Introduction to Messages

The Messages feature in Smokeball is where your firm can send messages and files securely to your client's Client Portal.

In addition to messages and documents, you can also send event invitations, Intake Forms and invoices from Messages.

Accessing Messages

To access Messages, you can either:

• Select the Messages tab from the main Smokeball navigation bar (to view messages across all matters and staff). Accessing Messages this way allows you to view:

  • Channels
  • Direct Messages (with other staff members)
  • All Internal Matter Conversations you have across all matters
  • All External Matter Conversations you have across all matters

  

• Select the Messages tab from within a matter (to view messages specifically for that matter). Accessing Messages this way allows you to view:

  • Internal Matter Conversations for the specific matter
  • External Matter Conversations for the specific matter

  

What to expect when sending messages to a third party

If sending something to an external party, they will receive a customisable email invitation prompting them to log in to their very own Client Portal. They won’t need a username or password; access is granted securely through the unique link in the email.

Once they are in, the external party will be able to see all the items sent over to them in the form of a To Do list.

View our Client Portal Tour article for more screenshots of the Client Portal experience from your client's perspective.

If you would like to send your clients and/or third parties an introductory guide for how to access and start using the Client Portal, please use this link.

What can I do in Messages?

Secure File Sharing & Messaging

• Share confidential files or chat securely with your client without leaving Smokeball.
• Ensure all communications stay protected. You can even share entire folders with your client!
• Learn more about sending and receiving files securely via Messages.
  
  
   
• If you have the Archie AI add-on, you can use Archie to help convey your message by changing the tone, length or improving your writing.
  
  

Invoice Viewing and Payments

• Clients can view and pay invoices securely through the Client Portal, reducing the risk of invoice fraud.
• Learn more about creating and ending an invoice to be viewed via the Client Portal.
  
  

Intake Form Submission

• Clients can complete Intake Forms directly in the portal, keeping all correspondence in one secure location.
• Learn more about Lead Intake and Matter Intake.
  
  

Staff Internal Messaging

• If staff members work in different locations, or you have remote staff, you can use the Messages tab to send direct messages to individuals or groups.
• You can have internal conversations regarding a specific matter or even set up individual channels for internal use.
• Learn more about messaging internal staff members.
  
  

Communicate Mobile App

• Use the Communicate mobile app to send messages, review files, and get real-time notifications on the go.
• Learn more about the Communicate Mobile App.
  
  

SMS Text Messaging

• Send SMS messages directly from a conversation, even if the recipient isn’t using the Communicate app.
• Learn more about sending Client Portal messages to your client as an SMS.