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Smokeball Social

Get to know fellow legal professionals from around the world.

44 Conversations
Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
posted in AU classifieds
Community Classifieds

This is a place for Smokeball Users to share matter/case referrals, look for Court Coverage or otherwise grow your business network.   If you have a matter you would like to refer out make sure you post with the following information Type of Matter (area of law, etc) State or locality someone should be based in Any other important details someone should know before deciding if they could take the matterWhen commenting that you are available to to help, make sure you include Firm Name Preferred Firm Contact InformationAlternatively you can use the private messaging feature to message another user directly. The simplest way to do this is to click their profile icon and then select “send message” in their profile. 

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Ben
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LemiraliContributor
posted in AU classifieds
Small Practice at Wetherill Park NSW

Hello all. I run a small legal practice in Wetherill Park NSW. I have decided that it is time for me to perhaps start winding down, and take it easy. I would like to talk with any lawyer interested in coming in with me and being their own boss. The office is quite good, there are two offices actually, fully furnished and basically no liabilities. The rent is very attractive as well. If any one feels like they would like to venture out and start on their own this may be a good opportunity. If this is of any interest, or would like to know more please drop me a line.

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TCKimberlyContributor
asked in The water cooler
Messy invoices

We are new to SB and are having an issue with having to HEAVILY edit our invoices every month bc of all the entries… especially re emails.   How do other firms cut down on the pages and pages of invoices? Or, do you send out pages and pages?  

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Sara Sultan
Smokeball Team
Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in The water cooler
It's Time to Talk About the Next Steps for the Smokeball Community

We officially opened the Smokeball community two years and two days ago. With this milestone, I’d love to hear your thoughts on our next steps as we move into year three.First, Thank You!Thank you for helping each other and providing guidance based on real-life experiences. Your support is invaluable. Even if you just read (and there’s a lot of you), your presence is appreciated.Expanding our supportRight now, we focus on Smokeball—how to use it, improve it, and resolve issues and bugs when they crop up. We'll keep doing this, but I think we can do more. Our mission after all is to help you and the communities you serve.That means not just helping you use Smokeball; but also finding ways to help you achieve your goals for your firm and for yourself. I can think of a lot of different ways we could do that and I’d love to know if I’m on the right track. What are your goals?What are your goals? What topics would help you achieve them? Here’s some ideas:Growing Your Firm: Marketing skills

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Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in The water cooler
Thank You and Farewell

A little over two years ago, we launched this space. Now, with thousands of members, tens of thousands searching here for answers, and our major community milestones achieved, the time is right for me to embark on my next adventures.You've been exceptional – supportive, insightful, and remarkably civil. In a decade of community building, you're the first group where I haven't had to swing the ban hammer 😅. Instead, it's been a genuine pleasure to connect with and support you all. I will truly miss our interactions.Rest assured, I'm not leaving you alone. Our team remains dedicated to your success. Our Moderators and Product Team are here every day, checking in, solving problems, and ensuring we keep your needs at the forefront as we continue to build Smokeball. Your feedback is invaluable, so keep it coming. Never hesitate to ask a question – we love to help!As for me, I'm off to chase the founder's rush again (and chase my toddlers a bit more).Thank you for making this journey memora

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angela SkafContributor
posted in Introduce yourself
Recent fix to processing disbursements

Hi AllThe new fix/change for processing disbursements with respect to GST has been a game changer.

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Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in The water cooler
Is Your Intake Process Bringing in Clients?

A while ago, we introduced our smart intake forms. I am, of course, very biased, but I do think they make it a lot easier to connect with potential clients, aka leads.Even the best intake tools aren't helpful if leads aren't discovering and filling them out. I want to start a discussion to see if this is a problem you're facing. Together, we can find some solutions!Are you getting the leads and clients you hoped for? Are there roadblocks to getting these forms in front of the right people?Share your experiences in the replies below. Please also share the areas of law you practice in, as different fields have different needs.

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Ben
Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in The water cooler
Can Judges safely use AI?

Each week I jump on calls with our members to make sure we’re covering the right things in the Smokeball Community. Recently, folks in the Personal Injury and Criminal sectors have shared examples of judges and magistrates using AI for legal research and decision-making.Opinions on this are mixed. For me it was a reminder of the impact of the COMPAS tool, which showed biases, misjudging Black defendants as higher risk and White defendants as lower risk.Even the Supreme Court has explored the risks and mitigation of AI in their Year-End Report. But what's your take?Have you seen this in your work with the courts?Where should we draw the line with AI in our justice system?Looking forward to your thoughts! 

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Ben
Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in The water cooler
Vote and join the conversation: Time is money in the legal sector, is AI changing that?

