Privacy Notice

Effective: May 10, 2024

Barnes & Thornburg LLP (“Barnes & Thornburg”) and its affiliates and subsidiaries, including ThemeVision, understand the importance of privacy. This Privacy Notice applies to all our interactions with you, including when you visit our websites, request or receive professional Services, provide information for our educational and marketing events, request information from us, apply for a job, or when you otherwise provide information to Barnes & Thornburg (collectively, the “Services”). Our Privacy Notice describes our collection of information during your interactions with our Services, and the rights and choices you have regarding your information.

Barnes & Thornburg is engaged in the practice of law. Information obtained by Barnes & Thornburg in the course of representing our clients may be subject to or protected in ways not covered by this Privacy Notice, including the attorneys’ professional duty of confidentiality, the attorney-client privilege, the attorney work product doctrine, judicial protective orders, and other legal privileges or protections.

By using our website or any of our Services, you agree with the terms of this Privacy Notice.

Contact Information 

Barnes & Thornburg LLP has offices throughout the United States, including at 11 South Meridian Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Should you have any comments or questions about how we collect and use your Personal Information, communication can be directed to Barnes & Thornburg’s postal address, via email to privacy@btlaw.com, or by telephone to 1-800-753-5139 to the attention of the Office of the General Counsel.

Applicability & Eligibility 

Before accessing, using, or interacting with the Services you should carefully review the terms and conditions of this Privacy Notice. By accepting our Privacy Notice, you are confirming that you have read and understand these terms, including how and why we use your information. If you don’t want us to collect or process your Personal Information in the ways described in this Privacy Notice, you should immediately terminate your use of the Services and not otherwise provide any information. For purposes of this Section, accessing the Services only to review this Privacy Notice is not deemed to be use of the Services. 

We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under the age of 18 outside the scope of legal representation, nor do we market the Services to them.

Third-Party Services

This Privacy Notice applies only to our Services. We do not control the privacy practices or the content of any of our business partners, advertisers, sponsors, or other third parties we link to from our Services.  

Barnes & Thornburg does not endorse, approve, or certify content from third parties, and we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, or timeliness of the information they provide. You should check the applicable Privacy Notice of the website sponsor when linking to other websites.

Security

When handling information, we utilize administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or loss. However, no internet transmission is ever fully secure, and we cannot guarantee that information transmitted via our Services will remain confidential at all times.

Information Collection 

Barnes & Thornburg collects information, including Personal Information, through interactions with the Services. “Personal Information” means information that can reasonably identify an individual, or as otherwise defined by law. 

Browsing Information. We collect browsing information automatically when you visit our website. This includes:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Browser settings
• Device ID
• Operating system
• Cookie ID

Commercial Information. We collect commercial information when you become our client or vendor, or if you voluntarily provide it to us. This includes:

• Business address
• Business phone number
• Business email

Contact Information. We collect contact information when you provide it to us at an event, via email, online form and job application submissions, or through other means. This includes:

• Name
• Contact details
• Home address
• Personal email
• Phone numbers
• Previous residence address

Financial Information. We collect financial information when you pay us for any Services, become an employee, or become a vendor. This includes:

• Bank account information
• Payment card information
• Transaction details

Education/Employment Information. We collect education information when you apply for a position and complete interviews. This includes:

• Interview notes
• School records and transcripts
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resumes
• Reference letters
• Previous employment information

Social Media Data. We collect this information automatically when you share information through social media widgets on our website. We also collect it when you voluntarily provide it to us. This includes:

• First name
• Last name
• Contact information
• Profile username
• Profile picture
• Post history
  
  

Sources of Information

We collect Personal Information from a variety of different sources, including:

Directly from Individuals. We collect information when individuals voluntarily provide it to us through applying for a job, attending an event, or as otherwise provided to us.

Website Visitors & Online. We collect browsing information automatically from those who visit our website. We collect contact information, commercial information, and social media data from those who provide it voluntarily via contact forms, job applications, email messages, and social media links.

Clients. We collect commercial information, contact information, and financial information when individuals and businesses become our client. As noted above, Barnes & Thornburg is engaged in the practice of law. Information obtained by Barnes & Thornburg in the course of representing our clients may be subject to or protected in ways not covered by this Privacy Notice, including the attorneys’ professional duty of confidentiality, the attorney-client privilege, the attorney work product doctrine, judicial protective orders, and other legal privileges or protections. Information we collect from our clients may include a wide array of sensitive Personal Information about our clients, their employees, representatives, associates, family members and other third parties. We may also collect or receive information related to underlying legal matters and information about our clients and prospective clients, including financial and business information. We ask that clients and prospective clients only provide us the minimum amount of Personal Information necessary for Barnes & Thornburg to perform its legal Services. The client responsible for obtaining any approvals, authorizations, consents, permissions, and permits that are required in connection with your providing Barnes & Thornburg with any information (including, but not limited to, any information relating to a third party).

