/* ============================================================
   Empire State Law PLLC — Stylesheet
   Aesthetic: Midnight Manhattan · Art-Deco-modern · Glass + Gold
   ============================================================ */

@import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Fraunces:opsz,wght@9..144,300;9..144,400;9..144,500;9..144,600;9..144,700&family=Manrope:wght@300;400;500;600;700&display=swap');

:root {
  /* Core palette */
  --ink-900: #04060f;
  --ink-800: #070a1a;
  --ink-700: #0b1024;
  --ink-600: #121838;
  --ink-500: #1a2148;
  --ink-line: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);

  /* Accents */
  --gold-300: #f5d27c;
  --gold-400: #e6bd6a;
  --gold-500: #d4a857;
  --gold-600: #a8843f;
  --gold-glow: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.35);

  --blue-300: #8fc1ff;
  --blue-400: #5ea6ff;
  --blue-500: #3d8bff;
  --blue-glow: rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.32);

  /* Text */
  --ivory: #f1ede2;
  --off-white: #e8e6df;
  --muted: #b8bfd1;       /* AA: ~9.5:1 on ink-900 */
  --dim: #8d96b0;         /* AA: ~6.8:1 on ink-900 (was #6c7491 at 4.35:1, failing AA) */
  --error: #ff9c8a;       /* accessible error text on dark */
  --error-glow: rgba(255, 156, 138, 0.3);

  /* Type */
  --font-display: 'Fraunces', 'Times New Roman', serif;
  --font-body: 'Manrope', system-ui, sans-serif;

  /* Geometry */
  --radius-s: 6px;
  --radius-m: 14px;
  --radius-l: 22px;
  --maxw: 1240px;

  /* Effects */
  --glass-bg: rgba(18, 24, 56, 0.45);
  --glass-border: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.18);
  --shadow-deep: 0 30px 80px -30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7), 0 12px 40px -16px rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.18);
}

/* ---------- Reset ---------- */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }
html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }
body {
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-weight: 400;
  color: var(--off-white);
  background: var(--ink-900);
  line-height: 1.6;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
  text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
  overflow-x: hidden;
}

img, svg { display: block; max-width: 100%; }
a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; }
button { font: inherit; cursor: pointer; border: none; background: none; color: inherit; }

/* ---------- Atmospheric background layers ---------- */
.bg-shell {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: -2;
  background:
    radial-gradient(1100px 700px at 80% -10%, rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.18), transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(900px 600px at -10% 30%, rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.12), transparent 60%),
    radial-gradient(800px 500px at 50% 110%, rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.10), transparent 60%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, #04060f 0%, #070a1a 40%, #0b1024 100%);
}
.bg-grid {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: -1;
  background-image:
    linear-gradient(to right, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.025) 1px, transparent 1px),
    linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.018) 1px, transparent 1px);
  background-size: 80px 80px;
  mask-image: radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 30%, black 30%, transparent 75%);
  -webkit-mask-image: radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 30%, black 30%, transparent 75%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.bg-noise {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: -1;
  opacity: 0.05;
  pointer-events: none;
  background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='160' height='160'><filter id='n'><feTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.9' numOctaves='2'/><feColorMatrix values='0 0 0 0 0.95  0 0 0 0 0.83  0 0 0 0 0.55  0 0 0 0.5 0'/></filter><rect width='100%' height='100%' filter='url(%23n)'/></svg>");
}

/* Floating NYC light particles */
.particles {
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: -1;
  pointer-events: none;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.particles span {
  position: absolute;
  width: 3px; height: 3px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--gold-300);
  box-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--gold-glow), 0 0 14px var(--gold-glow);
  opacity: 0.55;
  animation: drift 22s linear infinite;
}
.particles span:nth-child(odd) {
  background: var(--blue-300);
  box-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--blue-glow), 0 0 18px var(--blue-glow);
}
@keyframes drift {
  0%   { transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0); opacity: 0; }
  10%  { opacity: 0.55; }
  90%  { opacity: 0.55; }
  100% { transform: translate3d(40px, -120vh, 0); opacity: 0; }
}