AI can already automate many of the more repetitive tasks and admin related to a legal matter. What happens if the administrative side of our work disappears completely? Personally, I think that leaves us with more time to do the most valuable thing that we do, supporting our clients through what are often major, life-changing moments. I wonder if the true value of that support has ever been measurable in billable hours? For many of us, AI automations mean billing based on time makes less sense for our firm. There are decisions to make about how we charge for our services and communicate our value to stay competitive.Billing for a decade of expertise vs a few minutes of effortCurrently, many of us bill for the few minutes it takes to compose an email. We often overlook the value of the decade of expertise and experience ensuring that brief email achieves results. AI revolution or not; your true value has always extended far beyond the time required to complete a task. The big changes f

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Carolyn BlythContributor
asked in AU classifieds
Seeking a personal injuries legal assistant in Melbourne

Bowman & Knox Personal Injury are urgently seeking a full-time legal assistant with experience in personal injury law. The position is predominantly working from home, with some office attendance required potentially in the northern suburbs. Experience with Smokeball preferred. Please send your resume to: personalinjury@bowmanknox.com.au

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Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in The water cooler
AI in legal tech: what's on your AI wishlist?

The more of our members I talk to, the more I hear that AI is transforming the legal industry. Some of us are excited, some of us are planning to retire before it really changes things. However, everyone I’ve heard from so far is using AI in one way or another.I’m curious: Where are the gaps? From contract analysis to legal research, where is AI falling short?Share your opinion with a vote, a comment, or both. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Ben
Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in The water cooler
Have your say: have you mastered the craft of asking AI?

It's not just what AI can do; it's how you ask it to do it.The potential of AI in law largely depends on the prompts we use. The right questions can elevate AI from a helpful tool to an indispensable ally. I'm curious about your journey with “prompt engineering”- the art of writing the perfect prompt.  Have you discovered a method that works like magic? Or are you still searching for the spell book?I’d love to know how you’re going with prompting AI tools. From professional to personal, this is a space to share your successes, failures and questions. Just click “Reply” below and share your favorite prompts or biggest questions. You can also vote in the Poll below to discover how many of us here are at the same stage as you when it comes to AI prompting. I’m looking forward to the conversation :)  

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Jonathan MarashlianContributor
asked in US classifieds
Seeking Billing Manager

Our northern Virginia-based boutique law firm is seeking to fill an open billing manager position with an experienced professional, ideally with exposure to Smokeball.  We are a 12-attorney firm that practices communications & technology law.  If you know of anyone in the market, please contact me:  jsm@commlawgroup.com. Job Description: Law Firm Billing ManagerSalary Range:  $85,000-$100,000Position OverviewThe Billing Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of billing operations within our law firm. This includes the preparation, review, amendment, and issuance of client invoices, as well as managing the collections process in collaboration with supporting staff. The Billing Manager will ensure that billing activities are conducted efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with the firm’s policies and client agreements. Proficiency with Smokeball billing software is essential for this role.Key ResponsibilitiesInvoice Management: Generate accurate and timely client

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Melania
Smokeball Team
MelaniaSmokeball Team
published in Introduce yourself
Introduce yourself here

Hey there, Smokeball community!Are you ready for a new introductions thread? I hope so, because it's about time we got to know each other a little better.We've got some fun questions for you to answer, so let's break the ice and get started: Have you ever had something happen to you that was bad in the moment, but turned out to be for the best? We all have those moments where we think the world is ending, but sometimes they end up being blessings in disguise. Share your story with us! Let's create a bucket list for foodies in the community! What's one restaurant or eatery in your hometown or on your travels that provided you with the best meal you've ever eaten? Okay, here's a controversial one: what's one thing or concoction that you like eating, but other people just can't stand? We won't judge you, promise. In fact, we might just discover some new taste sensations thanks to your suggestions. So there you have it, three questions to help us get to know each other a little better.

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TBrownContributor
posted in Introduce yourself
New to Smokeball

We just migrated to Smokeball and I wanted to introduce myself.  Looking forward to being a part of the group. Terry (TBrown)

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Smokeball Team
Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in The water cooler
Community Soapbox- Spotlight Your Legal Endeavors for Social Change

Many of you are part of firms or initiatives that I know contribute significantly to our communities. However, these impactful efforts often remain unsung. Let's change that.Spotlight the initiatives you’re a part of here so we can all help to spread awareness, celebrate, and share options for others who wish to get involved.Whether you're with a firm or an individual championing a low-bono, pro-bono, or social cause, this is your opportunity to share. By doing so, you not only shine a light on your work but also inspire others to join or support you.Here are two questions to kick-start our conversation:What social cause do you contribute your legal skills to, and why is it important to you? How can others get involved or support your cause?Let's share, celebrate, and grow our community impact together! 