Vendors & Service Providers. We will collect commercial information, contact information, and financial information when you voluntarily become our customer, vendor, or service provider.

Cookies & Trackers. We use cookies and other embedded tracking technology like web beacons, which automatically collect users’ browsing information when they use our website. You will find other parties’ trackers on our website. Other parties like our analytics and advertising partners place code with cookies or web beacons embedded in them. These are called third-party cookies. Some third-party cookies are used to track a particular user’s activity across the Internet.

Analytics. We use data analytics to ensure site functionality and improve the Services. We use mobile analytics software to allow us to understand the functionality of the Services on your mobile device. This software may record information such as how often you use the Services, what happens within the Services, aggregated usage, performance data, app errors and debugging information, and where the Services were downloaded from. We do not link the information we store within the analytics software to any Personal Information that you submit within the mobile application. We collect Analytics Information either directly or through third parties acting on our behalf. For example, Google Analytics is one of the providers we use to collect Analytics Information. These data analytics and online advertising providers may combine and use data collected through your use of the Site with data they collect over time and across different websites for their own purposes. You can learn about how Google collects and processes data at https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites. You can learn about the controls Google offers to manage the collection and use of your information at https://policies.google.com/privacy. We recommend that you review these other entities’ privacy policies.

Publicly Available Sources. Barnes & Thornburg may collect information about you or your business from publicly available sources, such as LinkedIn or from credit bureaus.

Sensitive Personal Information

Barnes & Thornburg collects, uses, or processes Personal Information, which is classified as sensitive under certain US or foreign legislation only when individuals apply for a job or provide it through client representations. Sensitive information we collect includes:

Personal Identifiers. We collect personal identifiers when you apply for employment or provide it through client representation. This can include:

• Driver’s license or state ID number
• Passport number
• Social Security Number
• Gender
• Race and ethnicity
• Disability information

Criminal & Immigration Information. We collect criminal and immigration information through a third party during the hiring decision process and/or directly from you. This can include:

• Criminal history
• Immigration documents and verifications

We do not collect sensitive information through other means or courses. We do not collect sensitive information without consent.

We protect information protected by attorney/client privilege in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct for the relevant state.

How We Use Collected Information

Barnes & Thornburg uses information for a variety of purposes, as described in this Privacy Notice. We primarily use information for three major purposes: client matters, marketing, and employment. This includes:

• Client Matters. We use your information to provide you with the services you have requested from us.  
• Marketing. We use your information to improve our products, develop new products or features, produce events, and conduct research. We may use your information to communicate with you about Barnes & Thornburg and other companies’ products and services, offers, promotions, upcoming events, and other information about our Services. We may use it to request responses to surveys. 
• Employment. We use your information to determine your eligibility for employment with our company or otherwise process your job applications. We may verify your references, qualifications, and/or conduct a criminal records check for certain vetting purposes, where permissible and in accordance with applicable law.

We also use your information for other means:

• Legal, Security, and Safety Reasons. We use your information for legal, security and safety reasons. 
• Communications. We use your information to provide information about the Services you have requested, or alert you to updated information.
• Other Legal Means. We use your information for any legal purpose. We will comply with the laws that exist and apply when using your information. 
  
  

How We Disclose Information to Others

We disclose information for the purposes described in this Privacy Notice. We disclose information:

• To Our Service Providers and Vendors. We transfer all or a portion of your information to our service providers who help us deliver our products and Services to you and for the purposes described in this Privacy Notice. These service providers are required by contract or law to only use or disclose the information as necessary to perform Services on our behalf or as otherwise required by law. Although Barnes & Thornburg requires these third parties meet our privacy and security requirements, Barnes & Thornburg does not control the privacy or security policies of such third parties.
• To Analytics or Tracking Technology Providers. We disclose your information with analytics service providers such as Google. Google may combine your browsing information, including information from your use of our website, to generate interest-based advertisements.
• For a Merger, Acquisition, Change in Ownership, or Reorganization. Information we have collected may be disclosed to a third party in the event of a merger, transfer of ownership or assets, bankruptcy, or other corporate reorganization. 
• With our Affiliates. We transfer the information that we collect to our related affiliates acting on our behalf for the purposes described in this Privacy Notice.
• For Legitimate Interests. Barnes & Thornburg discloses information if we believe disclosure is necessary, including to:
  • Protect and defend the rights, property, or safety of Barnes & Thornburg, employees, other users of the website, or the public;
  • Respond to a legally valid request from a competent governmental authority;
  • Respond to claims that any content violates the rights of third parties;
  • Correspond with law enforcement agencies, if we are required to do so; and
  • Satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
    
