Smokeball vs AbacusLaw

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Our analysts compared Smokeball vs AbacusLaw based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Legal Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Smokeball is a hybrid solution to manage various facets of a legal firm, including cases, billing, documents, clients and daily operations. It provides comprehensive billing including automated timekeeping & activity tracking, custom invoices, online payments and trust accounting. Users can create and manage legal documents and forms using over 20,000 forms, perform e-filing and request e-signatures. Assign, collaborate and automate tasks and workflows with smart reminders on priorities, events and deadlines, as well as increased visibility with convenient access to its intuitive legal calendar. It also provides centralized access to organize relevant legal case data and a secure portal to enhance client communication.

Its real-time reporting and dashboarding modules enable data-driven insights on business trends, performance, finance and profitability. It offers intuitive integrations with Lawpay, QuickBooks, MS Word and Outlook, and more. to enhance its billing, payment and management functionality. In addition to its user-friendly remote accessibility, its hybrid implementation enables both online and offline access. Firms are entitled to dedicated onboarding, training and support services.

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Streamlined workflows
  • Strong document management
  • Good customer support
  • Mobile app available
Cons
  • Limited reporting
  • Costly for small firms
  • Inconsistent integrations
  • Learning curve for users
  • Occasional bugs
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AbacusLaw is a legal practice administration and accounting PSA tool ideal for all types of law practices. It’s a suitable option for specialized law practitioners that focus on things like personal injury, criminal defense, civil litigation, estate planning, family law, insurance law and elder law.

