Smokeball UK, a legal case management company, has been named a finalist for Best AI Innovation at this year’s UK Business Tech Awards, thanks to the success of its legal AI assistant, Archie.
Since its launch in July 2024, more than 6,600 legal professionals across 2,500 small law firms have used Archie to manage more than 150,000 active matters.
In just six months, the AI assistant has answered over 300,000 legal queries and helped firms claw back more than 171,000 hours.
On 10 September, the UK Business Tech Awards ceremony will take place and everyone at the Smokeball team are hoping for a big win for Archie.
“Solicitors are trusted with the biggest moments in people’s lives, from buying a home to dealing with family issues to protecting their rights,” said Rachel Holmes, UK Managing Director at Smokeball.
“However, these individuals are often drowning in admin. Archie is changing that. It gives them back time to focus on the law, their clients and better outcomes.”
Feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with firms reporting improved turnaround times, more efficient communication and a clearer focus on high-value legal work.
The AI assistant drafts letters and documents, summarises legal matters, compares contracts, answers questions about live cases and helps teams keep on top of their workload.
Security and compliance were also a top priority in Archie’s development. Everything stays securely within the Smokeball system, and client data is never used to train external AI models.
That means firms can use the tool with confidence, knowing it meets the standards set by the legal profession.
“We're incredibly proud of Archie and we’re confident that it will get the recognition it deserves on the night,” said Rachel.
“We built Archie because we believe small law firms deserve better. To see its impact acknowledged with this shortlisting so soon after launch is incredibly rewarding, but this is only the beginning.
“We’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and to celebrate that progress alongside some of the most forward-thinking names in British tech.”
The UK Business Tech Awards reward the best technology companies and innovations transforming British businesses.
Winners will be announced at the official ceremony on 10 September in London.
