Replacement Guide

How to Build Your Own Smokeball

Replace Smokeball with a custom build. Cloud-based legal practice management software for law firms

Weekend Project
40 features29 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 40 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.

1
Setup & scaffolding
2 hours
2
Core features
4-6 hours
3
Polish & deploy
2 hours

Recommended Tech Stack

Next.js 14

Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components

Supabase

PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling for rapid UI development

Key Features to Replicate

Top features across 8 categories. See all 40 features

Security(4 features)

Backup & Recovery

Automated daily backups with disaster recovery and point-in-time restoration options.

Data Encryption

End-to-end encryption for all data at rest and in transit with compliance certifications.

Role-Based Access Control

Set permissions and restrict access based on user roles within the firm.

Two-Factor Authentication

Enhanced security with optional two-factor authentication for user accounts.

Documents(3 features)

Document AutomationAI

Automatically generate legal documents with smart templates and conditional clauses.

Document Automation TemplatesAIPremium

Library of pre-built legal document templates with conditional logic and smart fields.

Document Management

Organize, search, and retrieve case documents with version control and secure storage.

Productivity(3 features)

Batch OperationsPremium

Perform bulk actions on multiple matters, tasks, or contacts simultaneously.

Calendar & Deadline Management

Automated deadline tracking and calendar management with email reminders.

Task Management

Create, assign, and track tasks with priority levels and completion status.

Time & Billing(3 features)

Recurring Time Entries

Set up recurring time entries for routine billable activities.

Time Entry Templates

Pre-defined time entry templates for common tasks to speed up billing entry.

Time Tracking

Track billable hours across multiple matters with automatic timer and manual entry options.

Accounting(2 features)

Expense Tracking

Record and categorize expenses with automatic reconciliation and client billing options.

Trust AccountingPremium

Manage client trust accounts with compliance reporting and reconciliation tools.

Billing(2 features)

Billing & Invoicing

Create and send invoices automatically based on tracked time and expenses.

Invoice Templates

Customizable invoice templates with firm branding and configurable line items.

Case Management(2 features)

Case Management

Centralized platform to organize case details, deadlines, and matter information.

Matter Status Tracking

Track matter lifecycle from intake to closure with customizable status workflows.

Communication(2 features)

Client Portal

Secure portal for clients to access case status, documents, and communicate with their attorney.

Email Management

Integrated email system with automatic matter linking and archive functionality.

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying Smokeball

Monthly$99/mo
Yearly$1.2k/yr
5-Year Total$5.9k

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~3 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 YearSave $948
SaaS
$1.2k
DIY
$240
3 YearsSave $2.8k
SaaS
$3.6k
DIY
$720
5 YearsSave $4.7k
SaaS
$5.9k
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 40 features at very easy complexity.

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