Tailored to your Firm's
Unique Goals
Tailor your Smokeball Spark experience to suit the specific needs of your firm. Whether you're focused on firm growth, future-proofing, technology integration, financial management, or the latest trends in your practice area, Spark offers a wide range of speaking sessions that have been designed to suit your needs. Plan your day strategically and access the most relevant insights for your firm’s success.
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In this session, Smokeball CEO, Hunter Steele, will share his insights into the future of the legal industry and the impact that he believes technology will have on the practice of law over the next year. Hunter will also provide a deep dive into the overarching vision behind Smokeball, and unveil a collection of brand new product features that Smokeball is set to introduce in the near future.
Hunter Steele
Hunter joined Smokeball in 2008, and five years ago was appointed to Chief Executive Officer, responsible for running both the Sydney and Chicago offices. With over 16 years’ experience in building legal software, Hunter has a proven track record for pushing the boundaries and delivering innovative software solutions. He holds a Law and Computer Science degree from Bond University.
In this dynamic and engaging keynote Ali will incorporate the latest research in psychology and provide practical tools for participants to walk away with, particularly aimed at achieving results out of those inevitable key conversations. Ali will explore:
* The foundational belief that changes how you turn up to tough conversations
* Tools to depersonalise feedback
* How your non-verbal communication makes all the difference when emotions run high
* Shifting from chaos to calm amongst the busyness
Ali Hill
Ali is a registered Psychologist and co-founder of three-time AFR Fast 100 company, Pragmatic Thinking. Pragmatic Thinking is a behaviour and motivation strategy company that helps organisations build better leaders by building better people.
Awarded Educator of the Year in 2018, business woman and international keynote speaker, Ali’s work has made its way into businesses you may have heard of... Virgin Australia, Suncorp, PepsiCo, Siemens, McDonalds, Bond University and Heritage Bank to name a few.
On top of all this, Ali’s found the time to author three best-selling books; ‘Dealing with the Tough Stuff: How to achieve results from key conversations and Stand Out: A real world guide to get clear, find purpose and become the boss of busy, and Work From Anywhere. She’s also the host and producer of one of Australia’s top podcasts, Stand Out Life where she digs into the stories behind some of the world’s greatest thought leaders and talents who lead truly awe-inspiring lives.
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Australian legal firms are frequently encouraged to innovate, modernise, and revamp existing processes in an effort to become a more future fit business. While this approach can undoubtedly boost efficiency, cut costs, and generate a competitive edge, there's a crucial, often overlooked, first step in this transformative journey – discovering your 'why.' During this session, Karen Finch, President, ALTA, will share the key questions that you need to ask before implementingsubstantial change in your firm. This session will provide a framework for firms who are implementing change in their business to ensure that it is done with clear vision, implementationparameters, and measurable outcomes. Key takeaways include:
·Identifying the core drivers of change within your firm and discovering your “why”
·Developing a comprehensive change strategy tailored to your firm's unique needs.
·Effectively communicating and managing change to ensure smooth transitions and improved outcomes.
Karen Finch
Karen Finch is a non-practising lawyer, Founder and CEO of Legally Yours, Co-Director of Australia’s first ‘telehealth’ for legal video platform Pro Help Legal Australia, President of the Australian Legal Technology Association (ALTA), former Chair of the Women of ALTA, a Legal Tech Editor for Idea Spies, and a passionate Ambassador of the progressive law movement in Australia.
Leadership has changed and so today's leaders need to be taught how to lead in today's world. Command and control and top down leadership does not work and far too many leaders are experiencing undue stress and burnout.
Attraction and retention of great talent is getting even harder so we all need to adjust what we are doing to engage and inspire ourselves and others to navigate the pace of change and uncertainty. In this session, you will learn what every leader needs to become to lead yourself and others well in this fast-paced, ever-changing marketplace.
· A new definition of leadership for the age of AI
· The 3 faces of professional services leadership
· The 9 crucial shifts to have more influence, income, and impact, without burning out.