/* ---------- Layout primitives ---------- */
.container {
  width: min(100% - 2.5rem, var(--maxw));
  margin-inline: auto;
}
section { position: relative; padding: clamp(4.5rem, 9vw, 7.5rem) 0; }
.eyebrow {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.6rem;
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-weight: 500;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold-400);
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
}
.eyebrow::before {
  content: "";
  width: 28px;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold-500));
}
h1, h2, h3, h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  color: var(--ivory);
  margin: 0 0 1rem;
  line-height: 1.08;
}
h1 { font-size: clamp(2.7rem, 6vw, 4.6rem); font-weight: 400; }
h2 { font-size: clamp(2rem, 4.2vw, 3.1rem); }
h3 { font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 2vw, 1.5rem); font-weight: 500; }
p { color: var(--muted); }
p.lead {
  font-size: clamp(1.05rem, 1.25vw, 1.2rem);
  color: var(--off-white);
  max-width: 60ch;
  line-height: 1.65;
}

/* Gold underline ornament */
.deco-rule {
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 14px;
  margin: 2rem 0;
}
.deco-rule::before, .deco-rule::after {
  content: ""; flex: 1; height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.35), transparent);
}
.deco-rule span {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 400;
  color: var(--gold-400);
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
}

/* ---------- Buttons ---------- */
.btn {
  --bg: var(--gold-500);
  --fg: #0a0d1d;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.7rem;
  padding: 0.95rem 1.6rem;
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  border-radius: 999px;
  background: var(--bg);
  color: var(--fg);
  transition: transform 0.25s ease, box-shadow 0.25s ease, background 0.25s ease;
  box-shadow: 0 12px 30px -10px var(--gold-glow);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.btn::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(120deg, transparent 30%, rgba(255,255,255,0.35) 50%, transparent 70%);
  transform: translateX(-100%);
  transition: transform 0.7s ease;
}
.btn:hover::after { transform: translateX(100%); }
.btn:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); box-shadow: 0 18px 40px -10px var(--gold-glow); }
.btn .arrow { display: inline-block; transition: transform 0.25s ease; }
.btn:hover .arrow { transform: translateX(4px); }

.btn--ghost {
  background: transparent;
  color: var(--ivory);
  border: 1px solid rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.4);
  box-shadow: none;
}
.btn--ghost:hover {
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.08);
  border-color: var(--gold-400);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 1px rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.25), 0 12px 30px -14px var(--blue-glow);
}

.btn--block { width: 100%; justify-content: center; }

/* ---------- Header ---------- */
.site-header {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  z-index: 100;
  transition: background 0.3s ease, backdrop-filter 0.3s ease, border-color 0.3s ease;
  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;
}
.site-header.scrolled {
  background: rgba(4, 6, 15, 0.75);
  backdrop-filter: blur(18px) saturate(150%);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(18px) saturate(150%);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
}
.nav {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  padding: 1.1rem 0;
}
.brand {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  color: var(--ivory);
}
.brand-mark {
  width: 34px; height: 34px;
  display: grid; place-items: center;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.brand-name {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  line-height: 1;
}
.brand-name small {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-weight: 500;
  font-size: 0.62rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.32em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold-400);
  margin-top: 4px;
}
.nav-links {
  display: flex; gap: 2rem;
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--off-white);
}
.nav-links a {
  position: relative;
  padding: 0.5rem 0;
  transition: color 0.2s ease;
}
.nav-links a::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0;
  width: 0; height: 1px;
  background: var(--gold-400);
  transition: width 0.3s ease;
}
.nav-links a:hover { color: var(--gold-300); }
.nav-links a:hover::after { width: 100%; }
.nav-cta { display: none; }
@media (min-width: 900px) { .nav-cta { display: inline-flex; } }
.nav-toggle {
  display: grid;
  width: 44px; height: 44px;
  place-items: center;
  border-radius: 8px;
  border: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
  background: transparent;
}
.nav-toggle span {
  display: block; width: 18px; height: 1.5px;
  background: var(--ivory);
  position: relative;
}
.nav-toggle span::before, .nav-toggle span::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0;
  width: 18px; height: 1.5px;
  background: var(--ivory);
}
.nav-toggle span::before { top: -6px; }
.nav-toggle span::after { top: 6px; }
@media (min-width: 900px) { .nav-toggle { display: none; } .nav-links { display: flex; } }
@media (max-width: 899px) {
  .nav-links {
    position: absolute;
    top: 100%; left: 0; right: 0;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 0;
    background: rgba(4, 6, 15, 0.96);
    backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
    padding: 1rem 1.5rem 2rem;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
    transform: translateY(-130%);
    transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(.7,0,.2,1);
  }
  .nav-links.open { transform: translateY(0); }
  .nav-links li { width: 100%; }
  .nav-links a { display: block; padding: 1rem 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ink-line); }
}

