1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how LawyerCheck ("LawyerCheck," "we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit lawyercheck.dev or any related subdomain (collectively, the "Site"). It tells you what cookies are, what kinds we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.
This Cookie Policy is part of and incorporated into our Privacy Policy. You should read both together to understand how we handle information about you. If there is a conflict between this Cookie Policy and our Privacy Policy regarding cookies specifically, this Cookie Policy controls.
By continuing to use LawyerCheck after being shown our cookie banner, and by interacting with the banner (clicking "Accept," "Reject," or adjusting your preferences), you consent to our use of cookies as described in this Cookie Policy. You can change your preferences at any time using the methods described in Section 6 below.
2. What Are Cookies?
2.1 Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work properly, to make them work more efficiently, and to provide information to the website owner.
2.2 First-party and third-party cookies
Cookies set by the website you are visiting are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by parties other than the website you are visiting are called "third-party cookies." Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the website (such as analytics, advertising, and interactive content). The parties that set these third-party cookies can recognize your device both when it visits LawyerCheck and when it visits certain other websites.
2.3 Session and persistent cookies
Cookies can also be classified as "session cookies" or "persistent cookies":
- Session cookies expire when you close your browser. They allow LawyerCheck to remember what you did during a single visit.
- Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period of time or until you delete them manually. They allow LawyerCheck to remember you on future visits, including for purposes like keeping you signed in.
2.4 Similar technologies
In addition to cookies, we may use other similar tracking technologies on the Site, including:
- Web beacons (also called pixel tags or clear GIFs) — small graphic images embedded in pages or emails that allow us to know whether a page or email was accessed
- Local storage — browser-based storage that can hold larger amounts of information than cookies
- Session storage — similar to local storage but cleared when the browser session ends
- Device identifiers — unique identifiers assigned to a device for tracking purposes
When this Cookie Policy refers to "cookies," it includes these similar technologies unless we specifically say otherwise.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
We group the cookies we use into four categories based on what they do.
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
Essential for LawyerCheck to function. Without these cookies, services you have asked for (such as signing in or remembering your preferences during a session) cannot be provided. These cookies are always on and cannot be turned off.
Examples: session cookies, authentication cookies, security cookies, consent cookies.
Legal basis: Strictly necessary for providing the service. Consent is not required under the CCPA.
3.2 Functional Cookies
Allow LawyerCheck to remember choices you make and provide enhanced, more personal features. If you reject these cookies, some enhanced features may not work.
Examples: preference cookies, search history cookies, helpful-vote cookies.
Legal basis: Consent. You can opt out using our cookie preferences.
3.3 Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors interact with LawyerCheck. Used to improve the Site and understand which features are most valuable.
Examples: Google Analytics, Plausible Analytics, internal product analytics. We anonymize IP addresses where possible.
Legal basis: Consent. You can opt out using our cookie preferences.
3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies
Used to deliver advertisements more relevant to your interests. LawyerCheck does not currently display third-party advertising. When advertising is introduced, we will update this Cookie Policy and provide renewed notice.
Legal basis: Consent. You can opt out using our cookie preferences.
4. Specific Cookies in Use
The table below describes specific cookies that may be set when you visit LawyerCheck. This list may change as we add or remove features.
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| lawyercheck_session | Strictly Necessary | Keeps you signed in during your session | Session |
| lawyercheck_auth | Strictly Necessary | Authenticates your account | 30 days |
| lawyercheck_csrf | Strictly Necessary | Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks | Session |
| lawyercheck_consent | Strictly Necessary | Remembers your cookie preferences | 1 year |
| lawyercheck_prefs | Functional | Remembers your site preferences (e.g., search filters) | 1 year |
| _ga | Analytics | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Analytics | Google Analytics — throttles request rate | 1 minute |
| plausible_ignore | Analytics | Plausible Analytics — opt-out indicator | Persistent |
5. How We Use Cookie Information
Information collected through cookies is used for the following purposes:
- Providing the Site and the services you request, including signing you in, remembering your selections, and protecting your account;
- Understanding how you and other users use the Site so we can improve its design, functionality, and content;
- Measuring traffic to the Site and to specific pages, including the sources of that traffic;
- Identifying and addressing performance issues, errors, and security threats;
- Personalizing your experience, including remembering preferences and customizing displayed content;
- Communicating with you about your account and the Site;
- Detecting and preventing fraud, abuse, and violations of our Terms of Service or Community Guidelines;
- Complying with legal obligations and responding to lawful requests from authorities;
- Once advertising is introduced, delivering more relevant ads and measuring their effectiveness; and
- Any other purpose disclosed in our Privacy Policy or for which we obtain your consent.
6. Your Cookie Choices
6.1 Cookie banner
When you first visit LawyerCheck, we display a cookie banner that lets you accept all cookies or decline non-essential cookies. Your selection is remembered for one (1) year.
6.2 Browser controls
Most web browsers let you control cookies through their settings. Through your browser, you can typically delete existing cookies, block all cookies, or block third-party cookies only.
- Google Chrome — support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Mozilla Firefox — support.mozilla.org/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer
- Apple Safari — support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-sfri11471
- Microsoft Edge — support.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge
6.3 Do Not Track signals
The Site currently does not respond to DNT signals because there is no industry standard for how websites should interpret them. We instead provide cookie preference controls as described above.
6.4 Global Privacy Control (GPC)
LawyerCheck honors Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals to the extent required by applicable law, including the CCPA. If your browser is configured to send GPC signals, we will treat that signal as a request to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information for advertising purposes.
6.5 Opting out of third-party analytics
- Google Analytics — tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- Network Advertising Initiative — optout.networkadvertising.org
- Digital Advertising Alliance — optout.aboutads.info
7. California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, the CCPA and CPRA give you certain rights with respect to personal information collected through cookies:
Right to Know
You have the right to request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, including through cookies, in the past twelve (12) months.
Right to Delete
You have the right to request that we delete personal information we have collected about you, subject to certain exceptions.
Right to Opt Out of Sale or Sharing
LawyerCheck does not currently "sell" personal information as defined under the CCPA. If we introduce advertising that constitutes "sharing" under the CCPA, you will have the right to opt out.
Right to Non-Discrimination
We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your CCPA/CPRA rights.
To exercise your California privacy rights, contact us through the contact page. We will respond to verified requests within forty-five (45) days as required by law.
8. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the cookies we use, changes in applicable law, or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date and, where appropriate, display a new cookie banner notice. Continued use of the Site after we update this Cookie Policy means you accept the updated terms.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us through our contact page. We will do our best to respond promptly.