Redefining workspaces: Law firms' success in hybrid work environments

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as workplaces continue to adjust to the new way of working and fluctuating office attendance policies, many industries have reduced their office space requirements. Since 2020, while some law firms have decreased their overall office space, they are simultaneously rethinking how to best utilize that space. Law firms are adapting to new working dynamics and focusing on ways to encourage attorneys to come into the office more frequently. In California and other major legal markets across the globe, law firms have driven the demand for high-end and innovative office space by building new workplaces that adapt to the hybrid work models that blend in-person collaboration with remote work.

Remote work and law firms

Remote work is not a new concept for lawyers. Long before the pandemic, lawyers were pioneers in remote work. They often traveled and worked from the road, hotels, or other firm offices, and Fridays were rarely spent in the office. Attorneys have also historically struggled to take time off, often remaining tied to their computers while on vacation. Despite this familiarity with remote work, law firm office spaces were rarely modified to match these "on-the-go" working habits.

In the post-COVID world, however, law firms have transformed their office footprints to meet the needs of flexible working. This shift is driven by the necessity to maintain firm culture, enhance collaboration, and ensure the training of the next generation of lawyers.

Maintaining firm culture

For law firms, their product is their people. The unique culture of a firm is what sets it apart from its peers and drives revenue across practice groups. Collaboration is essential, not only for generating revenue but also for mentoring, training, and developing the next generation of successful attorneys. The physical office space has always played a crucial role in fostering this culture and collaboration.

Leadership at law firms has recognized that maintaining a strong firm culture is vital for their long-term success, and they have invested heavily in the office space, which helps maintain it. The office environment must promote interactions that build relationships and bring needed energy to an industry with notoriously long working hours and individual work. Interaction is particularly critical for new associates who crave guidance and mentorship from more experienced partners. A generation of new and successful partners could, potentially, have been lost and compromised by the impacts of the pandemic. However, by creating spaces that encourage partner/associate interaction, law firms are trying to foster environments that ensure that culture remains vibrant and supportive of their next generation of attorneys.

Competing with the home office

To make the commute to the office worthwhile, law firms needed to change their workplace environments to compete with the convenience of a home office. Lawyers often face long commutes, which cost valuable billable hours. Therefore, the office environment must provide significant value and benefit in order to justify this commute time investment.

One major shift is the move towards more collaboration spaces at the expense of fewer large, individual offices. The days of 300+ square foot offices with couches and sitting areas are long gone. Single-size offices are becoming the new standard, with a focus on creating collaborative and engaging areas outside of the individual attorney offices to allow teams and practice groups to work together effectively.

Law firms are also investing in state-of-the-art facilities that offer a range of amenities designed to make the office experience more enjoyable and productive. These include comfortable seating areas, modern conference rooms equipped with the latest technology, and communal spaces where employees can relax and recharge. By providing these amenities that challenge lawyers' home office setups, law firms are making the office a place where employees want to be rather than a place they must be.

Enhanced project amenities also play a crucial role in retaining and recruiting talent. Law firms are increasingly choosing office spaces located in buildings that offer conveniences such as on-site restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, dry cleaning services, and even creative amenities such as golf simulators. These features are designed to make employees' time at the office more productive, effective, and enjoyable by making it a live-work environment rather than a "nine-to-five" work setting.

Location is also a critical factor in the office selection process. Given the deterioration of several central business districts on the West Coast, firms are now prioritizing proximity to local amenities and the safety of the surrounding areas. Law firms are less cost-focused than many other office occupiers and are willing to invest in occupying top-tier spaces in desirable locations to ensure they can attract, develop, and retain the best talent.

Focus on wellness

In an industry where 2,000+ billable hours have always been the norm, focus on attorneys' wellness was not always a main emphasis. However, we are now seeing a shift in this post-COVID world. Law firms are now prioritizing initiatives to support their employees' mental and physical health in the workplace.

Wellness programs are becoming an integral part of the office environment. Firms are offering varied fitness programs, meditation rooms, massage or therapy rooms, and healthy food options to promote a balanced lifestyle. These initiatives not only improve employee well-being but also enhance productivity. By prioritizing wellness, law firms are striving to create a more supportive environment that helps alleviate the stressful demands of the industry.

Technology and IT

Technology also continues to play a pivotal role in the modern law office. Firms are investing in advanced IT infrastructure to support hybrid work models, adapt to changes in litigation and deposition needs, and create a seamless work experience for their employees. This includes implementing secure cloud-based systems that allow lawyers to access documents and collaborate with colleagues from anywhere, while meeting the stringent data security needs that clients place on firms. Video conferencing tools are also being used to facilitate meetings and maintain connections between remote and in-office staff. By investing in technology, law firms are ensuring that their employees can work efficiently and effectively, regardless of their location.

Looking ahead

All these factors have made law firms some of the most active office occupiers in California, as well as across the globe. As we reassess the function of office spaces in our world, firms are adapting their occupancy to the needs of their attorneys and are relocating to submarkets with better amenities, newer buildings, or seeking more flexible environments within their current buildings. While most companies have downsized their overall office footprint, law firms have been driving demand for high-end office space as they have reworked/redesigned their spaces to meet the changing way attorneys work in a post-COVID-19 environment.

Law firms are demonstrating that it is possible to embrace flexibility while maintaining a strong and cohesive work environment. By prioritizing collaboration, wellness, and technology, they are setting a new standard for office space that helps build a strong work culture and assists in attracting and retaining top talent.