Privacy Policy

The Law Office of Christy L. Cauthen
8700 9th Avenue, Suite 109
Port Arthur, Texas 77642
Telephone: (409) 729-9000

Effective Date: September 20, 2026

The Law Office of Christy L. Cauthen (“Firm,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting information provided to us through our website and in connection with our legal services.

This Privacy Policy explains how we may collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect information when you visit our website, communicate with the Firm electronically, request an appointment or consultation, or otherwise interact with our website.

This Privacy Policy should be read together with any Website Disclaimer and Terms of Use applicable to this website.

  1. CONTACTING THE FIRM AND REQUESTING AN APPOINTMENT

Our website provides a means for you to request an appointment or consultation.

Submitting an appointment request does not schedule or confirm an appointment. After receiving a request, the Firm will contact you regarding availability and, if appropriate, arrange an appointment.

The Firm—not the website’s appointment-request form—determines appointment availability and confirms appointments.

The appointment-request form is intended to collect only the information reasonably necessary for the Firm to respond to your request.

Please do not include detailed facts about your legal matter or other highly sensitive information in an appointment request unless the Firm specifically asks you to provide that information.

  1. NO ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Submitting information through this website, sending an email to the Firm, completing an appointment-request form, requesting a consultation, or otherwise communicating with the Firm does not by itself establish an attorney-client relationship.

An attorney-client relationship is established only after the Firm has completed its intake and conflicts procedures and has expressly agreed to undertake representation, ordinarily through an engagement agreement or other written confirmation.

Until the Firm has agreed to represent you, you should not assume that the Firm is your attorney.

The Firm may need limited information about the identity of the parties and the general nature of a legal matter in order to determine whether a conflict of interest exists.

  1. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT HIGHLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION THROUGH THE WEBSITE

Unless specifically requested by the Firm, please do not submit confidential, privileged, or highly sensitive information through a website contact or appointment-request form.

For example, please do not provide unnecessary:

  • Social Security numbers;
  • driver’s license numbers;
  • financial account numbers;
  • passwords or access credentials;
  • medical records;
  • detailed allegations concerning criminal conduct;
  • detailed information concerning children;
  • domestic-violence or protective-order information;
  • information that could place you or another person at risk; or
  • other highly sensitive personal information.

When requesting an appointment, please provide only the information reasonably necessary for the Firm to contact you and determine whether an appointment may be scheduled.

  1. ATTORNEY CONFIDENTIALITY

The Firm is a Texas law firm and is subject to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, including Rule 1.05 concerning confidentiality of information.

Texas Rule 1.05 broadly protects confidential information relating to a client or furnished by a client in connection with representation. The Firm takes its professional obligation to protect confidential client information seriously.

Certain confidentiality obligations may also arise before a formal attorney-client relationship is established. Accordingly, the Firm takes reasonable care with information received from persons seeking legal services.

However, submitting information to the Firm does not guarantee that the Firm can accept or undertake representation.

Nothing in this Privacy Policy is intended to limit or waive any applicable attorney-client privilege, professional duty of confidentiality, or other protection provided by law.

  1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
  2. Information You Provide

When you request an appointment, contact the Firm, communicate with us, or otherwise voluntarily provide information, we may collect information such as:

  • name;
  • telephone number;
  • email address;
  • mailing or physical address;
  • preferred method of communication;
  • information concerning your request for an appointment;
  • general information concerning the legal services you are seeking; and
  • other information you voluntarily provide.
  1. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically through the website, hosting services, security technologies, analytics services, and similar technologies.

This may include:

  • Internet Protocol (“IP”) address;
  • browser type;
  • device type;
  • operating system;
  • referring website;
  • pages visited;
  • dates and times of visits;
  • website activity;
  • approximate geographic information derived from technical information; and
  • information concerning how you interact with the website.

This information is generally used to operate, secure, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve our website.

  1. WEBSITE PLATFORM — WORDPRESS AND ELEMENTOR

Our website is built using WordPress and uses Elementor for website design and functionality.

WordPress and Elementor provide the underlying website platform and design/functionality used to present the Firm’s website.

The Firm does not intentionally place confidential client information into WordPress or Elementor merely because a person visits the website.

Information submitted through an appointment-request or contact form may be transmitted through the website’s technical infrastructure and through the service or technology used to process that particular submission.

Because the Firm’s website technology may change over time, the specific technical provider through which a form submission is transmitted may also change.

The Firm does not use WordPress or Elementor as a substitute for its client-file or case-management systems.

  1. GOOGLE ANALYTICS

Our website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google.

Google Analytics is used for website analytics and is separate from the Firm’s appointment-request and online payment functions.

