Your matters, in the
AI apps you already use
The MCP server is part of every Referent account.
MCP guide
MCP for Smokeball
What MCP access exists for Smokeball today, how to set it up safely, and the shortcut if you would rather have MCP built into your practice software.
Connect an AI app to Smokeball today
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Get API access
Request API access from Smokeball and confirm the region for your firm. You need both an API key and OAuth credentials.
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Build a narrow read-only server
Have your developer expose two or three tools: find matter, get matter, list contacts. Keep credentials server-side and handle token refresh there.
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Connect and test
Point Claude or ChatGPT at your server and ask for a matter you know. Add write tools only after the read path has been boring for a while.
A first prompt to try
Using the read-only tool, list the matter named "Harper Lease" and its ID. Do not create or update anything.
Use a matter you know well and compare the answer with the Smokeball screen. If it matches, widen the tools. If it does not, you found out on a test, which is the point.
The shortcut
Or pick practice software with MCP built in.
Referent runs its own MCP server. Paste one URL into Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity, sign in, and that app can read and act on your firm's clients, matters, and documents under the same permissions, approvals, and audit trail as the Referent app. No Zapier tasks, no server to maintain.
https://mcp.referent.law/mcp - Reads and acts. Matter status, deadlines, documents, drafts, billing prep.
- The lawyer still signs. Client-facing and high-risk actions wait for your approval.
- Comes with the account. Free plan, no separate connector fee.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Zapier MCP connector for Smokeball?
We did not find one on the review date. Check zapier.com/mcp before building anything; the catalogue grows monthly.
Does Referent's MCP server connect to Smokeball?
No. The Referent MCP server at https://mcp.referent.law/mcp connects AI apps to your Referent workspace: its clients, matters, and documents. It does not reach into Smokeball. If your data is still in Smokeball, use the route above; if you move to Referent, MCP comes with the account.
What is MCP, in one paragraph?
MCP, the Model Context Protocol, is an open standard that lets AI apps such as Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini use outside tools and data. A system exposes an MCP server; the AI app connects to it and can then look things up or take actions there, within whatever permissions you gave it. It is how an assistant stops guessing about your matters and starts reading them.
Sources
Checked September 7, 2026. Menus, plans, and connectors change; the links above are the place to confirm the current state. Smokeball is a trademark of its owner; this guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by Smokeball.