Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Inc (“VDM Attorneys”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and to processing your personal information lawfully, fairly and securely in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”). This notice explains how we collect, use, store and protect the personal information you share with us through this website and in the course of providing legal services.

1. Who we are

VDM Attorneys is a firm of attorneys, notaries and conveyancers operating from our Johannesburg (Sandton) and Greenstone offices. For any privacy-related query, or to exercise any of your rights under POPIA, you may contact us at info@vdm.law.

2. Information we collect

We collect personal information such as your name, contact details (email address and telephone number), the content of your correspondence, and any information you provide when you complete an enquiry or application form, request a consultation, or instruct us on a matter. We only collect information that is relevant and necessary for the purposes set out below.

3. How we use your information

To respond to your enquiries and provide the legal services you request;
To communicate with you about your matter and our services;
To comply with our legal, regulatory and professional obligations, including the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA); and
To maintain accurate records and manage our client relationship.

4. Lawful basis and consent

We process your personal information on the basis of your consent, the performance of a mandate or contract, compliance with a legal obligation, or our legitimate interests. By submitting your information to us you consent to its processing as described in this notice.

5. Sharing your information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with third parties only where necessary to provide our services (for example, the Deeds Office, financial institutions or briefed counsel) or where required by law. Any operators who process information on our behalf are required to keep it secure and confidential.

6. Security and retention

We take appropriate, reasonable technical and organisational measures to safeguard your personal information against loss, unauthorised access and misuse. We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.

7. Your rights

Subject to POPIA, you have the right to access the personal information we hold about you, to request that it be corrected or deleted, and to object to its processing. To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@vdm.law. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa).

8. Changes to this notice

We may update this notice from time to time. The current version will always be available on this website.

Website Terms of Use

These terms govern your access to and use of the Van Deventer Dowlath & Marx Inc (“VDM Attorneys”) website. By accessing or using this website you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the website.

1. Information only, not legal advice

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Accessing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and VDM Attorneys.

2. No warranties

While we take reasonable care to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and current, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to its completeness, accuracy or reliability. We may update or change the content at any time without notice.

3. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, VDM Attorneys shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind arising from your use of, or reliance on, this website or its content.

4. Intellectual property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos and images, is owned by or licensed to VDM Attorneys and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute or use any content without our prior written consent.

5. External links

This website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, availability or privacy practices of those websites and provide such links for convenience only.

6. Privacy

Your use of this website is also governed by our Privacy & POPIA Notice, which explains how we handle your personal information.

7. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, and any dispute arising from your use of this website is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

8. Contact us

For any questions about these terms, please contact us at info@vdm.law.