AKTAS LAWYERS TEXT MESSAGING TERMS OF USE AND PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: November 18, 2025

By “Opting In” to or using a “Text Message Service” (as defined below) from Aktas Law, P.A. d/b/a Aktas Lawyers, you accept these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

This agreement is between you and Aktas Law, P.A. d/b/a Aktas Lawyers. All references to “Aktas Lawyers,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to Aktas Law, P.A. d/b/a Aktas Lawyers.

DEFINITIONS

“Opting In,” “Opt In,” and “Opt-In” refer to requesting, joining, agreeing to, enrolling in, signing up for, acknowledging, responding to, or otherwise consenting to receive one or more text messages.

“Text Message Service” includes any arrangement or situation in which we send one or more messages addressed to your mobile phone number, including text messages (such as SMS, MMS, or successor protocols or technologies) sent through Microsoft Teams.

CONSENTING TO TEXT MESSAGING

By consenting to receive text messages from us, you agree to these Text Messaging Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, as well as our general Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy available on our website at www.aktaslawyers.com, incorporated herein by reference.

E-SIGN DISCLOSURE

By agreeing to receive text messages, you consent to the use of an electronic record to document your agreement. You may withdraw your consent to the use of the electronic record by replying STOP to any message.

PURPOSE AND USE OF TEXT MESSAGE SERVICE

We use text messaging for the following purposes:

  • Client Communication: Responding to inquiries about legal services
  • Case Management: Providing updates on existing cases
  • Appointment Reminders: Sending scheduled consultation reminders
  • Document Requests: Coordinating the exchange of case-related documents
  • Emergency Communications: Time-sensitive legal matters requiring immediate attention

Message Frequency: Message frequency varies based on your case needs and communications. You may receive multiple messages per week during active matters.

Cost: Message and data rates may apply. Please consult your mobile carrier for details about your messaging plan.

YOUR CONSENT AND OPT-OUT RIGHTS

Consent

By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to our Text Message Service, you:

  • Agree to receive text messages from Aktas Lawyers
  • Understand that message and data rates may apply
  • Acknowledge that consent is not a condition of retaining our legal services
  • Can revoke consent at any time without affecting your legal representation

How to Opt Out

You may opt out of text messages at any time by:

  • Replying “STOP,” “UNSUBSCRIBE,” or “CANCEL” to any message
  • Contacting us at contact@aktaslawyers.com
  • Calling our office at the number provided on our website

Once you opt out, you will receive one final confirmation message, and no further messages will be sent unless you opt in again.

Help

For assistance, reply “HELP” to any message or contact us at contact@aktaslawyers.com.

WHAT INFORMATION WE COLLECT

When you communicate with Aktas Lawyers via text message, we collect:

  • Phone Number: Your mobile phone number
  • Message Content: The text of messages you send and receive
  • Metadata: Time and date stamps, delivery status, and carrier information
  • Device Information: Mobile device identifiers and operating system information

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use text message information to:

  • Provide legal services and case management
  • Communicate about your legal matters
  • Send appointment reminders and updates
  • Respond to your inquiries
  • Comply with legal and ethical obligations under Florida Bar rules

LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING

We process text message communications based on:

  • Your explicit consent to receive text messages
  • Contractual necessity for providing legal services
  • Legitimate interests in efficient client communication
  • Legal obligations under applicable law and Florida Bar requirements

DATA STORAGE AND RETENTION

  • Platform: Text messages are sent and received through Microsoft Teams
  • Storage Location: Messages are stored on secure Microsoft cloud servers located in the United States
  • Retention Period: We retain text message communications for the duration of our attorney-client relationship plus seven (7) years as required by Florida Bar rules and legal ethics requirements
  • Backup Systems: Messages are included in encrypted backup systems

THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS

We use Microsoft Teams to facilitate text message communications with our clients. This includes:

  • Sending and receiving text messages
  • Secure message storage and backup through Microsoft cloud services
  • Integration with our case management workflow

Microsoft is contractually bound to protect your information and complies with industry-standard security and privacy practices. For more information about Microsoft’s data handling practices, visit https://privacy.microsoft.com.

Important: We do not share text messaging originator opt-in data and consent information with any third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We respect your privacy. We only use information you provide through text messaging to communicate with you about your legal matters and respond to your inquiries. Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, subpoena, or legal process
  • Service Providers: With vendors who assist in providing legal services (under strict confidentiality agreements), such as Microsoft Teams
  • With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize disclosure
  • Professional Obligations: When necessary to prevent harm or comply with attorney ethical duties

SECURITY MEASURES

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect text message communications:

  • Encryption: Messages are encrypted in transit and at rest
  • Access Controls: Limited access to authorized Aktas Lawyers personnel only
  • Monitoring: Regular security audits and monitoring systems
  • Training: Staff training on confidentiality and data protection

ATTORNEY-CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

While we take reasonable measures to protect text message communications, please be aware:

  • Text messaging is not a completely secure communication method
  • Highly sensitive or confidential information should be discussed through more secure channels (encrypted email, in-person meetings, or secure client portals)
  • Attorney-client privilege applies to text message communications regarding your legal representation
  • No attorney-client relationship is created through text messaging alone until a written retainer agreement has been fully executed between you and Aktas Lawyers

Confidential Communication Notice: Text message communications between you and Aktas Lawyers may contain confidential information protected by attorney-client privilege and the attorney work product doctrine. If you receive a text message from us in error, please notify us immediately and delete the message.

YOUR RIGHTS

You have the right to:

  • Access: Request copies of text message communications we have stored about you
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of non-essential communications (subject to legal retention requirements under Florida Bar rules)
  • Opt-Out: Stop receiving text messages at any time
  • Withdraw Consent: Revoke your consent to text messaging without affecting your legal representation

To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@aktaslawyers.com.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS

Not for Emergencies

DO NOT use text messaging for legal emergencies, time-sensitive court deadlines, or urgent matters. For urgent legal issues, call our office directly or seek immediate legal assistance.

Service Availability

Text Message Service availability and delivery are subject to:

  • Mobile carrier network availability and coverage
  • Device compatibility
  • Technical issues or system maintenance

We are not responsible for:

  • Delayed or undelivered messages
  • Messages sent to incorrect numbers
  • Technical failures beyond our control
  • Issues arising from your mobile carrier

Responsibility for Deadlines

Until a written retainer agreement has been fully executed between you and Aktas Lawyers, you remain solely responsible for any statutes of limitations or other legal deadlines for your case or potential case. Text message communications do not create an attorney-client relationship or toll any deadlines.

CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Our Text Message Service is not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from minors via text messaging.

INTERNATIONAL USERS

Our Text Message Service is primarily for clients in the United States. If you are communicating from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States.

CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on our website at www.aktaslawyers.com with an updated “Effective Date.” Your continued use of our Text Message Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

We will notify you of material changes via text message when possible.

GOVERNING LAW

These Terms of Use and Privacy Policy are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

THE TEXT MESSAGE SERVICE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AKTAS LAWYERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF THE TEXT MESSAGE SERVICE.

CONTACT US

For questions about these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, or to exercise your rights:

Aktas Law, P.A. d/b/a Aktas Lawyers
Email: contact@aktaslawyers.com
Website: www.aktaslawyers.com
Phone:888-268-9108
Address: 110 E. Broward Blvd. #1700
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

For immediate assistance with text messaging, reply “HELP” to any message.

By opting in to receive text messages from Aktas Lawyers, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.