Privacy policy
This page explains what information Legal Bearings collects, how we use it, and what choices you have. We wrote it in plain language so you can understand it without legal training.
What this policy covers
This Privacy Policy explains how Legal Bearings collects, uses, shares, and protects your information when you use our website, forms, tools, and free lawyer matching service. A privacy policy is a notice that tells you what happens to your personal information.
Legal Bearings is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. We are a free matching and marketing service for readers. Participating attorneys pay us a flat fee to be part of the service. We do not take a share of legal fees or any settlement.
If you want to learn more about what we do, see how it works and our not legal advice guide. If you have questions about this policy, you can also contact us through our contact page.
Information we may collect
We may collect information you give us directly. This could include your name, phone number, email address, ZIP code, language preference, and details about the legal problem you want help with. We ask for information that helps us understand what kind of lawyer may be a fit for your situation. We do not ask for medical history unless a form clearly says it is needed for a specific legal service.
We may also collect information automatically when you use our site. This can include your device type, browser, IP address, pages visited, time on the site, and general location based on your IP address. An IP address is a number connected to your internet use. This kind of data helps us keep the site working, prevent fraud, and understand what pages are useful.
Like many websites, we may use cookies and similar tools. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help a website remember your settings and measure site traffic. Some cookies help the site work. Others help us understand how people use the site so we can improve it.
How we use your information
- To respond to your questions and requests
- To try to match you with a licensed attorney or law firm in our network when you ask for help through get matched
- To send service messages, such as updates about your request
- To call, text, or email you about your request, when you give us permission to do that
- To improve our website, forms, language access, and user experience
- To prevent spam, fraud, misuse, and security problems
- To follow the law, enforce our terms, and protect rights and safety
Calls, texts, and your consent
If you give us your phone number and ask for help, you may agree to receive calls and text messages from Legal Bearings and from participating attorneys about your request. Your consent means you are saying yes to be contacted. These messages may include appointment scheduling, follow-up questions, or information about legal services related to your request.
Consent is not required to browse our website. If a form asks for your consent to receive calls or texts, you can choose whether to give it. Message and data rates may apply from your phone company. The number of messages may vary.
You can opt out at any time. To opt out of texts, reply STOP. For help, reply HELP. You may also contact us through the site to ask us to stop communications. Even if you opt out of marketing messages, we may still send you service-related messages needed to complete a request you started, where allowed by law.
Your choices and rights
- Ask to review or update information you gave us if it is wrong or out of date.
- Ask us to delete certain information, subject to legal and business limits.
- Opt out of marketing emails by using the unsubscribe link in the email.
- Opt out of text messages by replying STOP, or contact us to ask for fewer calls.
- Change cookie settings in your browser, although some site features may work less well.
- If your state gives you extra privacy rights, contact us and we will review your request under the law that applies.
How we protect information
We use reasonable security steps to help protect personal information. These may include access controls, secure storage, and tools that help detect misuse. No website or internet transmission is perfectly secure, so we cannot promise absolute security.
Please be careful when you share information online. Avoid sending highly sensitive details unless a secure form asks for them. If you think your information was used without permission, contact us as soon as you can.
We keep information for as long as needed for the purposes in this policy, unless the law requires a longer time. How long that is depends on the type of information, the service requested, and legal duties.
A simple note
Common questions
Does Legal Bearings sell my information?
We do not sell your personal information in the ordinary sense of selling it to random companies for their own use. We may share information with participating attorneys when you ask to be matched, and with service providers that help us run the site and communications.
Why do you ask for my phone number?
A phone number can help us or a participating attorney follow up about your request. If a form asks for consent to call or text you, you can choose whether to give it. Message and data rates may apply, and you can opt out later.
Can I use the website without agreeing to texts?
Yes. You do not need to agree to marketing texts just to read the website. If you start a matching request, some contact details may be needed so we can respond, but consent should be presented clearly where it matters.
Can you delete my information?
You may ask us to delete certain information. Sometimes we may need to keep some records for legal, security, fraud-prevention, or business reasons. The result can vary by state and your situation.
Do you protect information in languages other than English?
Yes. We aim to protect personal information the same way no matter what language you use. If something in our forms or messages is not clear, contact us and ask for help before sending more details.
In plain English: We try to collect only what we need, use it to help with your request, and give you choices, and if you want help finding a lawyer, our matching service is free.