Grant Herbert
Grant is the founder and CEO of People Builders, a leading supplier of training, coaching and HR solutions throughout Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, India and the Middle East. He also trains and mentors associate trainers and coaches, both internal and external, who work in Fortune 500 and other large organisations across the globe. Grant believes in staying up to date and relevant so he is an International Master Trainer in the Neuroscience of Leadership with the About my Brain Institute, Emotional Intelligence with The Institute for Social + Emotional Intelligence and Behavioural Profiling with Extended DISC International
The field of conveyancing is undergoing a transformative shift in the digital age, and client relationships are more critical than ever.
In this enlightening conference session, conveyancing expert and lawyer, Judith Hammerschlag will guide you through the latest trends and strategies to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Learn how to leverage digital transformation, embrace a client-centric approach, and adapt to post-pandemic expectations.
Discover the art of effective remote collaboration, educate clients in the modern era, and join us to explore the future of conveyancing and master the skills needed to build and maintain effective client relationships in this dynamic and competitive environment.
Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and drive success in your conveyancing practice.
Judith Hammerschlag
Judith is a property lawyer with more than a decade of experience. She began her career at top tier law firm, Allens Linklaters in the property and finance divisions including a two-year stint in Singapore. She is the founder of J Hammerschlag & Co, a boutique property law firm in Sydney that specialises in conveyancing. During this time, she noticed the significant inefficiencies in the legal process of buying a property in Australia and founded Contrax to help address these.
As Australian law firms continue to favour the digitisation of legal processes and adoption of multiple technology solutions, it has also become increasingly important to closely monitor the effect that this is having on your teams and your clients.
During this session, Smokeball’s Chief Product Officer, Adele Hoyle, will address the pitfalls of having your technology exist in silos and share her concept of the ‘seamlessly connected law firm.’ Further, Adele will demonstrate how Smokeball can be used to unify your tech stack and ensure a cohesive experience for your legal teams and clients.
· Key challenges to consider when implementing multiple technology solutions
· How to successfully integrate new technology into your tech stack
· The benefits of a seamlessly connected law firm for both operations andclient experience
Adele Hoyle
Adele has over 15 years’ experience in the legal software industry and is very passionate about solving problems for law firms and building products that clients love.
At Smokeball Adele and her team work seamlessly with the Engineering team to deliver the best and most innovative small law firm products to the international market.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computing Information Technology and has a wide range of experience working in the UK and Australia where she developed a great understanding of the legal industry from her roles in software development, professional services and at LexisNexis where she spent several years heading up an international Product Management team.
Some of the most successful businesses of today were created during the previous cycles of challenging financial times. Whilst we build and run our firms, and the world continues to change, so must we. Learning from the experience of others can provide valuable insights and action, leading into in uncertain economic times. The evolution of technology also provides opportunity to fine tune our firms’ processes, enhancing both the team and client experience and outcomes for the firm. In this session, join Clayton Oates, Founder, QA Business, who will explore how to embrace and navigate change in order to create a more fulfilling and financially rewarding firm. Key takeaways include:
· Discover the key drivers to obtain leverage to free up your time and maximise returns for your firm.
· Learn about key strategies to recession proof your practice.
· Discover the key areas where professional service firms have implemented technology to enhance team performance and profitability.
· Find out about the key metrics that impact the financial performance of your practice.
Clayton Oates
Clayton is a passionate and engaging communicator who speaks in a practical style based on his 30+ years of Business & Technology experience. From starting his career as a Tax Accountant at PwC, Clayton is now recognised as a global leader in Accounting Technology and applying it to Small Business. Clayton helps business owners/operators, and their advisors implement systems that enhance business performance and quality of life. You are going to love what Clayton has to share with you.
In this session, Vik Sundar, Smokeball Precedent Author, Managing Director of specialist law firm Clear Law and Author of the Australian Testamentary Trust Master Guide will cover the following:
- An overview of testamentary trusts;
- How to supercharge your client’s estate planning;
- An update on the ATO’s approach to testamentary trusts and tips and traps that advisers need to be aware of
- An update on the treatment of testamentary trusts by the family court and from an asset protection perspective.
