Smokeball - Avis

Paralegal review

Avantages :

My firm has used Smokeball for over 5 years. Every employee at the firm uses Smokeball daily, even those that would consider themselves to be less tech savvy. Smokeball has a number of features that I personally use daily, including an integrated feature through InfoTrack that allows me to easily electronically file pleadings directly from my matter. We have also created forms and templates that make generating pleadings and documents so easy without spending time messing with formatting. The customer support is always available to assist if I have any questions. They also have the ability to "remote in" on my computer to take care of any behind the scenes techy things that I don't know how to do myself.

Inconvénients :

The pros far outweigh the cons. I feel like there are always updates rolling out, so once we work through the bugs, Smokeball works seamlessly for exactly what we need it to do.

SB is the all in one software that you need!

Commentaires : The law office I work at started using Smoke Ball about 5 years ago. I was hesitant at first because there's a lot to it and change is hard. Now I completely love that there are a lot of components to it. I absolutely love that SB is integrated with Outlook to save emails right to the client matter, this way I never forget to save them.
Smoke Ball has local & state court forms that pull the information from the client matter and add it to the documents for you. They can also create your own documents for you. For example, if there is a certain letter or form that you use, they will create it.
It is also very easy to e-file documents with the integration of Info Track. I am looking forward to other implementations of integrations with other products in the near future. It is so nice having one program that you use for emails, calendar, case management, and e-filing.

Avantages :

I love that SB is able to be integrated with other programs that we already use, for example Family Law Software.

Inconvénients :

The fact that if an email is sent to more than one of us in the office, it does save both emails in the client matter. I wish it would just save one to make finding emails easier.

Disingenuous Company. Dead End Product. Stay Away

Commentaires : I said I wanted API access. They said, "what's an API?" I sent them a link to their website showing where they provide API access to developers. They refused. This became an issue because they will not provide your client and matter data in a useful format. It's a lawyer-run company. The support staff is legalistic and misleading. I would not do business with them again. I don't think "they'll make it right" if you have an issue. I know I sound like a crank. But I feel pretty badly treated by them and in 2023 the lack of an open API is insane. Now that I have my data out of their system, I am no longer hostage to their garbage. If I had read a review like this during my evaluation, I hope that I would have hesitated and made a different choice.

Avantages :

The software has a point of view. Its ideal user is a middle-aged tech-phobic lawyer that needs most decisions made for him.For that reason, the software makes a lot of choices for you. And mostly they are fine choices if you want a desktop-based app and a forms-heavy practice.They oversell their integration with MS Word and Outlook. Their custom add-ins are slow to load and unimpressive.If you truly want to play in the MS Dataverse, which I think is a smart long-term play, then use a product that integrates with Sharepoint and Teams. Also, the app is a POS.

Inconvénients :

This software is a technical dead end. They will never have an open API and integrate with the web. But if you ask for it, they "will submit a feature request" despite the fact they actually have an API that developers can use.They will not help you export your data. They provide you with your files in an unstructured mess of separate .csv files and client folders.They answer the customer service number 1 out of 5 calls. They shuttle you to email, where the support doesn't read the emails you send.Their document automation team screwed up my documents. I sent templates in Georgia 11 and got back documents with a mixture of Times New Roman 12 and Georgia. I sent over documents with tables for signature blocks and got back documents where the signature block was done with an underline and space bar.

Highly recommend

Avantages :

I've been using Smokeball for a couple years now, at my previous law firm and now my current. The system is super easy to use and I even recommended it to my current firm as they were searching for a new system. Would highly recommend.

Inconvénients :

I can't think of anything I dislike about Smokeball. The setup and use of the system has been easy and super helpful in cleaning up our previous system.

One Year Later

Commentaires : Overall, the experience has been excellent. Other than the mobile application leaving much to be desired, the desktop-based application has been fantastic. They offer a wide variety of functionality, and their technical development team has been incredibly helpful in responding to our communications with them. There is so much good to be said about the product offered. Having seen a number of other practice management solutions, nobody else comes close to the full functionality of Smokeball for most practice areas.

Avantages :

Smokeball is an incredibly easy platform to use, and is a true "all in one" platform for practice management.

Inconvénients :

Smokeball's mobile application needs serious work.

Smokeball Review - Cost = $$$$ - Value = Priceless!

