Getting Started with the Smokeball Web App

Smokeball has a standalone web app that is also available with Smokeball Grow and Prosper+ subscriptions that aim to make your billing experience less time-consuming. 

If you are migrating from an existing billing program, you should complete the current billing cycle in that program, transfer any balances due and deposits to Smokeball, and then start billing in Smokeball.

Read on to learn how to begin billing with Smokeball. 

Enable the Smokeball Billing Integration

Once you have completed the final billing cycle with your previous billing program, you need to activate the web app. 

1. Select Enable integration of Time & Expenses in the Time & Billing Settings in Smokeball Settings.
2. Set your billing units for rounding entries.
3. Select the Save button.

Auto-Save Finalized Invoices 

Firm Owners can turn on the ability to auto-save finalized invoices from the web app to the matter. 

1. Select Auto-save Billing-related PDF documents to a Matter under the Billing Integrations tab in Time & Billing settings.
   • Once enabled, finalized invoices from that point forward will be saved in the Billing>Invoices matter folder.
   • If a finalized invoice is edited or deleted in the web app, it will be removed from the matter.
2. Select the Save button. 

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Review Staff AutoTime Settings and Billing Rates

1. Review and enable your staff’s AutoTime preferences and billing rates to ensure they meet your firm’s needs. 
2. Learn more about AutoTime basics and settings.

Configure Billing Settings

1. Select the Billing button to log into the web app or use the following link: app.smokeball.com.
2. The web app will open in your web browser. Enter your Smokeball username and password.
3. Review and adjustFirm Settings to match your firm’s preferences. Firm Settings are located in the lower left corner.
   • Learn more about Smokeball Firm Settings.

Create Carry-over Balance Entries

The next step is to transfer any outstanding balance due to the Smokeball matter by creating a fixed fee entry for the balance due from the previous billing program.

1. From the Time & Expenses tab within a matter, select the Time/Fee button on the action bar and create a fixed fee entry for the balance due.
2. Enter in a subject, additional details in the description, the amount, and save. 
3. If necessary, use the Expense button to add any carry-over expenses. 
   • Learn more about time, fee, and expense entries in the Smokeball Web App.
4. Carry-over balances will appear as a line item on the next invoice you send to the client through Smokeball.

Deposit Funds for Carrying Over Balances to Trust or Operating Retainer

All matters created in Smokeball will also appear in the web app. The next step is to deposit trust or operating retainer account balances from Smokeball. 

1. Deposit funds into Trust or Operating Retainer Account from the Transactions tab of any matter. 
2. Learn more about how to Deposit Funds into Trust or Operating Retainer.

Configure Additional Settings

• Additional Matter settings can be accessed by selecting the gear icon on any matter.
• Smokeball has additional features and settings like Evergreen Retainer, Interest, and Payment Plans. Many of these features have additional settings to configure prior to using in Billing Settings.

Did You Know

• If you have any questions on the best plan to migrate to Smokeball, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our billing trainers.