Smokeball

What is smokeball

Smokeball is a legal practice management system designed to help small and mid-size law firms manage matters, automate document creation, capture time, and handle billing and trust accounting in a single platform. It combines matter-centric data storage with document automation and activity tracking so firms can maintain consistent files and accurate time records tied directly to client matters.

Built for firms that handle high volumes of standardized documents (real estate, family law, estate planning, personal injury, etc.), Smokeball places a strong emphasis on document generation and productivity: templates, automated precedents, and context-aware merge fields are core parts of the product. The platform includes matter intake, contact management, calendaring, email management, and reporting modules to give a firm-wide view of activity and profitability.

Smokeball is available as a cloud-hosted service with desktop components; it integrates with common office tools and accounting packages so firms can keep data synchronized across billing and accounting systems. The product targets small law firms that need an out-of-the-box set of legal workflows combined with firm-level oversight and compliance features.

Smokeball features

Smokeball organizes features around matters, documents, timekeeping, billing, and reporting. Key built-in capabilities include:

• Document automation and templates that insert matter and contact fields automatically
• Matter and contact management with configurable fields and matter types
• Automatic time capture tied to document and email activities
• Billing and trust accounting with invoice generation and payment processing support
• Calendar and task management with conflict checking and reminders
• Built-in reporting and dashboards for matters, time, fees, and staff productivity

Smokeball also offers task and workflow tooling so firms can standardize processes for common matters. Firms can create checklists and workflows for intake-to-close operations, assign tasks to staff, and monitor completion status. Combined with document templates and automated naming/versioning rules, these workflows help reduce repetitive administrative work.

The platform supports role-based access controls, audit trails, and secure data storage to address compliance and confidentiality needs. Integrations with accounting and payment systems, as well as common office productivity suites, extend Smokeball’s capabilities into bookkeeping and client payments.

What does smokeball do?

Smokeball centralizes client and matter information so every piece of work—emails, documents, time entries, invoices—can be linked to the correct matter and client record. This matter-centric approach reduces duplication and makes it simpler for team members to locate current files and case history.

Document automation is a primary function: Smokeball lets firms create template libraries and use client/matter data to auto-populate forms and letters. This reduces manual editing, enforces consistent wording, and speeds up document production for routine matters.

Smokeball captures time automatically based on document and email activity and offers manual entry options. Time captured is available for billing and for granular reporting on staff productivity and matter profitability. The billing module supports flexible invoice formatting, trust accounting, and integrations with payment processors to collect client payments online.

Smokeball pricing

Smokeball offers these pricing plans:

• Starter: $199/month per user (billed monthly) — entry-level package with core matter management, document automation, and basic billing features
• Professional: $299/month per user (billed monthly) — adds advanced workflows, reporting, and integrations with accounting systems
• Enterprise: Contact Sales for volume licensing and advanced security, compliance, and onboarding services

Pricing is typically offered on a per-user subscription basis, with discounts available for annual billing and multi-user commitments. Additional costs may include setup and onboarding fees, training services, custom template development, and optional integrations or payment processor fees.

Check Smokeball's current pricing for the latest rates and enterprise options at Smokeball's current pricing (https://www.smokeball.com/pricing).

How much is smokeball per month

Smokeball starts at approximately $199/month per user for the entry-level package when billed monthly. Practical monthly cost varies by the number of users, optional modules (such as advanced reporting or specialized templates), and implementation services. Firms should factor in onboarding and training when estimating the first month cost.

How much is smokeball per year

Smokeball costs roughly $2,388/year per user when paying the monthly-equivalent annual total for the Starter plan (12 x $199/month per user). If annual billing discounts apply, the effective per-user yearly cost can be somewhat lower; enterprise agreements can include custom annual pricing tied to seat count and service level.

How much is smokeball in general

Smokeball pricing ranges from about $199/month per user to enterprise-level investments that vary by firm size and requirements. The lower bound reflects core functionality for a small office, while the top end reflects custom integrations, dedicated onboarding, and enterprise-level support. Firms should budget for software subscriptions, implementation, training, and any third-party integration fees.

What is smokeball used for

Smokeball is used for day-to-day management of legal matters and firm operations. Typical uses include matter intake, calendar and deadline management, document generation and storage, and timekeeping linked to client matters. Firms use Smokeball to centralize records and reduce the administrative overhead of keeping separate systems in sync.

