SMS & Text Messaging Terms

Allen Legal
1417 Ashley River Road
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 481-4000

Last Updated: February 19, 2026

1. Purpose of SMS Communications

Allen Legal uses text messaging (SMS) to communicate with existing clients for the following purposes:

• Appointment reminders and scheduling confirmations
• Case status updates and notifications
• Document requests and confirmations
• General administrative communications related to active legal matters

These communications are provided as a convenience to our clients and do not replace formal legal correspondence or advice.

2. Consent and Opt-In

By providing your mobile phone number to Allen Legal, you consent to receive text messages from our firm at that number. Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier's plan. Message frequency varies depending on your case activity.

To opt out at any time: Reply STOP to any text message from Allen Legal, or contact our office at (843) 481-4000.

For help: Reply HELP or contact our office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST).

3. Information We Collect

When you communicate with Allen Legal via text message, we collect and maintain:

• Your mobile phone number
• Your name (as provided during client intake)
• Message content and timestamps
• Case-related information necessary to provide legal services

We collect only the minimum information necessary to provide legal services to our clients and manage our attorney-client relationships.

4. Privacy and Confidentiality

South Carolina Attorney-Client Privilege

Allen Legal is bound by the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct and all applicable attorney-client privilege laws. We treat all client communications, including text messages, as confidential and privileged to the fullest extent permitted by law.

No Third-Party Sharing

Allen Legal does NOT share, sell, rent, or otherwise disclose your contact information or communications to any third parties, except:

• As required by law or court order
• With your express written consent
• As necessary to provide legal services you have requested (e.g., communicating with opposing counsel, courts, or expert witnesses in your case)
• With service providers who assist in our operations (e.g., case management systems, secure messaging platforms) under strict confidentiality agreements

Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no electronic transmission or storage method is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted via text message.

5. Attorney-Client Relationship

No Relationship Without Written Retainer

Pursuant to South Carolina legal ethics rules and our firm policy:

• Text messages, emails, or other electronic communications DO NOT create an attorney-client relationship
• An attorney-client relationship exists ONLY when you have signed a written retainer agreement with Allen Legal
• Both the client and an attorney from Allen Legal must sign the retainer agreement for it to be valid
• Until a retainer agreement is executed, any information you provide is not protected by attorney-client privilege

Statute of Limitations Warning

Do not rely on text messages or emails for time-sensitive legal matters. If you have a legal issue with approaching deadlines (such as a statute of limitations), you must call our office immediately at (843) 481-4000 or schedule an in-person consultation.

6. Limitations and Disclaimers

No Legal Advice via Text

Text messages from Allen Legal are for administrative purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Legal advice can only be provided in the context of a formal attorney-client relationship and after a thorough review of your specific situation.

Accuracy of Information

While we strive for accuracy, text messages are brief communications and may not contain complete legal information. For full details regarding your case, please refer to written correspondence, review documents provided by our office, or contact us directly.

Technical Limitations

Allen Legal is not responsible for:

• Text messages that fail to deliver due to carrier issues, network problems, or device malfunctions
• Delays in message delivery
• Messages intercepted, accessed, or read by unauthorized third parties
• Charges from your mobile carrier for text messaging services

7. Data Retention

Allen Legal retains text message records in accordance with:

• South Carolina Bar requirements for client file retention
• Our internal document retention policies
• Applicable legal and regulatory requirements

Client communication records are typically retained for a minimum of seven (7) years following case closure, or longer if required by law or ongoing legal matters.

8. Your Rights

As a client or prospective client of Allen Legal, you have the right to:

• Opt out of text message communications at any time by replying STOP or contacting our office
• Request access to your communication records maintained by our firm
• Request correction of inaccurate information in your client file
• Withdraw consent for future text message communications

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our office at (843) 481-4000 or sam@allenlegal.net.

9. Updates to This Policy

Allen Legal may update these SMS Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. We will notify existing clients of material changes via text message or email. Continued use of our SMS services after such notification constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.