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Ben
Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in Introduce yourself
Please Introduce yourself here

It’s high time for a new introductions thread. Each month we create a new post to help members new and old get to know each other with some simple questions. They're designed to take less than 5 minutes to answer. Personally, I always find the answers very informative. Help us break the ice and get to know you a little better:1. What is one fiction book that you recommend everyone adds to their reading list? 2. If all goes to plan-where do you see yourself in 5 years time? 3. Everyone is talking about AI these days. Do you think AI will be a help or a hindrance to the legal profession? 

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Matt DegregorioContributor
asked in AU classifieds
Trust account bookkeeper

Hello. We are based in South Australia and looking for a bookkeeper familiar with the local trust accounting requirements and smokeball and Xero. If anyone has a recommendation we would be very grateful. Happy to work with them remotely if they know the local requirements.

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Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in Introduce yourself
Introduce yourself here-February 2023 edition

As is tradition- each month I ask members new and old to introduce themselves by answering a few simple questions. Here’s our questions for February: How long have you been working in the legal sector and what inspired you to start?  What historical case would you see in person and why?  You’ve been given a time machine, it can only travel to courts, tribunals or similar places. What would you travel to see? For me it would be Lincoln’s first ever case. I’d love to see him in his early days, before he rose to greatness. More income or more free time?  Choose one: Work exactly as much as you do now, but earn twice as much incomeor Work half as much for but earn the same income you earn now in that time?  

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kuhrich
Smokeball Team
kuhrichSmokeball Team
published in US classifieds
Share the Smokeball love this February and beyond

Chocolate and flowers are great, but why not give the Valentine’s Day gift that lasts a lifetime: exceptional legal practice management software.Okay, gifting your dearly beloved legal software might not be the most conventional idea,* but we do know sharing is caring.Starting today through April 30, refer a colleague, friend, or even your Valentine, and you’ll both get Amazon gift cards ($400 for you / $200 for them) when they sign up for Smokeball.Just submit their contact info, and we’ll handle the rest. Once they become a client, you’ll both receive your gift cards. This promotion runs until April 30, and there's no limit to how many referrals you can submit.💕 Smokeball*What’s the most memorable (best or worst) Valentine’s Day gift you’ve received?

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kuhrich
Smokeball Team
Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in Introduce yourself
Introduce yourself here- January 2023 edition

Happy new year everyone!  We have a tradition here of creating a post each month for members new and old to get to know each other.It only takes a moment and is a great way to learn how to make a post in the community so that you’re familiar with the system when you need answers in a hurry. So- grab a cuppa (as we say here in Australia) and answer me these questions three: 1. How did you celebrate New Year’s eve? Were you fast asleep (like me), or wide awake? 2.  Whether you're a fan of New Year’s resolutions or not; goal setting can be a powerful way to achieve the things that matter to you.  Do you have any big goals or resolutions that you’d like to achieve this year?3. I’ve recently become fascinated with colloquialisms- or slang.What’s a slang term that you use that people outside your community might not have heard of? I look forward to reading your answers and learning a little more about you. p.s here’s the questions again without my rambling… hopefully that makes it a little e

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jbrinserContributor
posted in The water cooler
Just starting

My company has just recently signed up to switch to Smokeball.  Anyone have any suggestions concerning the best way to walk through the transition from our old system to using Smokeball?

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kbucklinContributor
posted in US classifieds
Seeking an Associate Attorney (Criminal Defense), Longmont, Colorado

Job DescriptionMertes Law is a small firm in sunny Longmont, Colorado specializing in complex civil and criminal litigation, including the representation of respondent secondary and post-secondary students in Title IX sexual misconduct cases in schools, colleges, and universities where constitutional due process is under siege.  The ideal candidate for this position as an Associate Attorney would be someone who enjoys interacting with and developing a supporting relationship with our clients in an effort to cogently tell the client’s story, achieve justice, and maximize the client’s outcome.  The work can be intense but is also rewarding.  Possibility for partial hybrid arrangement.ResponsibilitiesIn criminal matters you would be interacting largely with state and municipal court judges and their staff as well as prosecutors and probation officers.  The work requires that you be able to efficiently review discovery and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s case, direct in

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Ben
BenFrequent Scribe
published in The water cooler
Time for a bit of fun. Share your pet photos!

If you’re like me, then you love your fur babies almost as much as your real children. If you need a moment away from the day to day grind then please take a moment to share a photo or two of your pets so we can all enjoy :) Here’s my dog, Diesel.He’s an unusual Australian breed called a Murray River Retriever, he’s the first dog I’ve met that enjoys catching waves 😅  

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Melania
Smokeball Team
Murray Law Firm
Murray Law FirmContributor
posted in US classifieds
oklahoma users

anyone out there using SB in Oklahoma?  Would like to discuss collaboration.  

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Smokeball Team

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