Commentaires : Very friendly and helpful and out to see you succeed and get the most from the software. Everyone seems to have law firm experience from the Implementation Specialist and Account Manager who have many years of experience as a Paralegal to the Billing Trainer who is a Lawyer and they know what they are recommending or helping with and why. You are not alone, you have a great support staff, video training, webinar training, one on one training etc. Believe it or not...the Sales guy didn't lie.....pretty much everything he sold us on during the demo is true!

Avantages :

It tracks everything. Training and onboarding are fantastic. Customer Support is on top of things and great to help and give feedback. Everyone I have worked with seems to be an expert in the field with solid law firm experience backing their recommendations or help with the software. The integration with Ring Central, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word is SEAMLESS and PRICELESS! The Communicate App for the Client is great as well and even those clients that have previously said they don't text or use apps now use the Communicate app with ease (and seem to like it).

Inconvénients :

There are reports I would like to be able to customize for MY use vs a canned approach. As well as saving Favorite Reports the way I want them ran. I would also like to write my own reports. However, there is a great selection of reports that will make the majority of users very happy. Auto-time sometimes tracks too much time, however, it is better to see all and code those items as non billed vs not seeing the tracked time at all.

Never Practice Without It

Avantages :

Complete end to end practice management solution. Fantastic tech support and client account managers. Constantly improving the product for users. Actually does legal template automation (caption and proof of service etc) as opposed to Clio.

Inconvénients :

Cost of entry seemed very steep on 3-year contract basis. Because Smokeball integrates with all accounting processes except for operating accounts payable there is a great deal of work to get it stood up. Both of these hurdles are surmountable and worthwhile given the excellent product and service.

Smokeball is The Best!

Commentaires : Fantastic experience. The cuustomer service is top notch!

Avantages :

I love the searchabilty of Smokeball. No longer do I have to open every document to find what I am looking for.

Inconvénients :

The lack of any phone messaging option with its own tab.

10/10 Would Recommend

Commentaires : Smokeball has been a tremendous help with moving our law firm forward.

Avantages :

The texting feature is a fantastic option to reach clients who don't use email.

Inconvénients :

It would be nice if there was a higher limit count on messages sent through the texting portal.

Smokeball is FANTASTIC!

Commentaires : I highly recommend Smokeball to any law firm looking for a way to consolidate numerous software programs into one comprehensive system. It has increased my productivity by at least 30%! Being able to move between Word, Outlook, Smokeball and interoffice correspondence is seamless. Plus, the support team is extremely knowledgeable and wonderful to work with - response time on issues is fantastic!! We've been using the system for only a couple of months and don't know how we functioned without it!

Avantages :

Ease of use across multiple software platforms

Inconvénients :

Not being able to restrict users on certain access/saving emails, etc.

Great organziation for a small legal practice

Commentaires : A very positive experience. After dealing with another practice management suite from one of the large, uncaring legal publishing companies, it is a breath of fresh air to be able to work with people who are responsive to and care about our needs and how we work rather than how they want to force us to work.

Avantages :

Being able to corral the mountains of emails and documents that pass back and forth in a legal transaction is great.

Inconvénients :

At times, the online nature of the software means you are waiting a few heartbeats for a page to load up. It is not unbearable.

Smokeball user review

Avantages :

Product layout, user training, user support, and migration support from a prior product are all great. Feature-rich. Provide a workflow for tasks and has stage control for matters.

Inconvénients :

I would like to be able to color code entries on the calendar. The workflow is easy to use but you cannot put tasks on the calendar as an event; they only go on as a task. I'm not great at using tasks that pop up for a given day. I would prefer that they could populate the calendar with a date and time.

Excellent product!

Commentaires : Implementation was super smooth and the support people are so responsive and helpful. It's amazing!

Avantages :

Smokeball is great because of it's auto document generation, billing integration, calendaring and tasking system, calendar integration, email integration, document version tracking, and work flow set ups.

Inconvénients :

The cost is high but that's really to be expected with how much you are getting out of this software.

It has been a god-send.

Commentaires : We have had a great experience with Smokeball thus far.

Avantages :

The feature that instigated our interest in Smokeball, and that keeps us loving the product, is the automatic time tracking feature. I'd literally been complaining for years that no one had figured out how to do this, and then we found Smokeball! So glad there are smart folks thinking through how a lawyer's practice, time keeping and billing can be streamlined.

