Consumer Report Use Policy
Last updated: November 9, 2026
This policy describes how Claridge Law Firm LLC obtains, uses, protects and disposes of consumer reports and credit information in connection with its legal practice. It reflects the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.
1. Scope of use
We use consumer reports solely for our own legal matters. We do not sell, resell, broker or disclose reports to third parties, and we do not provide credit report pulls as a service to other businesses or individuals.
2. Permissible purposes (15 U.S.C. § 1681b)
- Litigation or court order: in response to a court order or subpoena, or in connection with pending or contemplated litigation.
- Debt collection: in connection with a credit transaction involving the consumer where the debt is owed to our client, including judgment enforcement.
- Written consent: with the written instructions of the consumer.
- Employment: only for our own employees or applicants and only after the required disclosure and written authorization, with adverse action notices as required.
Each pull must be documented with the matter number, purpose and requesting attorney. If no permissible purpose exists, we do not request a report.
3. Access controls
Access is limited to authorized personnel through unique credentials with multi-factor authentication where available. Credentials are never shared.
4. Safeguards
Reports are stored only in secured systems with encryption, never on personal devices or unsecured email, and are accessible only by staff on the matter.
5. Retention and disposal
Reports are retained only as long as needed for the matter and legal requirements, then securely destroyed in line with the FTC Disposal Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 682).
6. Consumer rights
If we take adverse action based on a report, we provide the notices required by 15 U.S.C. § 1681m, including the reporting agency's contact details and your rights to a free copy and to dispute. Dispute inaccurate information directly with the reporting agency.
7. Audits and cooperation
We cooperate with credit reporting agencies and their vendors in site inspections, audits and certifications, and we notify them of any security incident affecting report data.
8. Training and accountability
All staff are trained on this policy on hire and annually. Violations may result in discipline and loss of access.
Contact
Compliance questions: support@claridgelawfirm.us, (945) 331-1340.