Users receive crucial case and client intel, ensure deadlines are met and gain total transparency in their practice. A few of AbacusLaw's capabilities include time tracking, case administration, form creation, billing and scheduling.
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$39/Month
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$69/Feature, Monthly
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Easy Access to Information: Consolidate all case-related information, including documents, contacts, workflow and communication in a central hub. 
  • Requires Minimal Training: Minimize time spent on reskilling and training employees using the intuitive user interface and training materials. 
  • Automated Billing: Accurately track time and create bills for client work via the AutoTime module. 
  • Seamless Integrations: Integrate with all the popular apps like Microsoft Office, Outlook Calendar, Contacts, email clients and more. 
  • Matter-Specific Document Search: Easily locate particular documents and case files. Find documents used in specific contexts, depending on the firm’s requirements. 
  • Increased Productivity: Smokeball automates time-consuming tasks like document generation and billing, freeing up your time to focus on what matters most: serving your clients.
  • Improved Client Communication: Smokeball's secure client portal allows you to share documents, invoices, and other information with clients instantly, keeping them informed and engaged throughout the legal process.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Smokeball provides a central platform for your team to collaborate on cases, share ideas, and track progress, streamlining your workflow and fostering a more efficient work environment.
  • Boosted Profitability: Smokeball's accurate time tracking and billing features help you capture every billable hour and ensure you are getting paid for all the work you do.
  • Reduced Costs: By automating manual processes and eliminating paper, Smokeball helps you save time and money, allowing you to reinvest those resources back into your business.
  • Improved Scalability: Smokeball grows with your firm, providing the tools and resources you need to manage your caseload effectively, regardless of size.
  • Enhanced Security: Smokeball's cloud-based platform is backed by robust security measures, ensuring your data is always safe and protected.
  • Peace of Mind: Smokeball's reliable performance and expert support team give you the peace of mind to focus on what you do best: practicing law.
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  • Stay Organized: This program provides users with critical case details and dates so they can always stay on top of their tasks and deadlines.  
  • Effective Communication: Never miss out on emails, phone calls or client meetings thanks to this solution's built-in tracking abilities. Tracking is also included in the mobile app and the integration for Outlook.  
  • Aligns with Various Legal Departments: Users can employ AbacusLaw for various types of law such as criminal defense, civil litigation, insurance law and more. It offers tailored reports, automation principles and accurate terminology for a user's specific area of expertise.
  • Work In Private Cloud: This solution has private cloud deployment that enables users to host and supervise their firm's vital information. It's conveniently available on any device with internet access from virtually any area at any time.  
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  • Time and Expense Tracking: Automatically track time spent on in-platform tasks, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook and associate it with relevant legal matters. Prepare invoices for billable hours and run reports on profitability and productivity. 
    • Productivity Insights: Generate productivity reports by practice area, staff member and matter. Identify non-billable hours, potential issues and productive staff members to improve the firm’s bottom line. 
    • Automated Billing: Populate billing entries and send invoices directly from the time and expense tracking portal. Pull data from associated matters to automatically create customizable entries. 
  • Document Automation: Draft and edit documents automatically from the information stored in associated legal matters. Integrate with Microsoft Word to move documents and generate PDFs directly from the source. 
    • Document Standardization: Improve the firm’s standard documentation processes with smarter fonts, letterheads and state-prescribed texts. 
    • Form Library: Access over 17,000 public legal documents through the Law Firm Form Library portal. Organize the forms by matter, contacts and/or practice areas and search by keywords. Automate form retrieval processes with “If, Then Else” and “Ask” commands. 
    • Area Specific Automation: Populate legal documentation with information specific to the associated matter. Eliminate overlapping of data with over 250 unique practice areas to choose from. 
  • Client Portal: Smokeball Communicate provides clients with a simple messaging and file-sharing portal. Collaborate on cases, share updates and send files securely with multi-factor authentication and full encryption. 
    • Time Tracking: Automatically log all the hours spent on client correspondence to transform them into billable time. Concentrate all communication through a single portal to simplify tracking and billing. 
    • Communication Management: Directly turn messages into tasks. Manage all email correspondence, in-platform messages and in-app communications under the same roof. 
  • Electronic Filing and Signatures: Integrate with InfoTrack and DocuSign to attach signature clauses to documents. Additionally, insert text boxes, radio buttons, checkboxes and more. 
    • Document Status: Keep track of all the documents sent for signatures. Automatically save the signed documents alongside associated legal matters. 
    • Court Searching and Tracking: Utilize InfoTrack to run searches across PACER, state courts, Federal and Bankruptcy courts, and trial and appeal boards. 
    • Filing Resources: Fill out 1099S forms, sign IT Electronic Signatures and legally incorporate firms anywhere in the U.S. Electronically file documents directly from the relevant legal matter with automated expense tracking. 
  • Mobile Application: View and edit legal documentation, attend hearings, send emails and add billing entries from anywhere via the mobile app. Get a quick and clean overview of the legal calendar. 
  • Workflow Management: Assign tasks to team members and set multiple reminders for important events, dates and hearings. 
    • Workflow Automation: Set up standardized automated workflows for regular processes like client intakes, filings, closings and more. 
    • Next Step: Create a sequence of simple or multi-step tasks against each other for every legal matter. Set up prescriptive tasks, litigation reminders and drafting deadlines in advance. 
    • Daily Digest: Broadcast an email every morning to staff members with reminders of upcoming tasks and events. 
  • Case Management: Organize legal cases according to practice areas with matter-specific information. 
    • Digital File: Automatically structure all email correspondence according to associated matter. Staff members have complete access to every file relevant to their work. 
    • Data Structuring: Organize matter-specific information like emails, notes, documentation, billing information, contacts, case numbers and more under one file. Access files from any device with an internet connection. 
  • Email Management: Sort thousands of emails into relevant folders to simplify access by staff members. Integrate with Microsoft Outlook to save an unlimited number of emails, grouped together by associated matter. 
    • Email Time Tracking: Send and receive emails to automatically log billable hours through the time tracking extension. Draft an email via the toolbar to autofill the address bar. 
    • PDF Creation: Convert any document to a PDF file or combine multiple ones into a single PDF before sending an email attachment. 
  • Calendar Management: Create calendar entries and automatically link associated matter and client files to get a 360-degree view of legal cases. Sort the calendar by workweek, month and case timeline to always stay on top of obligations. 
    • Integration: Integrate with Microsoft Outlook to automatically track events and accepted invitations. 
    • Calendar Sync: Access everyone’s legal calendar to stay on top of important events and hearings. Automatically synchronize important dates and tasks across the entire staff’s calendars. 
  • Firm Insights: Use the firm insights dashboard to generate reports on matter-type profitability, referral revenue, real-time performance and more. Filter reports based on practice areas for greater insights and agile decision-making. 
    • Flexible Analysis: Combine time tracked and billing reports to get greater insights into non-billable hours, profitable practice areas, write-offs, discounts and productivity. 
    • Workload Analysis: Identify which practice areas need more work. Use the insights dashboard to evenly distribute the workload between attorneys, assistants and paralegals. 
    • Fixed-Fee Data: Adjust fixed fees, client expectations and staff workloads based on real data from firm insights that show the true cost of work performed for each client. 
  • Billing Management: Prepare custom invoices for firm activity traced by the time tracking portal. Interact directly with the relevant time entries to review and approve invoices. 
    • Integrations: The billing portal integrates with LawPay to process credit card payments and online transactions. Manage trust and operating accounts ethically and offer clients flexible payment options. Additional integrations include QuickBooks Online. 
    • Activity Codes: Create custom activity codes for similar time and expense entries to expedite data entry and billing. 
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  • Useful Integrations: Users can integrate AbacusLaw with other apps to execute routine jobs they face in their legal practices. These apps include Microsoft Office 356, Salesforce, APX PayNow, HotDocs, Infusionsoft, and more.
  • Case Management: This software's technological experts evaluate users' requirements to devise and employ personalized solutions for top-notch outcomes. The case management tool enables users to keep all of their case and client information protected.
  • Time Tracking: Users can use the time tracking module to accurately and naturally bill time without bottlenecks. This feature runs in the background as users perform their daily routines.
  • Instant Billing: AbacusLaw's billing accessory promptly crafts a variety of professional fee settlements or billing plans. Users can adjust templates with the ideal presentations and the software will take care of the rest including a chart of accounts and monitoring bill schedules.  
  • Rules-Based Calendar: Users can utilize the calendar accessory to immediately and properly plan out valuable deadlines. This tool also keeps up with short-notice modifications. 
  • Develop Proper Forms: This program permits users to swiftly draft proper, signature-ready forms and documents based on information already entered into their database. This accessory contains autofill smart forms, flexible templates and documents for specific regions, states or law practices.
  • Mobile-Friendly: AbacusLaw is available as a mobile app with a user's data, calendar, contacts, notes, emails, and crucial files. The app also tracks billable moments like unexpected phone calls, urgent emails or anything else.  
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Product Ranking

