The water cooler

This is a post to discuss AI Billing to continue conversation begun in the Zoom Meeting. Below is the language we use in our Illinois family law contracts:We use document automation with templates as well as AI legal research, review, and writing products. These items assist us in the performance of our legal work, but they are not a substitute for our professional judgment. We may charge you legal fees for work products generated using these technologies on a minimum value billing basis as contained in the list below. The listed rates establish a minimum value billing which Attorney will charge for each item described. In other words, you will be charged the stated minimum value of the work even if actual Attorney time spent is less than that amount. If the Attorney spends more time on an item than the minimum, then the Attorney may charge for that time. For drafting documents, the minimum stated is for the initial drafting of the document and does not include such items as informatio

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?  

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

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.

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! 

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!

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 :)  

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! 

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?

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 😅  

Request for change to displayed informationSmokeball asked for more info to make sure they understood what I wantedAnd… DONE!Ta da! The “marriage details” now will display the date of separation as well (so, so helpful in easily referencing the length of the marriage and time since separation!)Now, hopefully they will also have the decree date soon (as changing a Pre-Decree matter to a Post-Decree causes it’s own problems) UPDATE: Smokeball DOES now have the ability to change matter types from Pre- to Post-Decree with minimal loss of mapping (employer info & real property details) - but that is minimal and SO HELPFUL instead of using tags… THANK YOU @Josh Hehner for your time & showing me what SB can do!

In such a busy field, it’s important to take time to wind down and enjoy things beyond your jurisdiction.  What better way than with a hobby? This space is to share what you’re passionate about outside the office and to connect with others who share your interests.  If you volunteer, play sport, dance, exercise, collect, make, or anything else, click reply and share it with us here!

#NAIDOCWeek offers an opportunity for all Australians to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year to show our support, Smokeball is running two charity drives to provide books and sports equipment for indigenous children across Australia.We would love to hear how your firm is showing support this year! #GetUpStandUpShowUp