In this session you will get an understanding of how to utilise testamentary trusts in your firm and an understanding of their benefits, and limitations from a tax and asset protection point of view.
Vik Sundar
Vik Sundar is a leading private wealth lawyer and author specialising in estate planning, SMSFs, asset protection, commercial law, and tax law. Vik has over 12 years of experience in the legal and financial services industry, with his current role as Managing Director of Clear Law, a specialist estate planning and tax law firm that he founded.
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In an era where our digital footprints are becoming incredibly complex and commodified, the legal industry has become a prime target for cyberattacks. How prepared is your firm? Join InfoTrack's Global Head of Property, John Ahern, and Global Chief of Technology Officer, Nadene Serman, as they delve into the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of digital platforms. Key takeaways include:
·How do you safeguard yourself and your business.
·Ensuring your clients' data remains secure.
·Protocols for if you experience a cyberattack.
John Ahern & Nadene Serman
John has over 20 years' experience in the Information Sector, having worked in a variety of roles throughout his career including CEO,CTO, Engineering Manager, Sales Manager and Product Manager. This rare combination gives John an exceptionally strong business nous and the ability to communicate clearly across multiple business units.
Following a seven-year tenure at InfoTrack, John now serves as their Global Head of Property. This role has further reinforced John’s position in proudly promoting InfoTrack’s Australian owned heritage, whilst also passionately advocating how building pioneering legal technology can be seen as a highly exportable solution that strengthens the domestic economy.
John has experience with both start-up firms and multi-national companies. He has worked at firms during times of rapid expansion, implementing growth strategies that ensure any business-focused research and development is aligned with customer needs and company strategy.
In an increasingly competitive business landscape, generating a strong market presence has never been more vital to law firm success - But how can you effectively cut through the noise and create a memorable legal brand that attracts clients and wins more work?
During this presentation, Jessie Weatherly, Director, Jork Consulting, will share a collection of cost-effective marketing strategies specifically tailored to support Australian legal firms in developing their brands and acquiring new clients. Key takeaways include:
·How to craft a compelling legal brand that resonates with your target audience.
·The most cost-effective acquisition channels that can be used by your firm to support your goals.
·Proven methods that can help retain clients and turn them into brand advocates.
Jessie Weatherley
With over 20 years working in sales and marketing roles Jessie is passionate about helping law firms take control over the business that comes into their firms through tactical strategies that don’t require a big budget. Her clients enjoy her straight talking and love the way that she can break down complex marketing strategies into straightforward, achievable tactics that actually make a difference. She has a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Management and Marketing from Monash University, is a Certified Practising Marketer from the Australian Marketing Institute and for the past 3 years been a judge in the Australian Marketing Institute Awards. As a member of Professional Speakers Australia, Jessie is an engaging, and thought provoking speaker that will have you looking at your legal practice marketing in a whole new light.
Tommy the Movie shows the messiness and heartbreak of divorce as captured from the child’s point of view. Tommy is the 2019 short-length feature film about a young boy, whose parents are ensnared in a bitter custody battle. It follows the journey of a child trying to escape the bitterness and violence he sees around him, from those who are meant to love him best.
During this session, Spark delegates will receive a private screening of Tommy the Movie and will receive the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with Director, Darren Mort
Darren Mort
Darren is expert on family law, divorce and separation, having specialised in this area of law as a Barrister for over 30 years. He was also awarded Barrister of the Year in 2022 at the Australian Law Awards. Darren is also a professional actor and producer. His recent short film – Degree of Separation – a story about family violence – won multiple international awards, opening the Beverley Hills Film Festival at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles in 2016 with a best short film nomination. He is a director of To Be Loved Network – a charitable foundation which produces resources advancing the best interests of children navigating conflict in parental separation and divorce. Isla's Song is his debut novel.
