins Solicitors, 192 North Street, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1JF

What Data We Collect via Our Website

We may collect the following types of information when you visit our site:

Data You Provide

  • Personal details you submit via contact forms, such as your name, email address, phone number, and enquiry details.

  • Email sign-up information if you consent to receive newsletters or marketing updates.

Data Collected Automatically

  • IP address, browser type, and operating system

  • Pages visited, time spent on site, links clicked, and referring URLs

  • Device identifiers and location data (at a generalised, non-specific level)

How We Use Your Data

We use the data collected through our website to:

  • Respond to your enquiries and provide the services or information you request

  • Improve your experience when using our website

  • Analyse and monitor website performance, including via Google Analytics

  • Maintain website security and functionality

  • Comply with legal obligations

We will only send you marketing communications where you have provided consent, and you can opt out at any time.

Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, the lawful bases on which we process your personal data may include:

  • Consent: for marketing communications or analytics where consent is required

  • Contract: where processing is necessary to provide services you request

  • Legal obligation: where required by law or regulation

  • Legitimate interests: for improving our website and understanding user behaviour, provided this does not override your rights

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Cookies are small files stored on your browser that help us analyse web traffic and personalise your experience.

We use cookies to:

  • Monitor how users navigate our site (analytics)

  • Identify technical issues and improve performance

  • Tailor content based on user preferences

Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential cookies: required for basic functionality

  • Analytics cookies: to track and report site usage (e.g. via Google Analytics)

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time via your browser settings. We only use non-essential cookies where you have given explicit consent.

For full details of the cookies we use, please refer to https://www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk/site/help/privacy/ or contact us at marketing@watkinssolicitors.co.uk.

Use of Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors interact with our website. This involves sharing anonymised technical data, including your IP address. Google may use this information for its own advertising services.

For more information, see:

Who We Share Your Data With

We do not sell your personal data. We may share data with trusted third-party service providers who support our website and IT infrastructure, including:

  • Website hosting providers

  • Analytics and marketing platforms (where consent has been given)

All such partners are required to comply with data protection laws.

International Transfers

If any third-party processors transfer your data outside the UK, we ensure that appropriate safeguards (e.g. Standard Contractual Clauses) are in place to protect your data.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We only retain website-related personal data for as long as necessary. Enquiry form submissions are kept for up to 12 months, and analytics data for up to 26 months (unless consent is withdrawn sooner).

Your Rights

Under data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction or deletion

  • Object to processing or request restriction

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Lodge a complaint with the ICO

To exercise your rights, please contact: marketing@watkinssolicitors.co.uk

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website at: https://www.watkinssolicitors.co.uk/site/help/privacy/