/* ---------- Hero ---------- */
.hero {
  min-height: 100vh;
  padding-top: 8rem;
  padding-bottom: 4rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.page-shell {
  padding-top: 9rem;
  padding-bottom: 4rem;
}
/* Keep anchor-linked headings clear of the fixed header */
:target {
  scroll-margin-top: 110px;
}
.card h3[id] {
  scroll-margin-top: 120px;
}
.hero-inner {
  display: grid;
  gap: 3rem;
  align-items: center;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}
@media (min-width: 1024px) {
  .hero-inner {
    grid-template-columns: 1.15fr 0.85fr;
    gap: 4rem;
  }
}
.hero-eyebrow {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  border-radius: 999px;
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.05);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.24em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}
.hero-eyebrow .dot {
  width: 6px; height: 6px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--gold-400);
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px var(--gold-glow);
  animation: pulse 2.4s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@keyframes pulse {
  0%, 100% { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1); }
  50% { opacity: 0.55; transform: scale(1.3); }
}

.hero h1 {
  font-size: clamp(2.6rem, 6.2vw, 5.2rem);
  font-weight: 400;
  letter-spacing: -0.025em;
  line-height: 0.99;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}
.hero h1 .accent {
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 400;
  color: var(--gold-400);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--gold-300), var(--gold-500) 50%, var(--gold-300));
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
}
.hero h1 .word {
  display: inline-block;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(24px);
  animation: rise 1s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1) forwards;
}
@keyframes rise {
  to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
}

.hero-sub {
  max-width: 56ch;
  font-size: clamp(1rem, 1.2vw, 1.18rem);
  color: var(--off-white);
  line-height: 1.65;
  margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
  opacity: 0;
  animation: fade 1s ease forwards 0.6s;
}
@keyframes fade { to { opacity: 1; } }

.hero-cta {
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 1rem;
  opacity: 0; animation: fade 1s ease forwards 0.9s;
}

.hero-meta {
  margin-top: 3rem;
  margin-bottom: 0;
  padding: 0;
  list-style: none;
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 2rem 3rem;
  opacity: 0; animation: fade 1s ease forwards 1.2s;
}
.hero-meta li {
  display: flex; flex-direction: column;
}
.hero-meta strong {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  color: var(--ivory);
  font-weight: 500;
}
.hero-meta span {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--dim);
  margin-top: 0.25rem;
}

/* Skyline panel */
.skyline-panel {
  position: relative;
  aspect-ratio: 4 / 5;
  border-radius: var(--radius-l);
  overflow: hidden;
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  background:
    radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 100%, rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.2), transparent 60%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.1), rgba(4, 6, 15, 0.8));
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-deep);
}
.skyline-panel::before {
  content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0;
  background-image:
    repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.06) 0 1px, transparent 1px 80px);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.skyline-panel svg {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 75%;
}
.skyline-stars span {
  position: absolute;
  width: 2px; height: 2px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--gold-300);
  box-shadow: 0 0 6px var(--gold-glow);
  opacity: 0.7;
  animation: twinkle 4s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@keyframes twinkle {
  0%, 100% { opacity: 0.3; }
  50% { opacity: 1; }
}
.skyline-badge {
  position: absolute;
  top: 1.25rem;
  left: 1.25rem;
  right: 1.25rem;
  display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  z-index: 2;
}
.skyline-badge .coords {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--off-white);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  text-transform: none;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
}

