We're updating the Adversarial matter type in Smokeball with new, improved layouts. We'll be updating your existing Adversarial matters to use the new layouts. None of your data will change, and your matter information stays on the matter.
To work with these matters after the update, everyone at your firm needs to be on Smokeball version 10.1.5 by 13 November 2026.
What this means for your firm
- New layouts. The Adversarial matter type is moving to new, improved layouts. Some information, such as asset tracking, will appear in its own separate layouts.
- All Adversarial matters are updated. This includes both open and closed matters. However, if an Adversarial matter has more than one Case Details layout, we won't update it, and it will stay as it is.
- Your data stays on the matter. If an existing matter has information in a field that isn't part of the new layouts, that information stays on the matter. New matters won't include that field.
What you need to do
Make sure every staff member at your firm is on Smokeball version 10.1.5 by 13 November 2026. This includes every computer they use Smokeball on, such as a work desktop, laptop or home computer.
Important Note: Older versions of Smokeball don't support the new layouts. If a computer is still on a version older than 10.1.5 after 13 November 2026, task due dates on Adversarial matters may be lost.
If everyone at your firm is already on version 10.1.5 or later, there's nothing more to do.
Checking your Smokeball version: follow the steps in Checking your Smokeball version.
Updating Smokeball: follow the steps in Updating Smokeball.
Tip: If you manage Smokeball for your firm, ask each staff member to check their version on every computer they use. Computers that are used less often, such as a home computer, are the ones most likely to be missed.
Matters with more than one Case Details layout
Smokeball supports one Case Details layout per matter. If an Adversarial matter has more than one Case Details layout, we won't update it, and it will stay as it is.
If you'd like one of these matters updated, remove the extra Case Details layout from the matter by 13 November 2026.
Intake forms your firm has built
If your firm has built its own intake forms that include Adversarial matter types, we'll update those forms for you. Some forms may be split into two:
- Your original form stays the same, except the Adversarial matter types are removed from it. Keep using it for your other matter types.
- A new copy of the form is created for Adversarial matter types only. It's named [original form name] ([matter type name] - migrated), so it's easy to tell where it came from.
Note: For Adversarial matters, use the new copy of the form, with "- migrated" in its name.
Need help?
If you have any questions about this update, contact your account manager or reach out to Smokeball Support:
- Phone: (855) 668-3207, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm CST
- Email: support@smokeball.com