Last updated: November 12, 2026
Law Office of Ariel Brownell, APC (“we,” “us,” or “the firm”) respects your privacy. This policy explains how we handle personal information associated with our client and prospective-client text messaging service, including SMS and MMS messages sent through Clio. It also includes the terms for participating in that service.
Information we collect and use
When you agree to communicate with us by text, we may collect your name, mobile number, messages and attachments you send, messaging preferences, and records of your consent or withdrawal of consent. Our messaging service may also process delivery status, timestamps, and other technical information needed to transmit messages.
We use this information to respond to your inquiries, coordinate consultations and appointments, assist with intake, provide case-related and administrative updates, communicate about billing, and manage your texting preferences. We also use messaging records for appropriate firm recordkeeping and to address delivery or security issues. This texting service is for client communications, not advertising or promotional campaigns.
Mobile information and consent are not sold or shared for marketing
We do not sell or rent your mobile information. We do not share mobile information with third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging opt-in data and consent will not be sold, transferred, or shared with another business for its own messaging or marketing purposes.
Clio, messaging service providers, and telecommunications carriers process information as needed to operate and deliver our text messaging service on our behalf. This processing does not authorize those providers to use your consent for their own marketing. We do not disclose client or prospective-client information to outside parties for their own use without the client’s prior express written consent, unless disclosure is legally required. No other disclosure permission in this policy authorizes the sale or sharing of SMS opt-in data or consent for marketing.
Your choices and our records
Texting is optional. We send messages under this program only with your consent; providing a phone number alone does not enroll you. You may decline texting and communicate with us by telephone or email. Consent to receive texts is not a condition of purchasing or receiving legal services.
You may withdraw your consent at any time by replying STOP or contacting our office. Opting out stops further program messages, apart from a confirmation of your opt-out. It does not automatically delete previous communications or records. We retain information as reasonably needed for the purposes described here, applicable legal and professional obligations, and honoring your opt-out. Contact us to ask about access to, correction of, or deletion of your information; applicable recordkeeping obligations may limit what we can delete.
Security and sensitive information
We use reasonable safeguards to protect information, but ordinary text messaging cannot be guaranteed secure or confidential in transit or on your device. Please do not send Social Security numbers, account passwords, full payment-card details, or sensitive documents by text. Ask our office for an appropriate secure way to share them. Text messages are not an emergency communication method, and immediate responses are not guaranteed.
SMS Terms of Service
The Law Office of Ariel Brownell, APC Client Communications program provides the non-marketing messages described above to clients and prospective clients who consent to texting.
- Frequency: Message frequency varies with your inquiries, appointments, and matter. Some reminders may be sent automatically.
- Charges: Message and data rates may apply under your mobile carrier’s plan.
- Opt out: Reply STOP to any program message. You may receive one message confirming your request. You can also contact our office to withdraw consent.
- Help: Reply HELP, call 925-255-0515, or email Admin@brownelllegal.com.
- Number changes: Let us know if your mobile number changes or is reassigned so we can update our records.
- Delivery: Message delivery is subject to carrier and network availability. Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
- Legal representation: Exchanging text messages does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship or change an existing engagement agreement.
Website analytics and other services
Our optional website analytics are described separately in our Website Analytics Privacy Notice. Analytics consent and texting consent are separate choices. This SMS policy does not replace an engagement agreement or provide a complete description of the firm’s handling of legal files. Third-party services also have their own privacy notices, including Clio’s Privacy Policy.
Contact and updates
For privacy questions or help with texting, contact Law Office of Ariel Brownell, APC at Admin@brownelllegal.com or 925-255-0515, or write to 1990 N. California Blvd., 8th Floor, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.
We may update this policy by posting a revised version with a new date. A policy update does not itself enroll you in texting or authorize a new use requiring additional consent.