/* Hero side ornament */
.hero-side-line {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; bottom: 0;
  left: 50%;
  width: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent, var(--gold-glow), transparent);
  opacity: 0.4;
  z-index: 1;
}

/* ---------- Trust band ---------- */
.trust-band {
  padding: 2.5rem 0;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
  background: rgba(7, 10, 26, 0.6);
}
.trust-track {
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; align-items: center;
  gap: 2rem 3rem;
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0;
}
.trust-item {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.75rem;
  font-size: 0.8rem; letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--off-white);
}
.trust-item::before {
  content: "";
  width: 8px; height: 8px;
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-500);
  transform: rotate(45deg);
}

/* ---------- Section headers ---------- */
.section-head {
  max-width: 720px;
  margin-bottom: 3.5rem;
}
.section-head--center {
  margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;
  text-align: center;
}
.section-head h2 .accent {
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--gold-400);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--gold-300), var(--gold-500));
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
}

/* ---------- Practice cards ---------- */
.cards {
  display: grid;
  gap: 1.25rem;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(280px, 1fr));
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0;
}
.cards > li {
  display: flex;
}
.cards > li > .card {
  width: 100%;
}
.card {
  position: relative;
  padding: 2rem 1.75rem 2.25rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-m);
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  background: var(--glass-bg);
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1), border-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.4s ease;
  transform-style: preserve-3d;
}
.card::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background:
    radial-gradient(420px circle at var(--mx, 50%) var(--my, 0%), rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.18), transparent 45%);
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 0.4s ease;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.card::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold-glow), transparent);
  opacity: 0.5;
}
.card:hover {
  border-color: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.5);
  box-shadow: 0 30px 80px -30px rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.25), 0 0 0 1px rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.15);
}
.card:hover::before { opacity: 1; }

.card-num {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 400;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: var(--gold-400);
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.75rem;
}
.card-num::after {
  content: ""; flex: 1; height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--gold-glow), transparent);
  max-width: 60px;
}
.card-icon {
  width: 48px; height: 48px;
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
  display: grid; place-items: center;
  border-radius: 10px;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.12), rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.08));
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
}
.card-icon svg {
  width: 24px; height: 24px;
  stroke: var(--gold-300);
  fill: none;
  stroke-width: 1.4;
}
.card h3 { margin-bottom: 0.75rem; color: var(--ivory); }
.card p { font-size: 0.94rem; color: var(--muted); margin: 0; }
.card-link {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  margin-top: 1.1rem;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  text-decoration: none;
  min-height: 44px;
}
.card-link:hover { color: var(--gold-200, #f5d27c); text-decoration: underline; }
.card-link span { transition: transform 0.2s ease; }
.card-link:hover span { transform: translateX(3px); }

/* ---------- Featured investigation ---------- */
.featured {
  padding: clamp(4rem, 8vw, 7rem) 0;
}
.featured-inner {
  position: relative;
  padding: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4.5rem);
  border-radius: var(--radius-l);
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  background:
    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.06), transparent 50%),
    rgba(11, 16, 36, 0.7);
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-deep);
}
.featured-inner::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: -2px; left: -2px; right: -2px;
  height: 3px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold-500), transparent);
  opacity: 0.8;
}
.featured-grid {
  display: grid; gap: 2.5rem;
}
@media (min-width: 900px) {
  .featured-grid { grid-template-columns: 1.3fr 0.7fr; align-items: center; gap: 4rem; }
}
.featured-tag {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.6rem;
  padding: 0.45rem 0.9rem;
  border: 1px solid rgba(95, 167, 255, 0.35);
  border-radius: 999px;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--blue-300);
  background: rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.08);
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}
.featured h2 { font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.6vw, 2.7rem); }
.featured p { font-size: 1.02rem; color: var(--off-white); margin-bottom: 2rem; max-width: 56ch; }

