Cookie Policy

1. Purpose of This Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Smithlexiconchambers ("Westbridge", "the firm", "we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and local browser storage when you visit our website or use our client portal. It describes what technologies are active by default, how optional analytics are controlled, and how you can manage your preferences at any time.

2. What Are Cookies and Browser Storage?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by your web browser when you visit a website. Alongside standard HTTP cookies, modern web applications use browser storage mechanisms—such as localStorage and sessionStorage—to remember interface settings (such as light or dark display themes) and consent choices locally on your device.

3. Essential Cookies and Storage We Use

Essential cookies and browser storage are strictly necessary for our website and client portal to function securely and reliably. Because the platform cannot operate properly without them, they are always active when you use the site:

• Session and Authentication Cookies: Maintain your active browsing session, keep you signed in as you navigate across your client dashboard, and support email OTP verification workflows.
• Security and CSRF Protection: Issue cryptographic tokens that protect forms—including login, registration, consultation booking, questionnaires, and support tickets—against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) and unauthorized tampering.
• Interface and Theme Preferences: Store your selected visual appearance preference (light, dark, or system mode) in browser storage so the layout renders consistently across page loads.
• Cookie Preference Storage: Record your choice in the cookie consent banner (essential-only or analytics enabled) so you are not prompted repeatedly on every page visit.

4. Optional Analytics and Measurement

We respect your choice over non-essential tracking and measurement:

• Opt-In Control: Optional analytics or measurement scripts (such as Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, or Meta Pixel, where configured in platform settings) are never loaded unless both (a) the firm has configured the integration and (b) you have explicitly chosen to allow optional analytics through our cookie banner or settings panel.
• Purpose of Analytics: When enabled, optional analytics help us understand aggregate visitor traffic, page performance, and how prospective clients navigate public pages so we can improve site clarity and usability.
• Essential-Only Default: If you choose "Essential Only" or do not enable optional analytics, optional measurement scripts remain disabled during your visit.

5. Third-Party Operational Features

Certain interactive actions on the website may involve security or payment tools configured by the firm—such as anti-spam verification challenges on public forms or external payment gateway redirects when completing an online checkout. Those technical providers may use their own strictly necessary session or security cookies when you interact directly with their components.

6. How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences

You can review or change your cookie choices at any time:

• On-Site Cookie Settings: Use the Cookie Settings control on our website to switch between allowing optional analytics and restricting storage to essential operation only.
• Browser Controls: Most web browsers allow you to inspect, block, or delete cookies and local site data through your browser's privacy or security settings. Please note that blocking or clearing essential cookies and site data will sign you out of your client account and may prevent forms, consultation booking, and saved theme preferences from working properly.

7. Updates and Contact

We may update this Cookie Policy whenever we introduce new website features or modify our storage practices. If you have questions about how cookies or browser storage are used on this website, please contact us through our Contact Us page.