#31

among all
Legal Software

#50

among all
Legal Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

91
83
97
99
97
92
99
100
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Time and Expense Management
Dashboard and Reporting
Billing and Payments
Client and Contact Management
Matter/Case Management
Dashboard and Reporting
Billing and Payments
Client and Contact Management
Matter/Case Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Smokeball
AbacusLaw
+ Add Product + Add Product
Billing And Payments Calendaring And Legal Docketing Client And Contact Management Dashboard And Reporting Document Management Matter/Case Management Mobile Capabilities Task Management Time And Expense Management 97 97 99 81 91 89 88 100 99 92 100 67 88 78 82 79 0 25 50 75 100
94%
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6%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
100%
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0%
92%
0%
8%
83%
0%
17%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
79%
0%
21%
69%
0%
31%
89%
0%
11%
89%
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11%
89%
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11%
78%
0%
22%
83%
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17%
83%
0%
17%
100%
0%
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80%
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20%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

86%
0%
14%
57%
0%
43%
83%
0%
17%
75%
0%
25%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 747 reviews
Good User Sentiment 766 reviews
95%
of users recommend this product

Smokeball has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 95% when considering 747 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

77%
of users recommend this product

AbacusLaw has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 77% when considering 766 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

4.9 (14)
1.3 (2)
4.8 (176)
3.6 (72)
4.76 (189)
3.8 (324)
4.7 (179)
n/a
4.8 (189)
3.9 (365)
n/a
4.5 (3)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Smokeball and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Legal Software available today. Smokeball stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

Analysts' Pick Award
User Favorite Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated AbacusLaw and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Dashboard and Reporting.

