Client Trust & Confidentiality

This Trust Center describes how Abdullah & Partners approaches client trust, professional confidentiality, conflict review, and the responsible handling of matter-related information and personal data.

It applies to enquiries, prospective engagements, and active matters handled by the firm. It summarises the firm's approach; the firm's published policies set out the binding terms and prevail in case of any difference.

Information shared with the firm is handled in accordance with the confidentiality obligations applicable to the legal profession in Jordan. Confidentiality attaches to matter-related information by virtue of the professional relationship and the rules governing the profession, independently of any separate contractual undertaking.

The duty applies to the firm's lawyers and to those working under their supervision, and it governs the firm's internal handling, communication, and storage of matter-related information. Where a request under another body of law would conflict with this duty or with legal professional privilege, the duty of confidentiality prevails to the extent recognised by law.

Professional confidentiality applies independently of any non-disclosure agreement. An NDA is an additional contractual layer; it is not the source or foundation of the firm's confidentiality obligations.

Where appropriate, the firm may review or enter into confidentiality arrangements, including unilateral or mutual NDAs, particularly in corporate, transactional, investment, tender, due diligence, or cross-border matters. Any such arrangement remains subject to conflict review, the firm's professional obligations, and acceptance of the matter. Each confidentiality arrangement is considered in light of the role to be performed and the professional obligations that already apply, and is entered into only where appropriate to the matter.

Before the firm accepts a matter, it reviews the proposed engagement for conflicts of interest. The rules governing the legal profession in Jordan restrict lawyers from accepting matters involving conflicting interests, including acting for opposing parties or proceeding where prior involvement may affect professional independence.

Conflict and acceptance review is conducted through the firm's internal channels, and representation is confirmed only after that review is complete.

Matter-related information is handled through defined stages. Throughout, access is confined to those involved in reviewing or handling the relevant matter, and information is held under the firm's professional confidentiality obligations.

Specific retention periods are addressed in the firm's Privacy Policy and Data Protection Notice.

Personal data is handled in accordance with applicable Jordanian data-protection requirements, including the Jordan Personal Data Protection Law No. 24 of 2023. Where relevant, considerations under the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may be addressed in relation to cross-border enquiries and international clients.

The firm generally acts as an independent legal adviser in relation to matter-related information. Where a client requires data-protection terms or confidentiality terms for a specific engagement, these may be reviewed in light of the role performed, applicable law, and the firm's professional obligations.

Full detail on the categories of data processed, lawful bases, retention, and the safeguards applied to international transfers is set out in the firm's Privacy Policy and Data Protection Notice.

Client confidential information is not used to train public AI systems or third-party AI models. Where technology-assisted tools are used, confidentiality and the firm's professional obligations remain central to the handling of matter-related information.

Matter-related information entered into any tool is treated with the same discretion that applies to all client information, and the use of such tools does not displace the duty of confidentiality or the firm's conflict and acceptance discipline.

Access to matter-related information within the firm is controlled and confined to those involved in reviewing or handling the relevant matter. Where the firm engages external service providers in support of its practice, such providers are engaged on terms consistent with the firm's confidentiality and data-protection obligations, and access is limited to what the relevant function requires.

The firm applies internal handling practices designed to support restricted access to matter-related information. The categories of recipients with whom information may be shared, and the conditions that apply, are described in the firm's Privacy Policy and Data Protection Notice.

The firm operates within the professional framework governing the legal profession in Jordan. Professional obligations, confidentiality duties, conflict restrictions, and matter-handling discipline are part of the regulatory and professional environment within which the firm practises.

The firm's Jordanian lawyers are admitted to the Jordanian Bar Association, and the firm is registered with the Companies Control Department under No. 497. These standards of registration, professional conduct, confidentiality, independence, and conflict restriction define the framework within which the firm accepts and handles matters.