/* Vertical-art-deco ornament */
.deco-tower {
  position: relative;
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}
.deco-tower .spire {
  width: 2px; height: 60px;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--gold-300), transparent);
}
.deco-tower .tier {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.2), rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.05));
  border: 1px solid rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.3);
}
.deco-tower .t1 { width: 24px; height: 80px; }
.deco-tower .t2 { width: 60px; height: 50px; }
.deco-tower .t3 { width: 110px; height: 40px; }
.deco-tower .t4 { width: 170px; height: 30px; }
.deco-tower .windows {
  width: 100%;
  background-image: repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 0 4px, rgba(245, 210, 124, 0.4) 4px 6px);
}

/* ---------- Why us ---------- */
.why-grid {
  display: grid; gap: 1.5rem;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(240px, 1fr));
  margin-top: 3rem;
  margin-bottom: 0;
  padding: 0;
  list-style: none;
}
.why-item {
  padding: 1.75rem;
  border-left: 1px solid var(--gold-500);
  position: relative;
}
.why-item::before {
  content: ""; position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: -1px;
  width: 1px; height: 22px;
  background: var(--gold-300);
  box-shadow: 0 0 10px var(--gold-glow);
}
.why-item h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 400;
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}
.why-item p { color: var(--muted); font-size: 0.95rem; margin: 0; }

/* ---------- How it works ---------- */
.steps {
  display: grid; gap: 1.25rem;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(220px, 1fr));
  counter-reset: step;
  position: relative;
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0;
}
.step {
  position: relative;
  padding: 2.25rem 1.5rem 1.75rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-m);
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  background: rgba(11, 16, 36, 0.5);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  transition: transform 0.3s ease, border-color 0.3s ease;
  counter-increment: step;
}
.step:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  border-color: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.4);
}
.step::before {
  content: "0" counter(step);
  position: absolute;
  top: -18px;
  left: 1.5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-style: italic;
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  color: transparent;
  -webkit-text-stroke: 1px var(--gold-400);
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}
.step h3 {
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  letter-spacing: 0;
}
.step p { font-size: 0.9rem; color: var(--muted); margin: 0.5rem 0 0; }

/* ---------- Checklist ---------- */
.checklist-wrap {
  display: grid;
  gap: 3rem;
}
@media (min-width: 900px) {
  .checklist-wrap { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.1fr; align-items: start; gap: 4rem; }
}
.checklist {
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0;
  display: grid;
  gap: 0.75rem;
}
.checklist li {
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1rem;
  padding: 1rem 1.25rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-s);
  border: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
  background: rgba(7, 10, 26, 0.5);
  transition: border-color 0.25s ease, transform 0.25s ease, background 0.25s ease;
}
.checklist li:hover {
  border-color: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.4);
  transform: translateX(4px);
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.04);
}
.checklist-check {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 22px; height: 22px;
  border-radius: 5px;
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-500);
  display: grid; place-items: center;
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.08);
}
.checklist-check svg {
  width: 12px; height: 12px;
  stroke: var(--gold-300);
  fill: none;
  stroke-width: 2.5;
}
.checklist li span:last-child {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: var(--off-white);
}

