About - Smokeball Australia

The Origin Story

If you're reading this, you're probably curious about who we are, why we exist, and what it means to partner with us—whether as a client or along your career path. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey!

Independently Owned & Proud

Smokeball was founded by Australian legaltech pioneers Hunter Steele, Jane Oxley and Bart Vadala, who bring nearly 25 years of experience in delivering impactful legal technology. After working together for many years in the industry, Hunter, Jane and Bart set out to prove that nice guys can finish first. Their vision was to create a company where clients and staff are genuinely valued, and where we can build great things together. At Smokeball, we believe that a supportive and innovative environment leads to exceptional results.

Our Love For The Law

We’re passionate about developing a company, culture, and team that share a profound love for the law and a commitment to helping small law firms succeed. Our dedication lies in creating the best legal practice management software, empowering our users to stay organised, productive, and more profitable than ever before.

Our Independence

We’re proud to be a private company with no external ownership. Smokeball is wholly owned by shareholders, many of whom are our employees, who are deeply invested in our mission and success. We've never acquired another practice management software company, allowing us to maintain our unique identity and values.

What's In A Name?

“Smokeball? Why Smokeball?”

We hear that question often. Our founders chose a name that not only stands out but also carries a legacy from British legal history dating back to 1893. The case of Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Company involved a company that offered £100 to anyone who used their influenza remedy, the “smoke ball,” and still caught the flu. When a customer did and successfully sued for the reward, the case became a landmark in contract law.

So why Smokeball? While the case may be obscure to many, the name is unforgettable. Just as the plaintiff’s attorneys fought for justice, we’re dedicated to helping our clients succeed in serving their communities.

Our Clients

With over 15,000 clients worldwide, our team brings extensive legal experience to the table. Our dedicated sales, account management, support and legal product experts are determined and passionate humans who drive our award-winning service. At Smokeball, you can always expect knowledgeable, empathetic, and friendly interactions.

We Believe in Ethical Business Practices

At Smokeball, we know our clients own their data. We make it easy for them to access and export their information, understanding that relationships can change. Our commitment to client autonomy and data security is unwavering.

We were really supported during the migration, which was a godsend. Any law firm who goes through a migration can appreciate that it can be tricky. There’s been lots of support from Smokeball.

Maxine Johnson

Johnson & May Solicitors, UK

Everything we do is made easier by Smokeball...I don’t know how we would’ve managed that growth without Smokeball

Beth Schwarz

Hoffenberg & Block, USA

What set Smokeball apart for me is the impeccable onboarding experience that I had…It can be a lonely world in start-up land, so it was a bonus to have a real person on the other end of the line to talk to!

Rachel Bosnjak

Passage Migration Consulting, AU

With Smokeball, we have a direct line of communication through telephone, email, and live chat. Smokeball is really responsive. We’ve formed relationships with staff at Smokeball who know us by name.

Tharindu Ellepola

Temple Gate Solicitors, UK

Our Smokeballers

Our global team of Smokeballers are our greatest assets.

We're more than just a software company; we're a community dedicated to innovation, support, and excellence. Smokeball is not just a great company to work with, but a great company to work for, thanks to our unique approach to UX, marketing, support, and career growth.

Don’t just take our word for it—hear it directly from the team!

I love working at Smokeball because of the wonderful culture. It is worlds apart from other places I've worked at. I think the culture also impacts the firms we work with. They're all super lovely and a pleasure to work with.

Lee Senft

Account Executive, Team UK

From day one at Smokeball, I felt incredibly welcomed and valued as part of the team. The support from the leadership team has been amazing, always encouraging and guiding me. Smokeball truly caters to my skill sets, providing opportunities for growth and allowing me to shine in my role.

Ben Enviah

Delivery Manager Team Lead, Team AU

"For me, Smokeball is not solely focused on providing attorneys with the best software, they're also dedicated to our community. Every day I get to work with clients, teammates, and partners that inspire me to do better...I am so proud and grateful to be a part of this team!"

Amanda Wiszus

Snr Legal Configuration Specialist

Being surrounded by passionate people, innovative ideas, and a true sense of community every day, while contributing to the exciting growth of our global business, is the highlight of my career.

Sue Foley

Global Head of Marketing

Values Aren’t Just Words On A Wall

We live and breathe our values, which are at the core of every decision we make. From product prioritization and roadmaps to benefits for our team members, we always stand behind our six core cultural values. These values are the foundation upon which our business is built.

Meet The Leadership Team

Introducing the Smokeball Leadership Team: experts in legal software development with backgrounds as conveyancers, lawyers, and industry-leading developers.