Dashboard and Reporting Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Data Management: The platform’s data storage and organization capabilities are top-notch, according to 100% of users reviewing this feature.
Functionality: According to 91% of users who reviewed this aspect, the software offers various useful functions, including task management, case organization, accounting and AutoTime.
Ease of Use: 88% of users who mentioned this element said the solution is straightforward with an intuitive UI and robust knowledge base.
Integrations: 81% of users mentioning this aspect were satisfied with the variety and effectiveness of available integrations.
Service and Support: All the users who reviewed customer service mentioned that it’s responsive.
Automation: 75% of users who mentioned this element swear by the platform’s automation feature, especially document templates and automated emails.
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Easy-to-Use Interface: Precisely 80% of users said AbacusLaw has a user-friendly interface.
Responsive Customer Service: Nearly 53% of users reported AbacusLaw has helpful and knowledgeable customer service.
Bountiful Features: AbacusLaw has plenty of robust features such as accounting, document management, billing, calendars, time management and more, according to 59% of users.
Well-Integrated: Approximately 72% of users say AbacusLaw integrates efficiently with Outlook, Microsoft Office, Adobe, WordPerfect and other business systems.
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Steep Learning Curve: Smokeball's interface can be complex and require significant training, especially for users unfamiliar with legal practice management software.
Limited Customization: While Smokeball offers some customization options, it may not be flexible enough for law firms with unique workflows or specific needs.
High Cost: Smokeball can be expensive, especially for small law firms or solo practitioners.
Integration Challenges: Integrating Smokeball with other legal software applications can be challenging and may require technical expertise.
Limited Reporting: Some users find Smokeball's reporting features insufficient for generating detailed insights into firm performance.
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Overall Performance Drags: Of the users who discussed AbacusLaw's overall performance, 68% of users said it was slow, glitchy or experienced freezes.
Non-Effective Mobile App: Nearly 75% of users were dissatisfied with the mobile app because it wasn't as efficient as the desktop version.
High Price Tag: Precisely 100% of users believe AbacusLaw has a high price and some have to pay extra for extra support.
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User reviews of Smokeball paint a mixed picture, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. While some users find it incredibly helpful for streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration, others struggle with its complex interface and limited customization options. Positive reviews often praise Smokeball's ability to automate tasks, save time, and increase efficiency. One user remarked, "My billable hours increased by over 50% while my work hours remained the same!" Another noted, "Smokeball has made my job of opening new files and maintaining case information exceedingly easy." These comments highlight the software's potential to improve productivity and profitability, especially for busy legal practices. However, some users find Smokeball's steep learning curve and complex interface a significant drawback. One reviewer lamented, "It took me months to feel comfortable using all the features." Another commented, "The interface can be overwhelming, especially for users unfamiliar with legal practice management software." These challenges highlight the need for comprehensive training and support, which may be lacking for some users. Comparatively, users often cite Smokeball's robust security features and comprehensive functionality as key advantages over competitors like Clio and PracticePanther. One user noted, "I feel confident that my client data is safe with Smokeball's encryption and access controls." Another commented, "Smokeball offers everything I need to manage my practice effectively, from document creation to billing and reporting." These comments emphasize Smokeball's strong security and wide range of features, making it a compelling option for law firms seeking a comprehensive legal practice management solution. However, its higher cost compared to competitors can be a barrier for some. One user remarked, "Smokeball is a great program, but it's simply too expensive for my small solo practice." This highlights the importance of considering individual needs and budgets when choosing a legal practice management software. Overall, user reviews suggest Smokeball is a powerful and feature-rich legal practice management solution, but its complexity and cost may not be suitable for all users. Law firms should carefully weigh the software's strengths and weaknesses against their specific needs and budget before making a decision.

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Overall, AbacusLaw is a productive PSA tool that contains an abundant amount of features such as accounting, document management, billing, client management and a handy calendar amongst others. Its interface is easy to use and the customer support team is responsive in rectifying issues. It also integrates with Outlook and other Microsoft Office suites, Adobe and other business platforms. However, some users find the mobile app is not as effective as the desktop version. The desktop version comes with a hefty amount of system crashes and glitches while running at a sluggish pace. Most users, especially those who own small businesses, find the pricing unreasonable. But AbacusLaw is still a proactive solution.

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