Privacy & Cookie Policy

Introduction

Pauwels Law Group BV ("we", "us", "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy and cookie policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage our services.

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679 and applicable Belgian data protection legislation.

What data we collect

We may collect, use, store and transfer different kinds of personal data about you. We have grouped these as follows:

We do not collect any Special Categories of Personal Data (e.g., health, political opinions) unless required for legal services and with your explicit consent.

How we collect your data

We use different methods to collect data from and about you:

• Direct interactions: You may give us your Identity and Contact Data by filling in forms, corresponding with us by phone, email, or otherwise.
• Automated technologies: As you interact with our website, we automatically collect Technical Data about your equipment and browsing actions via cookies and similar technologies.
• Third parties: We may receive personal data from public registers (e.g., Belgian Crossroads Bank for Enterprises) or business partners.

Purpose and legal basis

We will only use your personal data when the law allows us to. Most commonly, we will use your data in the following circumstances:

Cookie policy

Our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users and provide a better browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.

Types of cookies we use

Managing cookies

You can set your browser to refuse all or some cookies. However, if you disable essential cookies, parts of our site may become inaccessible. You can also manage analytics cookies via our cookie preference centre.

Data sharing & international transfers

We may share your personal data with:

• Other law firms (for co‑counsel arrangements)
• Professional advisors (accountants, auditors, insurers)
• IT service providers (website hosting, email services)
• Regulatory authorities (where required by law)

Some recipients may be located outside the European Economic Area. Where we transfer data, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (EU Commission approved)
• Binding Corporate Rules
• Adequacy decisions (e.g., UK, Switzerland)

Data retention

We will only retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes we collected it for, including for legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

For client data, we generally retain files for 10 years after matter closure (as required by the Belgian Civil Code and bar regulations). Website usage data is retained for 26 months.

Your rights

Under the GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations).
• Restriction: Limit processing in certain circumstances.
• Data portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format.
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Withdraw consent: Where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our DPO . You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (Gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit).

Data security

We have implemented appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against accidental loss, unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure. These include encryption, access controls, and secure data storage.

Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy and cookie policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. If we make significant changes, we will notify you by email or via a notice on our website.

Contact us

If you have any questions about this policy or our data practices, please contact: