Data protection

Protecting the privacy of the users of our website is very important to us. Our content can be used without registration. We may use industry-standard technologies to measure and improve the performance of our website and collect data for that purpose. In some instances, we cooperate with external service providers. The privacy policy is a one-sided information about the type, scope, and purpose of the use of personal data.

What data do we collect and for what purposes?

Our website can be used without disclosing personal data. Our website server, though, temporarily stores information about user access. Information includes the IP address, the date and time of the access, the name and URL of the file accessed, the website from which the access is made (referrer URL), the browser used, the operating system of the computer used and the name of the user’s access provider. We use this data to ensure a smooth connection setup, comfortable use of the website, evaluation of system security and stability as well as for other administrative or marketing purposes.

How do we use cookies on our website?

To optimize our offer, we may use cookies on our website. These are text files that are stored on your computer and enable the analysis of the use of our website. You can configure your browser in a way that no cookies are stored on your computer or so that a warning is always displayed before a cookie is installed. A complete deactivation of cookies may result in the website not functioning or not functioning completely. The data processed through cookies is required for the above-mentioned purposes in order to safeguard our legitimate interests.

How do we use web analysis tools?

Through the measures listed below, we ensure the needs-based design and continuous optimization of our website. These measures allow us to statistically record and evaluate the use of our website. This is our legitimate interest. We may use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google Inc. (Google). Google Analytics uses cookies to analyze how you use the website. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website is usually transmitted to and stored on a Google server in the USA. We only use Google Analytics with activated IP anonymization. This means that your IP address will be shortened in Switzerland, the European Union and the European Economic Area. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be sent to a Google server in the USA and shortened there. Google will use this information on our behalf to evaluate your use of the website in order to provide us with reports on the activities of users on the website and to provide other services related to the use of the website and internet usage. Furthermore, Google will transfer this information to third parties if required by law or if third parties process this data on behalf of Google. The IP address provided by your browser will not be merged with Google’s other data. You may object to Google Analytics collecting the data with effect for the future by installing a deactivation add-on for your browser. Besides the possibility to install the deactivation add-on, there is another alternative to prevent Google Analytics from collecting the data. It is particularly interesting for users of mobile devices.

Do we disclose your data to third parties?

We only disclose your personal data to third parties if you expressly consent, if there is a legal obligation or permission to do so, if disclosure is necessary to assert, exercise or defend legal claims, or if the disclosure of data is necessary for the settlement of the terms and conditions of the contract with you.

How secure is your data?

We use technical and organizational measures to protect your data against manipulation, loss, destruction or unauthorized access by third parties. When you visit our website, the SSL encryption method is used. We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the mandate, or as long as it is required by legal retention and documentation obligations, or when we have a prevailing private or public interest in doing so.

Your data when making inquiries

This data policy applies to inquiries of a general nature or related to the execution of orders or legal mandates, even if no contractual or mandate relationship is established. The customary confidentiality in attorney-client correspondence is not guaranteed in email correspondence. We assume that individuals communicating via email consent to this form of communication and thereby agree to the use of emails to respond to inquiries.

What are your rights regarding your data?

You have rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, data portability, to revoke your consent and to object. If you believe that the processing of your data violates the data protection laws, you can report this to us or the relevant supervisory authority (Eidg. Öffentlichkeits- und Datenschutzbeauftragter, EDÖB). You have the right to object to our data processing that is based on our legitimate interest or that occurs for direct marketing purposes.

How can we change this data protection notice?

We reserve the right to change this data protection notice at any time. It is therefore advised to regularly consult the data policy on our website. Last revision March 2024.

Who is responsible for the data processing?

Responsible for the data processing is Dr. Felix Locher, Attorney at Law, Schweizerhof-Passage 7, P.O. Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland. Individuals affected by data protection matters can contact us in writing using the following address (telephone inquiries regarding data protection will not be processed): flocher@locher-legal.ch.