    

Background Checks for Job Applicants 

Before employment at Barnes & Thornburg, job applicants may be required to complete a background check. We use a third party vendor to conduct all background checks of potential employees. All individuals subject to a background check will first provide the vendor and Barnes & Thornburg with affirmative consent to complete the process. 

Transfer and Storage of Information

Information Barnes & Thornburg collects about you is transferred, processed, and accessed by us in the United States, or another country where we or our service providers operate. Please be aware your information may be transferred to, and maintained on, computers located outside of your state or country where privacy laws may differ from and may not be as protective as those where you live. 

If you are located in the European Economic Area (“EEA”) or other regions with laws governing data collection and use that may differ from U.S. law, please note that we may transfer information to a country or jurisdiction that does not have the same data protection laws as your jurisdiction, as disclosed in this Privacy Notice. 

United States Rights

Certain states in the U.S., including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia provide (now or in the future) their state residents with rights related to their Personal Information. Consistent with these laws, Barnes & Thornburg gives you options to access, edit, or remove certain information, as well as choices about how we contact you. Although some of these rights apply generally, certain rights will only apply to limited individuals or circumstances. To the extent that these laws apply, you may exercise the following rights: 

• Right to Know and Access Information. Note that much of the information you are entitled to know or access is disclosed in this Privacy Notice. With this said, you have the right to know about our information practices. You also have the right to access the categories of data we collect, with whom we share or sell that information, and, in some cases, what specific Personal Information we associate with you or your account. 
• Right to Data Portability. If you request a copy of your specific information then we will provide it in an easily accessible format.
• Right to Deletion or Erasure. You may request that we delete the information we have collected about you. Depending on the applicable law, in some cases we are required or permitted to retain your information, even if you validly requested we delete or erase it. 
• Right to Correct Information. You may request we correct or rectify inaccurate information we have collected about you.
• Right to Opt out of Targeting Advertising, Sales, or Profiling. You may opt-out of our use of your Personal Information for targeted advertising, sales, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects. Please note that we do not use information collected about you for automated profiling at this time. 

To exercise any of your privacy rights, either:

• Call 1-800-753-5139 and ask to speak to the General Counsel’s Office
  OR
• Email Barnes & Thornburg at privacy@btlaw.com

Please include your email address, full name, and your specific information about your request(s) and, if applicable, specifically what information you do not want to receive. If you would like to update or correct your email address, street address, or other information with us, please include specific details about the information you wish to have updated or corrected.

For requests submitted by email, you must provide enough information that allows us to verify your identity. Only you or your authorized agent may make requests regarding your Personal Information. An authorized agent must have documentation that they are authorized to act on your behalf. Barnes & Thornburg will fulfill or reject your request within the amount of time required by law. 

We will confirm that we received your request within ten (10) ten day and will respond within forty-five (45) days of its receipt. If we require more time, we will inform you of the reason and extension period in writing. The response we provide will also explain the reasons we cannot comply with a request, if applicable. For data portability requests, we will select a format to provide your Personal Information that is readily useable and should allow you to transmit the information from one entity to another entity without hindrance.

We do not charge a fee to process or respond to your request unless it is excessive, repetitive, or manifestly unfounded. If we determine that the request warrants a fee, we will tell you why we made that decision and provide you with a cost estimate before completing your request.

Appeal. If we deny your rights request, you have the right to request an appeal of our decision. To initiate an appeal, follow the instructions provided in the communication denying your request, or contact us at the information provided in this Notice. 

Non-Discrimination. You have the right to not experience discrimination from us for exercising the rights listed in this section. What we mean by discrimination is denying you access to our Services or limiting the quality of our Services. However, limiting use of, or deleting, your Personal Information may restrict the purposes or uses that rely on that information. If you need further assistance, you can contact Barnes & Thornburg through one of the channels listed below under “Contact.”

Nevada Privacy Rights. Nevada residents have the right to opt-out of the sale of their Personal Information by, emailing us (see our contact information below) and including “NV Sale Opt Out Request” in the subject line. Please note we will take reasonable steps to verify your identity and the authenticity of the request. Please note we do not “sell” data as defined by Nevada law. 

