SPARK 2026
Join hundreds of legal experts for an action-packed day dedicated to learning and transformation at Chicago’s coolest downtown venue.
Hear from inspiring legal thought leaders, network with savvy attorneys, and gain the strategies you need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Countdown to Spark US
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Agenda
Spark 2026 includes more than 15 expert industry speakers to educate and inspire you. Hear from one of the world's top 30 global keynotes, Sterling Hawkins, then design the rest of your day to gain the strategies and skills (and CLEs) you seek from four learning tracks.
Breakfast & registration
Start your day with a stunning rooftop view of Chicago’s lakefront while you meet fellow attendees and fuel up for an inspiring day.
Smokeball vision & product innovations
Smokeball CEO, Hunter Steele, shares his insights into the future of the legal industry and the impact technology will have on the practice of law in the next year.
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Morning keynote
Named one of the world's top 30 leadership keynotes, Sterling Hawkins has helped leaders from Fortune 500 teams to the United Nations transform into who the moment requires. Founder of the No Matter What Movement, he shows people, including legal professionals, how to achieve the performance, results, and fulfillment they want regardless of obstacles.
Networking and partner break
Connect with fellow attendees and explore legal technology solutions.
Practicing law with AI: Ethical innovations for attorneys (CLE)
AI is transforming the practice of law, creating powerful new opportunities for attorneys who know how to use it well. This CLE delivers practical, ethically grounded strategies for weaving AI into your practice—from research to client communication—without crossing professional lines.
The Murdaugh murders reversal: Autopsy of a flawed prosecution (CLE)
Prominent South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murder and later won a new trial after the South Carolina Supreme Court found that Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill had tampered with the jury, denying him a fair trial by an impartial jury. Using film clips from the trial, this session examines how that violation occurred and how the warning signs were missed. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for preventing their own cases from being overturned due to jury misconduct.
Smokeball session
Meet your Smokeball Integration Partners (30 mins)
The Smokeball Exchange: Ask, Learn, Explore (30 mins)
Lunch
Step into historic Chicago as you break for a delicious meal in a space overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
Scaling your practice: Marketing that drives sustainable growth (CLE)
Your best legal work deserves an audience, but without the right marketing strategy, even brilliant attorneys stay invisible to the clients who need them most. This CLE reveals how to ethically harness everything from LinkedIn and Reddit to referral networks and digital branding, giving you a proven roadmap to turn one-time cases into a thriving, sustainable practice.
60 tech tips in 60 minutes: Boost your legal practice (CLE)
Every minute lost to clunky email, messy files, and scheduling headaches is a minute stolen from billable work. Attorneys Jordan Turk and Laurence Colletti are here to give it back. In this rapid-fire CLE webinar, you'll uncover clever tech tips that eliminate everyday frustrations for a big impact on your practice.
Smokeball product roadmap
Unveiling Smokeball’s Product Roadmap Be the first to hear about some of Smokeball’s newest and soon-to-be-released features, as well as insights into our long-term product vision.
Digital evidence in the modern age: Social media, emoticons, and AI (CLE)
From incriminating Instagram posts to the hidden meaning behind a single emoji, digital evidence is reshaping the modern courtroom, and the attorneys who master it hold a serious advantage. This CLE dives into the cutting-edge world of social media evidence, emoticon interpretation, and AI-generated content, equipping you with the skills to authenticate, challenge, and leverage digital evidence like never before.
From busy to profitable: Smarter financial decisions for law firms (CLE)
Being busy isn't the same as being profitable, and too many law firms mistake a packed calendar for a thriving bottom line. This CLE breaks down the smart financial strategies that turn billable hours into real profit, giving you the tools to run a firm that's not just active, but actually thriving.
Archie AI Workshop: Tips, tools, and strategies
This workshop-style session will showcase how you can use Archie AI to save significant time and build AI into your workflow without losing the judgment and strategy that the practice of law demands. Smokeball AI experts will walk you through using Archie for document drafting, case summarization, file reviews, and more. Come with your questions and processes that you think AI can improve.
Networking and Partner Break
Connect with fellow attendees and explore legal technology solutions.
Why we do this: Lawyers and their true impact
Smokeball US President Ruchie Chadha will speak to the profound impact that lawyers have in their communities and beyond. Celebrate and get inspired by your colleagues’ stories of service and the presentation of the 2026 Beacon Awards. Leave feeling energized, inspired, and ready to party!
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Closing party
Cap a day of learning and inspiration with fellow attendees in the Venetian Gothic game room dating back to 1893.
Spark with purpose
Spark US isn’t just a conference - it’s where law firms harness education, community, and technology to accelerate their future with purpose and clarity. It’s about:
- Smarter firm operations
- Strategic growth
- Ethical innovation
- Elevated client service
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“With Smokeball, you’re picking up more of your billing, and you’re spending less time on the coordination. It’s a double win.”
Venue
The Chicago Athletic Association opened in 1893 as an exclusive private club for elite Chicago businessmen, aligned with the World’s Columbian Exposition to reflect the city’s growing prominence.
Inside, it featured one of the most advanced indoor athletic facilities of its time, including handball courts, a running track, billiards rooms, and even a bowling alley—decades ahead of modern fitness clubs.
Today, the building has been transformed into a hotel and is a leading example of adaptive reuse in Chicago. Perched on the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Athletic Association is a living ode to the city’s rich history.
FAQs
Everything you want to know before taking the next step.
What is Smokeball Spark US?
Spark US is a legal conference founded and produced by Smokeball, focused on helping law firms grow through legal tech, artificial intelligence (AI), and practice management.
Who should attend?
The event is relevant to anyone in a law firm, including:
- Firm owners
- Lawyers
- Paralegals
- Bookkeepers
- Office managers
- Law Clerks
If unsure whether the event is right for you, you’re encouraged to contact us with any questions atspark@smokeball.com
- Subject: “Spark US 2026 – FAQ”
What if I don’t register beforehand?
- All attendees must register in advance to secure their attendance at Spark US 2026. All attendees must check-in at registration.
- Registration will be open day-of if space allows. We recommend registering beforehand to ensure that you are able to attend.
Is Spark CLE accredited?
You can claimup to 3 CLE creditsforfull-day attendanceSmokeball is partnering with the ABA for CLE accreditation1 CLE credit = 1 hour of relevant learning.
Will the event be live streamed?
There are currently no plans to live stream Smokeball Spark.
Is parking available?
Yes – Parking is available. Chicago Athletic Association hotel (12 S Michigan Ave) is primarily available via 24/7 valet. Convenient, less expensive, non-valet alternatives include the Millennium Park Garage and Grant Park North Garage, among others.
Accessibility/disability accomodations
Smokeball Spark is an inclusive event and is proud to accommodate all members of the legal community. If you experience a disability and would like to attend Smokeball Spark, please contact us at spark@smokeball.com so we can understand and accommodate your needs.Subject: "Spark US 2026 - FAQ"
Who organizes Spark?
Smokeball – www.smokeball.com A provider of AI-powered legal practice management software (features include automatic time tracking, document automation, and billing tools).
Additional notes
- Early bird registration is currently open! Please note that regular pricing of $299 per ticket will start on September 1, 2026.
- For unanswered questions, attendees can contact: spark@smokeball.com Subject: “Spark US 2026 – FAQ”
Still have questions?
We're here. Reach out anytime and a real person will get back to you.