Join Clayton Oates, Founder of QA Business, for a live session where he performs a comprehensive financial assessment with a law firm that utilises Smokeball. This session will explore how legal professionals can leverage Smokeball's robust features to gain essential insights into their firm's financial health. Clayton, with his extensive accounting expertise, will demonstrate how this data can empower law firms to make more strategic and informed financial decisions. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to effectively manage your law firm's finances using Smokeball.
Clayton Oates
Clayton is a passionate and engaging communicator who speaks in a practical style based on his 30+ years of Business & Technology experience. From starting his career as a Tax Accountant at PwC, Clayton is now recognised as a global leader in Accounting Technology and applying it to Small Business. Clayton helps business owners/operators, and their advisors implement systems that enhance business performance and quality of life. You are going to love what Clayton has to share with you.
The emergence of artificial intelligence platforms such as ChatGPT have sparked significant debate regarding the future of the legal industry. In early 2023, news broke that an AI powered program would for the first time in human history represent a client in court, and so arose the question – Will platforms such as ChatGPT ultimately benefit society’s access to justice, or do these new platforms represent a threat to law as we know it?
Join us at the Great Debate as four industry thought leaders and self-proclaimed AI enthusiasts come head-to-head and debate the key ethical considerations that have emerged with the rise of ChatGPT.
Fiona McLay, Shelley Burger, David Gale & David Turner
Family Violence. It’s not just physical. It’s not just about a ‘useless piece of paper’.
Join Lauren Cassimatis, Accredited Criminal Law Specialist, for a discussion on legal and strategic considerations when representing clients accused of family violence offences. Learn more about:
· The meaning of family violence and coercive control
· The complex and cumulative way in which family violence matters overlap or intersect in the family law, civil law and criminal law jurisdictions
· The possible legal and personal ramifications of intervention orders, family violence offences and breaches in criminal proceedings and parenting matters.
A must for all family and criminal lawyers.
Lauren Cassimatis
Lauren Cassimatis is the Founder and Principal Lawyer of Gallant Law, the Founder and Chair of Connecting Lawyer Mums and an Adjunct Lecturer at the College of Law. Lauren has over 20 years’ experience in the legal profession, is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and is one of Australia’s leading criminal lawyers. Lauren founded Gallant Law with a vision to protect her clients’ interests beyond the courtroom, advocating for their rehabilitation, identity, relationships, careers and reputation.
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Join us for a captivating keynote presentation by Dr. Richard Harris OAM, 2019 Australian of the Year and the renowned cave diver and anaesthetist behind the 2018 Thai Cave rescue mission. During this keynote, Dr. Harris will detail the complex emotions he experienced as he was cast into the global spotlight and tasked with the rescue of 12 Thai children who become trapped in a flooded cave in the Chiang Rai province of Thailand. Further, Dr. Harris will expand on the critical decision-making and leadership skills that enabled him to triumph despite near-impossible odds. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a true Australian hero, whose story contains a wealth of lessons that can be applied to both business and life.
Dr. Richard Harris OAM
Dr Richard “Harry” Harris has worked in anaesthesia, diving and aeromedical retrieval medicine in Adelaide, South Australia.
His passion for cave diving goes back to the 1980’s and has taken him to the corners of the globe in search of new adventures.
Harry and his colleagues have explored caves to 245m depth, and shipwrecks to over 150m, in dives lasting over 16 hours. He is an enthusiastic UW photographer and videographer who is now also building a career in documentary films.
Harry has a professional and voluntary interest in search and rescue operations, establishing the first sump rescue training course in Australasia. By building relationships with emergency services locally he has been preparing for such an event. The 2018 Thailand cave rescue was an opportunity to put this training to work.
In 2018 he received the Star of Courage, Australia’s second highest civilian award for bravery, and the medal of the Order of Australia for his role in the Thailand cave rescue.
Harry was the 2019 Australian of the Year for South Australia and the joint 2019 Australian of the Year with his dive partner Craig Challen.
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