European Union/Switzerland/United Kingdom Rights 

As referenced through this Privacy Notice, those residing in the EU, UK, and Switzerland may benefit from a number of rights in relation to your information that we process. Some rights apply only in certain limited cases, depending on your location. Consistent with these laws, Barnes & Thornburg gives you options to access, edit, or remove certain information, as well as choices about how we contact you. Although some of these rights apply generally, certain rights will only apply to limited individuals or circumstances.

To the extent that these laws apply, you may exercise the following rights: 

• Right to Access. Note that much of the information you are entitled to know or access is disclosed in this Privacy Notice. With this said, you have the right to know about our information practices. You also have the right to access the categories of data we collect, with whom we share or sell that information, and, in some cases, what specific Personal Information we associate with you or your account. 
• Right to Rectification. You may request we correct or rectify inaccurate information we have collected about you.
• Right to Erasure. You may request that we delete the Personal Information we have collected about you. Depending on the applicable law, in some cases we are required or permitted to retain your information, even if you validly requested we delete or erase it.
• Right to Restrict Processing. If we process your information based on our legitimate interests as explained in this Privacy Notice, you may have the right to restrict processing in certain circumstances. 
• Right to Object. If we process your information based on our legitimate interests as explained in this Privacy Notice, or in the public interest, you can object to this processing in certain circumstances. Where we use your data for direct marketing purposes, you can always object using the unsubscribe link in such communications or changing your account settings.
• Right to Data Portability. If you request a copy of your specific information then we will provide it in an easily accessible format.
• Right to Lodge a Complaint. You may be entitled to lodge a complaint with your data privacy regulatory authority. 

We generally process Personal Information of those residing in the European Union on the legal basis of Barnes & Thornburg’s legitimate interests in performing the function or service you requested. Where appropriate, we may rely on alternate legal bases, such as your consent to certain types of processing. Where we process your Personal Information on the basis of consent, we will clearly obtain your opt-in consent. 

Where you have provided consent to certain data processing, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time by contacting Barnes & Thornburg at privacy@btlaw.com. A withdrawal of consent will not affect the validity of our use of your Personal Information up until the point you have withdrawn your consent.

Canada Rights

As referenced through this Privacy Notice, those residing in Canada may benefit from a number of rights in relation to your information that we process. To the extent that the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) applies, you may exercise the following rights:

• Right to Access Information. Note that much of the information you are entitled to know or access is disclosed in this Privacy Notice. With this said, you have the right to know about our information practices. You also have the right to access the categories of data we collect, with whom we share or sell that information, and, in some cases, what specific Personal Information we associate with you or your account. 
• Right to Withdraw Consent. You may withdraw your consent to the processing of your Personal Information. 
• Right to Correct Information. You may request we correct or rectify inaccurate information we have collected about you.
• Right to Lodge a Complaint. You may be entitled to lodge a complaint with your data privacy regulatory authority. 
  
  

Universal Privacy Protections & Choices 

• Messaging and Newsletter Communications. You may control how you receive certain types of communications by unsubscribing within the body of the communication. Note that some messages are required, service-related messages like transaction confirmation messages, legal notices, or updates. 
• Cookies and Web Tracking Technologies. You may limit the automatic collection of information by Google, including the collection of Personal Information about your online activities over time and across third-party websites or online Services, by opting-out of such collection. Download the opt-out browser extension, located here, to opt-out of the automatic collection of browsing and device data. 
• Do Not Track Signals. CalOPPA requires us to let you know how we respond to web browser Do Not Track (“DNT”) signals. DNT is a privacy preference you can set in your web browser to indicate that you do not want certain information about your webpage visits collected across websites when you have not interacted with that service on the page. For details, including how to turn on DNT, see here. Because there currently isn’t an industry or legal standard recognizing or honoring DNT signals, we don’t respond to them at this time. 
  
  

Changes to Privacy Notice

We may update or change this Privacy Notice from time to time. We will post the changes on our website and will indicate the effective date. Your continued use of our website or our Services after the changes are effective constitutes your acceptance of the Privacy Notice. 

Contact Us

Barnes & Thornburg LLP has offices throughout the United States. Should you have any comments or questions about how we collect and use your Personal Information, communication can be directed to Barnes & Thornburg Office of General Counsel:

POSTAL ADDRESS
Attn: Office of General Counsel 
11 S Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

EMAIL
privacy@btlaw.com

TELEPHONE
 1-800-753-5139 to the attention of the Office of the General Counsel.