#United States #Chicago #Legal Technology #Smokeball #Sterling Hawkins

Smokeball Spark 2026: A Landmark Event for Legal Professionals

Smokeball, recognized as the top cloud-based legal practice management software, is thrilled to announce its upcoming conference, Spark 2026, set to occur in Chicago on October 15, 2026. This event marks a significant transition for Smokeball, which has previously hosted Spark in Sydney, Australia, for four years. The upcoming conference will gather legal professionals from across the globe for a day filled with innovation, Continuing Legal Education (CLE), and opportunities for practice growth.

Keynote Speaker: Sterling Hawkins

A highlight of the event is the keynote address by Sterling Hawkins, who has earned a reputation as a leading voice in global leadership. With a wealth of experience advising major corporations and even the United Nations, Hawkins plans to discuss crucial themes for law firms amid rapid technological advancements and shifting client expectations. His insights will center around the idea of transforming into "who the moment requires," providing attendees with valuable strategies to adapt and thrive in a changing legal landscape.

An Exciting Agenda of Learning and Networking

Smokeball’s CEO, Hunter Steele, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the Spark experience from Sydney to Chicago, noting, "We’ve designed an exciting conference aimed at inspiring legal professionals while fostering connections and educational opportunities. Whether attendees wish to embrace AI, expand their practice, or enhance their leadership competencies, Spark 2026 promises to equip them for future challenges."

The conference will feature four distinctive CLE learning tracks, allowing participants to tailor their experience to their needs. These tracks will encompass the following areas:

• - Ethics - Discussions will revolve around ethical practices within the legal field and maintaining integrity as technology becomes more integrated into operations.
• - AI and Legal Technology - Sessions will focus on the rising influence of artificial intelligence in legal processes, helping firms navigate this exciting frontier.
• - Firm Growth and Business Strategy - Strategies for scaling law firms effectively will be covered, sharing insights on adapting to market shifts and client demands.
• - Legal and Development Skills - Workshops aimed at enhancing legal practitioners' skill sets to remain competitive in an evolving industry.

Networking and Engagement Opportunities

The day will kick off with a breakfast at the stunning Cindy's Rooftop, where attendees can enjoy panoramic views of Chicago's lakefront while Hunter Steele delivers Smokeball's strategic vision for future innovations in legal technology. Afterward, attendees can engage in customizable breakout sessions tailored to their interests.

As the conference concludes, participants will have the chance to unwind and network during a celebratory gathering in the beautiful Venetian Gothic Game Room of the Chicago Athletic Association, ensuring connections made at Spark resonate well beyond the event itself.

Don’t Miss Out

Spark 2026 is poised to bring together some of the best minds in the legal industry, promising a day filled with new ideas, practical strategies, and valuable connections. Early bird tickets are currently available until July 31, 2026, making it the perfect opportunity for legal professionals eager to invest in their future.

For more details, including the full agenda and ticketing information, visit Smokeball's event page today!

About Smokeball

Smokeball stands as a leader in cloud-based legal practice management, designed to support law firms specific to their area of law. From automatic time tracking to a library of over 20,000 standard legal forms, Smokeball aims to enable law firms to work smarter, not harder. As a member benefit of 28 U.S. bar associations, Smokeball is committed to driving legal practices into the digital future.

For more information, visit Smokeball's website.