Specific practice areas that benefit include conveyancing/real estate, family law, estate planning, personal injury, and small claims where document templates and repeatable workflows predominate. Smokeball’s automation reduces manual document editing and ensures matter data populates forms consistently across the file.

Internals teams use Smokeball for billing and trust accounting: producing invoices, managing retainer funds, tracking payments, and exporting or synchronizing data with accounting platforms. Management uses built-in reports to review realization rates, outstanding receivables, and matter profitability by attorney or practice area.

Smokeball is also useful for compliance and file governance. Role-based permissions, audit logs, and standardized folder structures help firms maintain consistent record-keeping for audits and regulatory obligations.

Pros and cons of smokeball

Pros:

• Centralized matter management combines documents, emails, time, and billing into a single record, reducing administrative duplication and retrieval time.
• Strong document automation tools speed preparation of standard forms and letters and reduce errors when populating client/matter data.
• Automatic time capture can increase accuracy of timekeeping and reduce lost billable time.
• Integrations with accounting and payment systems ease reconciliation and client payments.
• Built-in reporting provides insight into productivity, billing, and matter status without needing external BI tools.

Cons:

• Per-user subscription pricing can be a significant recurring cost for larger firms; total cost increases with optional modules and onboarding services.
• Firms with highly bespoke workflows or unusual practice areas may need customization that raises implementation time and cost.
• Desktop components and synchronization can require IT support; small teams without a dedicated IT resource may need professional services for setup.
• Firms that prefer fully open systems may find some integrations limited to supported partners; custom integrations may require API work or third-party connectors.

Smokeball free trial

Smokeball commonly offers demo sessions and short trial periods for prospective customers to evaluate the platform. Demos typically include a guided walk-through of matter management, document automation, time capture, and billing workflows tailored to the firm’s practice area.

Trial environments allow firms to test template creation, import a sample matter, and evaluate reporting and invoice output. Trial accounts are helpful to validate the fit for a firm’s document templates and matter workflows before committing to a subscription.

To arrange a demo or request a trial, view Smokeball's demo and trial options on their features and demo pages at Smokeball's features and demo information (https://www.smokeball.com/features).

Is smokeball free

No, Smokeball is not a free product. It is a subscription-based platform with per-user monthly or annual fees and additional costs for implementation, training, and optional integrations. Prospective customers can request demos and trial access to evaluate the software before purchase.

Smokeball API

Smokeball provides integration options to connect matter, billing, and document data to other systems. The vendor supports pre-built integrations with accounting platforms and office suites to reduce duplicate data entry and maintain consistent financial records. Common integrations include QuickBooks (online or desktop, depending on region), Microsoft 365/Office, Outlook, and payment processors such as LawPay.

For firms that require custom workflows, Smokeball exposes integration points and developer resources to map data between systems. Many firms use middleware or third-party platforms (for example, Zapier or native connectors) to bridge Smokeball with CRM, marketing automation, or other legaltech tools. Check Smokeball's integrations page for details about supported connectors and integration partners at Smokeball integrations (https://www.smokeball.com/integrations).

The API and integration capabilities are typically used for:

• Synchronizing invoices, payments, and trust transactions with accounting systems
• Exporting matter and contact data to BI tools or in-house reporting
• Triggering external events from Smokeball workflows (such as notifications or document signing)

Firms planning custom integrations should engage Smokeball’s professional services or certified partners to ensure data mapping, security, and maintainability.

10 Smokeball alternatives

• Clio — cloud-native practice management with strong billing, intake, and marketplace integrations
• PracticePanther — user-friendly matter management with automated workflows and client portals
• CosmoLex — practice management combined with built-in legal accounting and trust compliance
• MyCase — matter management with integrated client communication and billing
• Rocket Matter — practice management with time, billing, and reporting for small firms
• LEAP — document-rich practice management often used by firms that need strong document assembly and legal forms
• Actionstep — configurable workflow-driven practice management for firms that need process automation
• Zola Suite — practice management with built-in accounting and robust email integration
• Firm Central (Thomson Reuters) — practice management integrated with legal research and document tools
• Tabs3 — established billing and practice management solution widely used in firms focused on accounting fidelity

Paid alternatives to smokeball

• Clio — cloud-first platform with comprehensive integrations and a large partner ecosystem; pricing is per user per month with multiple tiers for features and support.
• PracticePanther — offers automated workflows, client portals, and mobile apps; pricing typically follows a per-user subscription model with tiered feature sets.
• CosmoLex — includes integrated legal accounting, eliminating the need for third-party accounting software; targets firms that prefer built-in trust accounting.
• MyCase — focuses on client communication and ease of use, with integrated billing and document management aimed at small firms.
• LEAP — strong document assembly and legal forms, often selected by firms that rely heavily on standardized legal documents.