Inconvénients :

I wish the billing system was integrated as part of the software instead of being separate (online).

Smokeball for the Win!

Commentaires : We needed a new software system because our old one (very old) was aging out of the version we used and was no longer going to be supported. When looking at other options with them, they determined that our firm just wasn't big enough for their software. They tried to sell us on a smaller platform that they had purchased, but after demo-ing for a week I knew it wouldn't work for us. Someone had mentioned Smokeball to me and to my boss. Since we had both gotten word of it from separate sources we decided to check it out. Kind of a "the universe is telling us something" sort of deal. Once I started working in the demo and seeing how integrated it was, I knew this is the one we wanted. And it was cheaper than our old system! Onboarding wasn't difficult at all. Because we are a smaller firm and we only wanted active cases in the new system we transferred the data from the old system to the new system ourselves. It took a few people a few weeks to get all the data in, but it was great because there was a field for everything and we were able to find a place to the put all the information. Since then, we have trained new employees very easily, we are all using the software to its fullest potential. We all watch extra webinars and training videos when they come up and are continuing to improve our use of the software. It is really a very easy system to learn. Everything is logical. The forms and templates are a dream to work with.

Avantages :

The thing I like most about Smokeball is how integrated with other programs it is. I can create and save Word documents from inside the software. E-mails and attachments in Outlook are so easy to link. We changed the way we use our scanner so that it goes to our e-mails instead of a folder on the old server because it is so easy to get the documents into the correct file and name them correctly at the same time through Outlook.

Inconvénients :

The only thing I feel like Smokeball is missing is a date calculator. I miss being able to calculate forward and backward choosing calendar days or court days and such. Calendaring rules are great, but sometimes I need to know when I can schedule a motion for BEFORE it is calendared.

A Good Investment

Commentaires : We are moving toward a paperless office, and have a better sense of organization, because with Smokeball, we know where everything is, and it's easy to find.

Avantages :

That it is cloud-based makes is usable anywhere: home, office, while traveling. That's especially important now, given the limitations imposed by Covid 19. I appreciate the ability to have all emails related to a case appear in the same place. I like the automation features, particularly for drafting quick letters.

Inconvénients :

There are still technical issues involving the relationship between Smokeball and Outlook, and even when everything works smoothly, which is most of the time, the loading of both programs takes a while.

Great high tech automation but misses on basic options

Commentaires : I have gained a lot from using Smokeball, but I have had to give up things that I view as basic and simple needs in exchange. The company is open to hearing suggestions, but they are not quickly implemented. They are aware of the complaints that new users have, but they still don't discuss them in the sales demo. I would suggest buying one license only if you decide to try the software. You can add more later if you find that it works for you, but really use the software before adding more as it will take you a minute to realize all of the simple tasks it can't perform. If you have used other major software programs like Abacus or Practice Panther, you may not feel like the benefits are worth the hassle of the change. If this is your first case management system, you will be happy.

Avantages :

The integration with Microsoft Word and Outlook are great. Unlike other software programs, they work all the time and are easy to use. The templates and automation features help you save tremendous amounts of times doing routine work. The software does not crash and have bugs all the time like the previous software I used.

Inconvénients :

This is an out of the box, canned solution. Even on simple requests, ZERO customization is allowed. Also, they are HORRIBLE with allowing you to import data from other software systems. They basically expect each firm to just start over from scratch, other than importing contacts. This is crazy and unrealistic for small or large firms. Smokeball is a one size fits all tool that frequently falls short. It is very difficult to run reports. You have the ability to add labels and input data, but extremely limited ability to run reports to transform the data you have collected into useful information. During the demo, they show you nifty features like automated time keeping, but they neglect to tell you that if you turn on that feature, your invoices will get all messed up. You won't have the ability to itemize or discount each line item of work performed on the case, instead they group them together with a list of daily worked. There is a reason why they do not offer a try before you buy option or a month to month option. You have to sign up for a full year and then you are locked in.

We Love Smokeball

Commentaires : We have found Smokeball helped us to increase our revenue due to the automatic posting of billable hours. It was easy to learn and the customer service has been great. The Smokeball staff is friendly and responsive.

Avantages :

Smokeball streamlined our time tracking and billing.