/* ---------- Form ---------- */
.intake-shell {
  position: relative;
  padding: clamp(2.25rem, 4vw, 3.75rem);
  border-radius: var(--radius-l);
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  background:
    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.04), transparent 50%),
    rgba(11, 16, 36, 0.7);
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-deep);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.intake-shell::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  height: 2px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold-400), var(--blue-400), var(--gold-400), transparent);
  opacity: 0.7;
}
.form-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 1.25rem;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
@media (min-width: 720px) {
  .form-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .form-grid .full { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
}
.field { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.4rem; }
.field label {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  font-weight: 500;
}
.field input,
.field select,
.field textarea {
  width: 100%;
  padding: 0.95rem 1.1rem;
  font: inherit;
  color: var(--ivory);
  background: rgba(4, 6, 15, 0.55);
  border: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
  border-radius: var(--radius-s);
  transition: border-color 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.2s ease, background 0.2s ease;
}
.field input::placeholder,
.field textarea::placeholder { color: var(--dim); }
.field textarea { resize: vertical; min-height: 140px; }
.field input:focus,
.field select:focus,
.field textarea:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: var(--gold-400);
  background: rgba(4, 6, 15, 0.75);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.12);
}
.field input[type="file"] {
  padding: 0.7rem 0.7rem;
  cursor: pointer;
}
.field input[type="file"]::file-selector-button {
  padding: 0.55rem 1rem;
  margin-right: 1rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-500);
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.08);
  color: var(--gold-300);
  border-radius: 999px;
  font: inherit;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: background 0.2s ease;
}
.field input[type="file"]::file-selector-button:hover {
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.16);
}
.consent {
  display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 0.85rem;
  padding: 1.25rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-s);
  border: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
  background: rgba(4, 6, 15, 0.4);
}
.consent input[type="checkbox"] {
  appearance: none;
  -webkit-appearance: none;
  width: 22px; height: 22px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  border-radius: 5px;
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-500);
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.05);
  cursor: pointer;
  position: relative;
  margin-top: 1px;
}
.consent input[type="checkbox"]:checked {
  background: var(--gold-500);
}
.consent input[type="checkbox"]:checked::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  left: 6px; top: 2px;
  width: 6px; height: 11px;
  border: solid #0a0d1d;
  border-width: 0 2px 2px 0;
  transform: rotate(45deg);
}
.consent label {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: var(--off-white);
  line-height: 1.5;
}
.form-footer {
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;
  gap: 1rem;
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
}
.form-note {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  max-width: 40ch;
  line-height: 1.55;
}

/* Honeypot (visually hidden but accessible to bots) */
.hp-field {
  position: absolute !important;
  width: 1px !important;
  height: 1px !important;
  padding: 0 !important;
  margin: -1px !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
  clip: rect(0,0,0,0) !important;
  white-space: nowrap !important;
  border: 0 !important;
}

/* ---------- Disclaimers ---------- */
.disclaimer-band {
  margin-top: 3rem;
  padding: 1.5rem 1.75rem;
  border-left: 2px solid var(--gold-500);
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.04);
  border-radius: 0 var(--radius-s) var(--radius-s) 0;
}
.disclaimer-band strong {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
}
.disclaimer-band p {
  font-size: 0.84rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  margin: 0.25rem 0;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* ---------- Footer ---------- */
.site-footer {
  margin-top: 4rem;
  padding: 4rem 0 2rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
  background: rgba(4, 6, 15, 0.7);
  position: relative;
}
.site-footer::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: -1px; left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  width: 220px; height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold-500), transparent);
}
.footer-grid {
  display: grid; gap: 2.5rem;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
@media (min-width: 760px) {
  .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1.6fr 1fr 1fr 1fr; }
}
@media (min-width: 760px) and (max-width: 1000px) {
  .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
}
.footer-brand p {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  max-width: 36ch;
  font-size: 0.92rem;
}
.footer-col h4 {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.22em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  font-weight: 600;
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
}
.footer-col ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; }
.footer-col li { margin-bottom: 0.7rem; }
.footer-col a {
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: var(--off-white);
  transition: color 0.2s ease;
}
.footer-col a:hover { color: var(--gold-300); }
.footer-bottom {
  margin-top: 3rem;
  padding-top: 2rem;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--ink-line);
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: space-between; gap: 1rem;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: var(--muted);          /* upgraded from --dim for AA contrast */
}
.footer-disclaimer {
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
  font-size: 0.86rem;            /* slightly larger for readability */
  color: var(--muted);          /* upgraded from --dim for AA contrast */
  line-height: 1.65;
  max-width: 80ch;
}

