Smokeball

Paralegal review

Aspetti positivi:

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.

Aspetti negativi:

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.

User Review

Aspetti positivi:

The convenience of a well-designed data management software program.

Aspetti negativi:

The constant updates and glitches. It is sometimes slow.

Way too much $ for way too little return

Commenti: Ending my subscription in Feb due to astronomical price hike and little value received. Like every service, it's about 80% of what I want it to do, and it not doing the 20% takes more time in workarounds. Maybe if I had an extra 40-60 hours to train myself in how to use the systems it could be better, but as a solo, I don't have that time to try. Their customer service is slow when you try to get help and frequently ends in "we can't do that but will add a feature request."

Aspetti positivi:

It's hard to say. It's really just "meh" all around.

Aspetti negativi:

It's hard to use, expensive, doesn't do what I need it to do, and customer service is below average.

Smokeball--a great product and I'm not just blowing smoke.

Commenti: If you want to sleep better at night, go with Smokeball.

Aspetti positivi:

It automatically tracks your time; the document automation is fantastic; and Archie, the new AI product, looks like it's going to be a game changer. In short, it takes a lot of the worry and effort out of practicing law, and makes my life a lot easier. Also, support is fantastic.

Aspetti negativi:

Mobile app not nearly as good as the desktop product.

Smokeball enthusiast

Commenti: Good. Once you get used to the format, it is simple to use. I like that we don't have to "recreate" certain documents, letters and pleadings.

Aspetti positivi:

Organization; ability to create documents, letters, etc by using templates, keeping track of calendar,

Aspetti negativi:

Not easy to create reports for specific issues, i.e. list of new lawsuits filed. Inability to use previous document for a new matter, cannot "switch" matters like before to save new document. Cannot incorporate "workflow" dates into calendar. We use workflow to monitor dates/tasks leading up to trial, these workflow dates do not go into events, so I have to create the workflow, take physical notes and manually put the dates into the events. This is duplicative and unnecessary.

A Game-Changer for Legal Efficiency!

Commenti: Smokeball has been a game-changer for managing our firm! The intuitive interface, seamless organization of case files, and powerful automation tools have significantly increased our efficiency. The customer support team is always helpful and responsive, ensuring we get the most out of the software. I highly recommend it to any legal professional looking to streamline their workflow and save time!

Aspetti positivi:

User-friendly interface that makes managing cases and documents simple, even for those less tech-savvy. Automating routine tasks like document creation, calendaring, and billing saves time and reduces errors. My favorite is the accessibility of the case files and documents securely from anywhere, promoting flexibility and remote work.

Aspetti negativi:

While the interface is user-friendly, the extensive features may require time and training to be fully mastered.

Smokeball is the most functional processing software on the market

Commenti: Smokeball has been a blessing in the real estate legal industry. I have been a real estate paralegal for 25 years and the functionality that smokeball provides has allowed me to manage twice the file count as a paper system allows. There are other software programs that function to a smaller degree, but none are as versatile and broad as Smokeball.

Aspetti positivi:

Task management and email and document integration.

Aspetti negativi:

I have no dislikes. I have used Clio software and a variety of title company programs and Smokeball provides the most fluent data and file management out there.

Paralegal Supervisor

Commenti: I am thoroughly impressed with this software! It has significantly streamlined my workflow, providing a seamless experience that keeps me impeccably organized. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a breeze to integrate into my daily routine. What truly sets this tool apart, however, is the thoughtful integration of AI features—an innovative touch that enhances both efficiency and precision. This software has exceeded my expectations in every way and has become an indispensable asset to my productivity.

Aspetti positivi:

The pros of using Smokeball are improved organization, increased efficiency, and enhanced collaboration.

Aspetti negativi:

The cons of using Smokeball are customization challenges at times with templates and a learning curve for new users.

Smokeball Software Review

Commenti: Our overall experience with smokeball has been great, and it is extremely helpful to help manage, organize and quickly access different files and needed information.

Aspetti positivi:

We have been using Smokeball in our office for years, and it has been a wonderful program to centralize and manage all of our files. The software is easy to use and can be utilized for a vast array of functions. It is the only software that we need for file and case management, and it makes it easy to upload, and export files to any platform we need during our transactions.

Aspetti negativi:

There is nothing I would change about smokeball. It is easy to use and provides all of the functions that we need in our office.

A must at work.

Commenti: Smokeball staff is always available and help with creating new forms, editing and teaching. So many features to assist in efficiency and organization.

Aspetti positivi:

Smokeball has made work, file organization a breeze. Our firm is able to go paperless as any and all documents can be produced, created, efiled and shared through Smokeball. Webinars are constantly being offered to assist with new features. Constantly teaching customers, learning and growing.

Aspetti negativi:

Wishing i can remove fields that are not necessarily needed for our type of defense work. Example: Matter Type > Matter Details> Do not need "Discovery Details"

One Year Later

Commenti: 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.

Aspetti positivi:

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

Aspetti negativi:

Smokeball's mobile application needs serious work.

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

Commenti: 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!

Aspetti positivi:

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).

Aspetti negativi:

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.

Smokeball Legal Software is leading the pack

Commenti: Love Smokeball - I have been in the legal field for 18 years now and have worked with a number of different Legal Billing/Case Managment Programs. Smokeball, hands down, is leading the pack.