Open source alternatives to smokeball

• Casebox — open-source legal/knowledge management platform for document management and collaboration; requires self-hosting and configuration.
• OpenLaw — open-source smart contract and legal document framework; better suited for legal document automation experiments than full practice management.
• ERPNext (customized for legal) — general open-source ERP that can be configured for matters, billing, and document workflows with developer resources.
• Docassemble — open-source document assembly platform that can handle complex legal form automation when integrated with case management front-ends.

Frequently asked questions about Smokeball

What is Smokeball used for?

Smokeball is used for legal practice management and document automation. Firms use it to manage matters, generate documents from templates, capture billable time, and handle invoicing and trust accounting. It centralizes client and matter information and links emails and documents to the correct files to improve organization and billing accuracy.

Does Smokeball integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes, Smokeball integrates with QuickBooks in supported regions. The integration syncs invoices, payments, and trust transactions to QuickBooks to keep accounting records aligned. Firms should verify whether the integration supports QuickBooks Online or Desktop in their country and review the mapping rules before implementation.

How much does Smokeball cost per user per month?

Smokeball starts at approximately $199/month per user for the entry-level package when billed monthly. Final per-user cost depends on selected plan, optional modules, onboarding fees, and whether the firm elects annual billing or an enterprise contract.

Is there a free trial of Smokeball?

Yes, Smokeball offers demos and trial access by request. Prospective customers can request a demo tailored to their practice area and test a trial environment to assess template automation, matter workflows, and billing output before purchasing.

Can Smokeball be used for trust accounting?

Yes, Smokeball supports trust accounting and client trust ledgers. The platform includes trust transaction recording, retainer handling, and reporting to help firms maintain compliance; many firms integrate Smokeball with their accounting systems for reconciliation.

Does Smokeball have an API for custom integrations?

Yes, Smokeball provides integration options and supports custom connectors. Firms can use documented integration points, partner connectors, or middleware to exchange data with CRM, accounting, or BI systems. For complex integrations, engaging Smokeball’s partners or professional services is recommended.

Can I import existing matters and documents into Smokeball?

Yes, Smokeball supports matter and document imports. The onboarding process typically includes tools and services to migrate contacts, matters, and documents from legacy systems; larger migrations are commonly handled with the vendor’s implementation team or certified partners.

Is Smokeball cloud-based or on-premises?

Smokeball is delivered as a cloud-hosted service with desktop components. The solution provides cloud access for central data storage while some local clients or synchronization tools may be used for document editing and automatic time capture.

What types of law firms benefit most from Smokeball?

Smokeball is particularly well-suited to small and mid-size firms with high-volume, template-driven practices. Practice areas like family law, conveyancing/real estate, probate/estate planning, and personal injury benefit from strong document automation and matter workflows.

How does Smokeball handle document automation and templates?

Smokeball includes template libraries and a document assembly engine. Templates can be created using matter and contact fields, merged automatically into standard forms, and saved into matter folders with consistent naming conventions to simplify version control and reduce manual editing.

Smokeball careers

Smokeball maintains a careers page where they list roles in product development, customer success, implementation, sales, and support. Positions often target candidates with legaltech experience, software development backgrounds, or customer-facing professional services skills. For current openings and details about benefits and company culture, view Smokeball's careers information at Smokeball careers (https://www.smokeball.com/careers).

Smokeball affiliate

Smokeball runs partner and referral programs for consultants, resellers, and legal technology advisors. Affiliates and certified partners receive access to partner resources, training, and co-marketing materials. Firms interested in partnership or referral arrangements should contact Smokeball's partner team through their partnerships page at Smokeball partner program (https://www.smokeball.com/partners).

Where to find Smokeball reviews

User reviews and third-party evaluations can be found on legaltech review sites, software marketplaces, and industry forums. For customer testimonials and case studies produced by the vendor, see Smokeball's customer stories and reviews at Smokeball reviews and case studies (https://www.smokeball.com/case-studies). Independent reviews are available on platforms like G2 and Capterra where firms report on onboarding experience, ease of use, and support responsiveness.