/* ---------- Legal pages (terms, privacy, thank-you) ---------- */
.legal-prose {
  max-width: 760px;
}
.legal-prose h1 {
  font-size: clamp(2.2rem, 4.5vw, 3.4rem);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}
.legal-prose h2 {
  font-size: 1.45rem;
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  margin-top: 2.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}
.legal-prose p { color: var(--off-white); font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.75; }
.legal-prose ul { color: var(--off-white); padding-left: 1.25rem; }
.legal-prose li { margin-bottom: 0.5rem; }
.legal-meta {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  color: var(--dim);
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.thanks-hero {
  display: grid; place-items: center;
  text-align: center;
  min-height: 80vh;
}
.thanks-card {
  max-width: 620px;
  padding: 3.5rem 2.5rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-l);
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  background: rgba(11, 16, 36, 0.7);
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-deep);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.thanks-card::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  height: 2px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold-400), transparent);
}
.thanks-icon {
  width: 80px; height: 80px;
  margin: 0 auto 2rem;
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: grid; place-items: center;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.2), transparent 70%);
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-500);
}
.thanks-icon svg {
  width: 32px; height: 32px;
  stroke: var(--gold-300);
  fill: none;
  stroke-width: 1.5;
}
.thanks-card h1 { font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 2.8rem); }
.thanks-card p { font-size: 1.05rem; color: var(--off-white); margin-bottom: 2rem; }

/* ---------- Scroll reveal ---------- */
.reveal {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(28px);
  transition: opacity 0.9s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1), transform 0.9s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1);
}
.reveal.in {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: none;
}
.reveal.delay-1 { transition-delay: 0.08s; }
.reveal.delay-2 { transition-delay: 0.16s; }
.reveal.delay-3 { transition-delay: 0.24s; }
.reveal.delay-4 { transition-delay: 0.32s; }

/* ---------- Accessibility / motion ---------- */
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  *, *::before, *::after {
    animation-duration: 0.001ms !important;
    animation-iteration-count: 1 !important;
    transition-duration: 0.001ms !important;
    scroll-behavior: auto !important;
  }
  .particles { display: none; }
}

:focus-visible {
  outline: 3px solid var(--gold-300);
  outline-offset: 3px;
  border-radius: 4px;
}

/* ---------- Skip-to-content link (WCAG 2.4.1) ---------- */
.skip-link {
  position: absolute;
  left: 1rem;
  top: -100px;
  z-index: 1000;
  padding: 0.85rem 1.25rem;
  background: var(--gold-400);
  color: #04060f;
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  border-radius: 8px;
  text-decoration: none;
  box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
  transition: top 0.2s ease;
}
.skip-link:focus {
  top: 1rem;
  outline: 3px solid var(--ivory);
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

/* ---------- Form validation messaging ---------- */
.field-help {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  margin-top: 0.25rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
}
.field-error {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--error);
  margin-top: 0.4rem;
  display: none;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.4rem;
  font-weight: 500;
}
.field-error::before {
  content: "⚠";
  font-size: 1rem;
}
.field input:user-invalid,
.field select:user-invalid,
.field textarea:user-invalid {
  border-color: var(--error);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px var(--error-glow);
}
.field input:user-invalid ~ .field-error,
.field select:user-invalid ~ .field-error,
.field textarea:user-invalid ~ .field-error {
  display: flex;
}

/* Live region for form status (visually rendered, polite to AT) */
.form-status {
  margin-top: 1rem;
  padding: 1rem 1.25rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-s);
  border: 1px solid var(--error);
  background: rgba(255, 156, 138, 0.08);
  color: var(--error);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  display: none;
}
.form-status[data-shown="true"] { display: block; }