Aspetti positivi:

Time tracking, integration with Microsoft, intakes, Secure client portal, templates, document management system

Aspetti negativi:

I wish we had the option to create reports by selecting different fields.

Best Software for Legal Document Management

Commenti: I have nothing but great things to say about Smokeball. It has made the practice of law easier than its ever been.

Aspetti positivi:

I've been waiting for a document management program like Smokeball my entire legal career! I liked many things about Smokeball, but in particular is the ease of use and variety of features.

Aspetti negativi:

It takes a bit of time to load when first powering up in the morning.

Never Practice Without It

Aspetti positivi:

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.

Aspetti negativi:

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.

Useful and Intuitive

Aspetti positivi:

Smokeball is useful for managing any number of client files. The fact that it keeps contacts across all cases makes it easy to send form letters and make service lists. It also auto-generates captions.

Aspetti negativi:

I wish I could download documents from smoke ball directly rather than opening them and clicking save as and saving it. Maybe there's a better way to do it, but I haven't learned it.

Game changer!

Commenti: The productivity has increased. Training a new higher is so much easier and the features of Smokeball really allows you to set a Newby up for success! There are just to many amazing features that make the overall experience better than I could have ever expected!

Aspetti positivi:

Making my work product automatically generate on demand!

Aspetti negativi:

The Matter Types are not customizable and do not work for Texas cases.

SWITCH TO SMOKEBALL

Commenti: From start to use it has been streamlined.

Aspetti positivi:

The ease of use and onboarding done by Smokeball. Customer service is top notch

Aspetti negativi:

I truly can’t say anything bad. I think the only thing I would suggest is classes on how to code different documents

Smokeball makes practice management easy

Commenti: They have great customer service, each time a new feature comes out they help with acclimation, and they are big enough that they have integrations with basically all components of legal practice, which makes the software even more valuable, and true practice management.

Aspetti positivi:

We started using smokeball many years ago when they had less integrations, but it was great for keeping all client documents in once central place, and for document automation. Now they have integrations with many other products we use, like Chicago Title, Court filings, billing, which make the software even more useful. The interface is really easy to use and did not have much of a learning curve

Aspetti negativi:

The billing software is not super intuitive. I also do not like that the price keeps increasing.

Satisfied User

Commenti: Never had any major issues with Smokeball. I love it!

Aspetti positivi:

The ease of saving documents, and entering and editing time entries, creating and editing invoices, monitoring payments.

Aspetti negativi:

Sometimes the reminders regarding available updates are annoying as I do not usually have time to stop and install the updates. It would be nice if the updates were automatically done.

Love Smokeball

Aspetti positivi:

I have been a Smokeball user for a number of years. I cannot imagine how I survived without it. It offers seamless file management, time tracking, billing, and document automation. It allows me to spend more time actually practicing law instead of all the other minutia involved in running a practice. The customer service is outstanding, they are there for you 24/7 and they are always adding enhancements. I highly recommend it!

Aspetti negativi:

There is really nothing that I do not like about Smokeball.

Invest in this software!!

Commenti: Smokeball is our on stop shop for case management... it is so organized and helps us streamline our case management. I love using it to broadly track a case as well as using it to get into more intricate details such as medical provider logs or insurance company information.

Aspetti positivi:

Smokeball makes our case management so efficient and effective through its many integrations (Docusign, Microsoft Word, YoCierge etc.)! It is easy to keep organized while tracking all of the case notes help us be as thorough as possible when working in the files.

Aspetti negativi:

I am eagerly waiting for an intake feature to be added to Smokeball. Otherwise, I do not have any complaints aside from typical software issues, but I understand that SB is in beta and always being improved.

Helpful Tool

Aspetti positivi:

Document Automation Time Tracking File Storage Organization Ease of Use

Aspetti negativi:

Billing is difficult to navigate, but with trainings you can probably figure it out. More monetary integration would be great

Exceeded Expectations

Commenti: One of the most beneficial features of Smokeball is its document management. Smokeball is very user-friendly. I am not a technology lover because I struggle with how to use new systems, but Smokeball is so intuitive that I was able to immediately benefit from its use. Smokeball was clearly developed for novices and those who embrace technology and understand it.

Aspetti positivi:

The ease of interacting between functions and features has been a great experience. Smokeball reduces the amount of time it takes to access files, data, contact information, documents, and all of its other functions. Billing is incredibly simple. Case management is so much easier now. Smokeball puts everything at your fingertips as you work on several cases at one time. Smokeball has too many features to discuss each and every one of them. We were excited to try Smokeball after we observed 2 demos, but we didn't imagine how much it would exceed our expectations.

Aspetti negativi:

I haven't experienced any Smokeball deficiencies that I would consider impactful enough to mention. Smokeball has changed my practice and the practice of everyone else in this firm, and it's being used by 7 out of the 8 employees we have.

Billing Ease

Commenti: Smokeball is relatively new to our firm, we've been using for less than a year but thus far running our monthly bills has been more efficient. Also, it is very user friendly and super easy to navigate. Help is always there when I need it and everyone from Smokeball is always willing to assist and make my life easier.

Aspetti positivi:

Ease of running bills, posting money to matters

Aspetti negativi:

Sometimes it will freeze up or my changes will take a while to process