Inconvénients :

I can't really think of anything negative about the version we have. We wish we could afford the more comprehension system, but we are a solo office, and it gets pricey for our firm.

Satisfied customer

Commentaires : I enjoy Smokeball and recently looked into Mycase. Do not consider Mycase. I was informed by Mycase that the integration process would be easy and would take 5-10 days. Those were lies. I have 4+ years in Smokeball with over 1000 files.

Avantages :

I am able to pull up any document while in court along with access to my client. I am able to conduct a conflict check within minutes.

Inconvénients :

The billing program requires me to exit out and enter another program. Least favorite part of Smokeball.

I'd be lost without Smokeball

Commentaires : My firm has used Smokeball for almost 5 years, and I'm still as happy with it as the day we onboarded. There are certainly cheaper options out there (most of them browser based), but you really do get what you pay for and Smokeball does pretty much everything. The main PC software is a tank, and there's also a lighter phone/tablet app for use on the go. My office uses tons and tons of features (most of which I don't see any other firms in our area using), and I bet we still don't utilize even half of what Smokeball has to offer. The integrations are excellent, and from both efficiency and organization standpoints I just don't think it can be beat.

Avantages :

Tons of features, useful integrations, time-saving, organization

Inconvénients :

There are so many features that sometimes it's hard to wade through everything at a glance, but when I make time to sit down and do a deep dive I almost always find what I'm looking for and the setup is easy and straightforward.

Easy to maneuver

Commentaires : Very good. Happy I made the change to use Smokeball for my practice.

Avantages :

I like how easy it is to access the client's file. I do not need the hard file in order to review documents, share documents, and file documents.

Inconvénients :

The fact that the free website went away. When Smokeball was initially being presented to me, it included a free website, which I used for several years. Eventually they decided to do away with the website; now I pay $100 per month for a website. AND my smokeball subscription cost went up.

Smokeball Review

Commentaires : I have enjoyed using smokeball and it has made real estate law a lot smoother.

Avantages :

I like being able to access all my files on one platform that can be shared with my team

Inconvénients :

The integration without look sometimes freezes and I have been having issues with outlook. It would be nice if there was an integration with Gmail.

An Invaluable Tool for Lawyers

Commentaires : Smokeball has increased my firm's ability to organize our client database and keep it updated and available on a moments notice.

Avantages :

The organization and accessibility Smokeball provides for my practice is invaluable. The integration of Word, Outlook, and the Smokeball overlay keeps all client matters easily organized and accessible from the cloud. Smokeball was integral for my practice to transition from paper heavy documents to a digitally based system. The ease of access provides on the spot support and client records by laptop or phone when at court or remote locations. As a bonus Smokeball integrates automatic billing through calendar and email events to help me keep track of billable hours. I am, and will continue to be, a dedicated and satisfied user.

Inconvénients :

The only con is the necessary time to input basic information on a client and client matter. However, once the initial input is complete it is transferable to new client matters.

Good Product - Very customizable

Commentaires : Generally speaking, no serious problems.

Avantages :

We have access to all of our files during this remote work period. It is easy to scan & add documents to the files and keep them organized. The system syncs with Outlook and Word in order to communicate through E-mail and create documents. The feature to create letters with our letterhead pre-loaded is great. The overall system give us a lot of options. We do not use the billing features because of our contingency-fee work. And I think we could use it more for client expenses if we work to train everyone and implement that. It is a good system.

Inconvénients :

It is expensive. I believe that it's worth what we pay, but it is not inexpensive.

Smokeball is Desparate for your money

Commentaires : Our firm has used Smokeball legal software since 2016. We have had 2 licenses which we paid for monthly/yearly. [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] in our firm, passed away unexpectedly in December, 2019 at age 64. Our open cases were referred to outside counsel. The practice was closed on March 31, 2020. I have been working with Smokeball in a round-about way since the beginning of March. Smokeball refuses to refund the unused portion of our license renewal which is approximately 1 year, over $2,000. No one is using the Smokeball licenses and they have not been used for 3 months. User beware. I feel this is a scam. This could happen to you!

Avantages :

The best feature is being able to e-file directly from the matter.

Inconvénients :

Customer service passes you from one person to another. No one can answer your questions. Terrible customer service. When I asked to have our files backed up to close the account, 92 files did not come over.