/* Upload-redaction warning panel */
.upload-warning {
  margin-top: 0.4rem;
  padding: 0.9rem 1rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-s);
  border: 1px solid rgba(245, 210, 124, 0.35);
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.06);
  display: flex;
  gap: 0.7rem;
  align-items: flex-start;
}
.upload-warning svg {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 18px; height: 18px;
  stroke: var(--gold-300);
  fill: none;
  stroke-width: 1.8;
  margin-top: 2px;
}
.upload-warning p {
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 0.86rem;
  color: var(--ivory);
  line-height: 1.55;
}
.upload-warning p strong {
  color: var(--gold-300);
  font-weight: 600;
}

/* ---------- Prominent Attorney Advertising banner (inside fixed header) ---------- */
.ad-banner {
  padding: 0.55rem 0;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.18), rgba(74, 158, 255, 0.12), rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.18));
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.28);
  text-align: center;
}
.ad-banner p {
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.16em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  font-weight: 500;
}
.ad-banner p span {
  color: var(--off-white);
  text-transform: none;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  font-weight: 400;
  margin-left: 0.5rem;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .ad-banner p { font-size: 0.72rem; }
  .ad-banner p span { display: block; margin-left: 0; margin-top: 0.1rem; }
}

/* ---------- Compliance notice (expanded disclaimer panel) ---------- */
.compliance-notice {
  margin-top: 3rem;
  padding: 1.75rem 2rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-m);
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  background: rgba(11, 16, 36, 0.6);
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  position: relative;
}
.compliance-notice::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0;
  width: 3px; height: 100%;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--gold-400), transparent);
  border-radius: 3px 0 0 3px;
}
.compliance-notice h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 500;
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  color: var(--gold-300);
  margin: 0 0 1rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}
.compliance-notice ul {
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
  list-style: none;
  display: grid;
  gap: 0.7rem;
}
.compliance-notice li {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 0.75rem;
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: var(--ivory);
  line-height: 1.55;
}
.compliance-notice li::before {
  content: "";
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 6px; height: 6px;
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-500);
  transform: rotate(45deg);
  margin-top: 8px;
}

/* ---------- Accessibility page commitment grid ---------- */
.commitment-grid {
  display: grid;
  gap: 1.25rem;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(240px, 1fr));
  margin: 2.5rem 0;
}
.commitment-card {
  padding: 1.75rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-m);
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  background: rgba(11, 16, 36, 0.5);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
}
.commitment-card .num {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-style: italic;
  color: var(--gold-400);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}
.commitment-card h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 500;
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  color: var(--ivory);
  margin: 0 0 0.6rem;
}
.commitment-card p {
  margin: 0;
  font-size: 0.94rem;
  color: var(--muted);
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* Visually hidden but available to AT */
.sr-only {
  position: absolute !important;
  width: 1px !important;
  height: 1px !important;
  padding: 0 !important;
  margin: -1px !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
  clip: rect(0,0,0,0) !important;
  white-space: nowrap !important;
  border: 0 !important;
}

/* Contact-page routing note (links to the medical-billing intake) */
.contact-routing {
  max-width: 720px;
  margin: 0 auto 2rem;
  padding: 1rem 1.5rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-s);
  border: 1px solid var(--glass-border);
  background: rgba(11, 16, 36, 0.5);
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  text-align: center;
}
.contact-routing p { margin: 0; font-size: 0.94rem; color: var(--muted); line-height: 1.6; }
.contact-routing strong { color: var(--ivory); }
.contact-routing a { color: var(--gold-300); white-space: nowrap; }

/* Optional-field marker in labels */
.field-optional {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 400;
  color: var(--dim);
  letter-spacing: normal;
  text-transform: none;
}

/* Minimum touch target enforcement (WCAG 2.5.5) */
.nav-links a,
.footer-col a,
.checklist li,
.btn,
.consent input[type="checkbox"] {
  min-height: 44px;
}
.consent { align-items: center; }
.consent input[type="checkbox"] {
  width: 26px; height: 26px;
  min-width: 26px;
}
.consent input[type="checkbox"]:checked::after {
  left: 8px; top: 3px;
  width: 6px; height: 13px;
}

::selection {
  background: rgba(214, 168, 87, 0.35);
  color: var(--ivory);
}