Google Analytics may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information concerning how visitors interact with the website, such as pages viewed, website traffic, general usage patterns, and other website activity.

We use this information to understand how visitors use our website and to improve the website, its functionality, and its content.

Google may process information collected through Google Analytics in accordance with Google’s own privacy policies and terms.

Google Analytics is not used by the Firm to collect the substance of a person’s legal matter or to establish an attorney-client relationship.

For additional information concerning Google’s privacy practices, visitors should review Google’s applicable privacy documentation.

  1. GOOGLE reCAPTCHA

Our website uses Google reCAPTCHA or related Google security technology to help protect website forms and other portions of the website from spam, automated submissions, abuse, and other malicious activity.

reCAPTCHA serves a security and abuse-prevention function and is separate from Google Analytics and the Firm’s online payment system.

When reCAPTCHA is used, Google may collect technical information concerning a visitor’s device, browser, IP address, and interaction with the website for security and abuse-prevention purposes.

The Firm uses reCAPTCHA to help protect the website and its forms. It is not used by the Firm to intentionally collect the substance of a person’s legal matter.

Information processed by Google through reCAPTCHA may be subject to Google’s applicable privacy policies and terms.

  1. COOKIES AND SIMILAR TECHNOLOGIES

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies.

Cookies may be used by the website and its technology providers for purposes including:

  • website functionality;
  • website security;
  • preventing spam and abuse;
  • understanding website traffic;
  • measuring website performance;
  • analyzing how visitors use the website; and
  • improving the website and its content.

Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies for website analytics. Google reCAPTCHA may also use technologies necessary for security and abuse prevention.

You may be able to control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies or similar technologies may affect portions of the website.

The Firm does not use cookies to intentionally collect the substance of a person’s legal matter or to create an attorney-client relationship.

  1. APPOINTMENT-REQUEST INFORMATION

The Firm’s website allows visitors to submit a request for an appointment or consultation.

The appointment-request process is not an online scheduling system that independently confirms appointments.

Instead:

  1. You submit a request through the website;
  2. the Firm receives the request;
  3. the Firm may contact you by telephone or another communication method;
  4. the Firm determines whether an appointment is available; and
  5. the Firm confirms the appointment with you when appropriate.

Information submitted through the appointment-request form may include your name, telephone number, email address, general information concerning the type of legal service you are seeking, and other information you voluntarily provide.

Because the appointment-request form is intended only to initiate contact, you should limit the information you provide to what is reasonably necessary to request an appointment.

  1. HOW WE USE INFORMATION

We may use information collected through the website or provided to the Firm to:

  • respond to appointment requests;
  • contact you concerning appointment availability;
  • respond to questions;
  • conduct an initial intake;
  • conduct conflicts-of-interest checks;
  • communicate with prospective, current, and former clients;
  • provide legal services after representation has been established;
  • operate and maintain the website;
  • improve website functionality and content;
  • maintain website security;
  • prevent spam, fraud, and abuse;
  • maintain business records;
  • comply with legal and professional obligations;
  • protect the rights, property, and security of the Firm, clients, website users, and others; and
  • otherwise use information for purposes permitted or required by law.
  1. ONLINE PAYMENTS THROUGH LAWPAY

The Firm does not process credit-card payments directly through the public portions of this website.

When the Firm provides an online payment option, payments are processed through LawPay, a separate third-party payment service used by the Firm.

LawPay’s payment platform is separate from:

  • the Firm’s WordPress website;
  • Elementor;
  • Google Analytics; and
  • Google reCAPTCHA.

LawPay is used specifically for online payment processing. The Firm does not use Google Analytics or Google reCAPTCHA to process payments.

Payment information submitted through LawPay is subject to LawPay’s own privacy policy, security practices, and terms.

The Firm does not intend for visitors to submit credit-card information, bank-account information, payment credentials, or other financial account information through the Firm’s general website contact or appointment-request forms.

You should review LawPay’s applicable privacy and security information before submitting payment information through its platform.

LawPay states that its payment system is a Level 1 PCI Service Provider and describes security measures relating to payment-card information. LawPay Security Overview

  1. HOW WE MAY SHARE INFORMATION

The Firm does not sell personal information to third parties for mass-marketing purposes.

We may disclose information when reasonably necessary to operate our website, provide requested services, conduct our business, or comply with applicable law.

Depending upon the circumstances, information may be processed by service providers that assist the Firm with particular functions, including:

  • website hosting and infrastructure;
  • website design and functionality;
  • website security;
  • website analytics;
  • spam and abuse prevention;
  • email and communications;
  • appointment-request functionality;
  • information technology;
  • cloud storage or document management;
  • payment processing; and
  • other services necessary to operate the Firm’s business.

Different service providers may receive different types of information depending upon the service they provide.

For example:

  • Google Analytics is used for website analytics and usage information;
  • Google reCAPTCHA is used for website security and abuse prevention;
  • LawPay is used for online payment processing; and
  • WordPress and Elementor provide website infrastructure, design, and functionality.

The Firm does not intentionally provide the substance of confidential legal matters to Google Analytics or Google reCAPTCHA for analytics or advertising purposes.

The Firm may also disclose information:

  • when required by law, court order, subpoena, or other legal process;
  • when necessary to comply with professional or legal obligations;
  • when necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Firm, a client, another person, or the public;
  • when reasonably necessary to investigate suspected fraud, unlawful activity, security incidents, or misuse of the website; or
  • with your authorization or consent when required.

The Firm does not intend this section to authorize disclosure of confidential client information in a manner prohibited by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.

  1. CLIENT INFORMATION

If you become a client of the Firm, information concerning your legal matter may be maintained as part of the Firm’s client file.

Client files may contain information substantially more sensitive than information collected through the public portions of the website.

Client information is subject to the Firm’s professional obligations, including applicable duties of confidentiality.

This Privacy Policy does not replace the Firm’s engagement agreements, legal-services agreements, professional obligations, or other applicable law governing client files.

  1. DATA SECURITY

The Firm maintains reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information in its possession against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Depending upon the circumstances, safeguards may include access controls, authentication measures, secure transmission methods, physical safeguards, access restrictions, and other reasonable security practices.

Third-party providers used by the Firm may maintain their own security programs and practices appropriate to the services they provide.

No method of transmitting information over the Internet or storing information electronically is completely secure. Accordingly, while the Firm takes reasonable steps to protect information, the Firm cannot guarantee absolute security.

  1. RETENTION OF INFORMATION

The Firm retains information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to provide services, to maintain appropriate business and legal records, to satisfy professional obligations, to resolve disputes, or as otherwise required or permitted by law.

Client files may be retained in accordance with the Firm’s file-retention practices and applicable professional and legal requirements.

  1. TEXAS PRIVACY RIGHTS

Certain Texas residents may have privacy rights under applicable Texas law, including the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (“TDPSA”), to the extent that the Act applies to the Firm and the particular information or activity at issue.

Not all information maintained by a law firm is necessarily subject to the same privacy rights or obligations. Information may be subject to legal, professional, evidentiary, record-retention, or other requirements that affect whether and how a request can be fulfilled.

Nothing in this Privacy Policy limits rights that cannot lawfully be waived.

If you have a privacy-related request or question, please contact the Firm using the information provided below.

  1. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Our website is not directed to children, and the Firm does not knowingly seek to collect personal information from children through the website for marketing purposes.

Because the Firm practices in areas of law that may involve children and minors, a child may nevertheless be involved in a legal matter concerning a parent, guardian, family member, or other person.

If you believe that a child has provided personal information to the Firm through the website, please contact us at:

The Law Office of Christy L. Cauthen
8700 9th Avenue, Suite 109
Port Arthur, Texas 77642
Telephone: (409) 729-9000

  1. THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES AND SERVICES

Our website may contain links to websites or services operated by third parties.

The Firm is not responsible for the privacy practices, security, content, or policies of third-party websites or services.

Third-party services used by the Firm may maintain their own privacy policies and terms governing information processed through those services.

These services include, among others, technology used for:

  • website analytics;
  • website security and spam prevention;
  • online payment processing; and
  • other website functionality.

If you follow a link to a third-party website or use a third-party service, you should review that provider’s privacy policy and terms before providing personal information.

  1. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

The Firm may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the Firm’s practices, website, technology, applicable law, or professional obligations.

When changes are made, the Firm will post the updated Privacy Policy on this website and update the Effective Date.

You should review this Privacy Policy periodically for changes.

  1. CONTACT US

Questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy may be directed to:

The Law Office of Christy L. Cauthen
8700 9th Avenue, Suite 109
Port Arthur, Texas 77642
Telephone: (409) 729-9000

When contacting the Firm regarding a privacy concern, please do not include unnecessary confidential or highly sensitive information in your initial communication.

  1. NO WAIVER OF PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS

Nothing in this Privacy Policy is intended to waive, limit, or diminish any applicable attorney-client privilege, professional duty of confidentiality, ethical obligation, or legal protection applicable to information held by the Firm.

If a provision of this Privacy Policy conflicts with a mandatory requirement of applicable law or the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, the applicable law or professional obligation controls.