As the law continues to evolve, so have legal workforces and workplaces. Increasingly, legal firms are moving away from a regimented office style of dark, intimidating furnishings, packed bookcases and sequestered offices, into more open, modern and customized environments.
Corgan’s research found the legal sector is utilizing its workplace as the primary place to work, more so than other industries. A CBRE study found 80% of law firms have established hybrid work schedules and policies, but 86% of employees reported coming into the office more often (and staying longer) than required by their firm’s attendance policy. We found when tenured attorneys and recent graduates spend time in the office, they place a higher value on the office as an active setting, not just a background. They want access, connectivity and a welcoming environment to maximize output and minimize stress. Many law firms are seizing the opportunity to reinvent the office with vibrant, technology-forward spaces to meet the expectations of tenured employees and recent graduates, as well as make space for the impending technological shift in legal firm operations.
Meaningful Engagement
Our survey found both tenured attorneys and new graduates ranked flexibility as the top priority — in both their work schedule and in the physical environment. However, new graduates ranked culture and mentorship as pivotal when choosing a firm, while tenured attorneys recognized the value of the workplace to enhance connections with clients. For internal mentorship, crucial for retention and career growth, designers may look at providing casual meeting spaces near an entry point or adjacent to a partner office to promote teamwork and coaching. Private offices with design features like transparency and comfortable guest seating can also encourage mentorship. For enhancing client engagement, the focus should be on creating a unique experience rooted in hospitality, such as an outdoor terrace designed to host clients after meetings.
Office Life
We found attorneys valued function over extravagance in their amenities, with a focus on getting the most out of their time and location. Many lawyers spend time in the workplace outside traditional office hours, so comforts from home can positively impact physical and mental health. The amenities ranked most valuable to survey respondents were based on convenience and supported an investment in their health and wellness. Safety, especially parking, and easy access to public transit, factor in the overall experience an attorney has with their workplace. User-controlled design features provide residential appeal. Dimmable lighting in offices allows attorneys to adjust for eye fatigue. Adjustable shades promote a sense of control over their office visibility. These are modest details with low price tags, but they can go a long way in providing choice and control.
Technological Impact on Office Space
Books and files have traditionally occupied quite a bit of space in law firms. With digitization, online access to law libraries, cloud computing and online dispute resolution, technology has impacted processes and space requirements. Law offices may be able to reduce both onsite storage of physical documents and servers to make room for a more revived, connected, and functional workplace. Survey respondents stressed the need for more private spaces to meet with clients, focus or participate in video calls.
Case rooms, virtual court rooms and flexible workspaces equipped with state-of-the-art tools, including high-quality cameras and immersive tech tools, like VR, can be an inducement to both recent graduates and experienced professionals. As more meetings are conducted remotely, the virtual experience for all parties matters. Private office design should be mindful of these virtual interactions, considering appropriate lighting and camera positioning to promote a professional virtual presence.
A recent study by Bloomberg Law addressing law school preparedness showed a gap in legal tech skills for students and those required of incoming practitioners. A multipurpose space, outfitted with technology designed to support learning during the day could be reconfigured to serve as a dynamic hosting space for recruiting events or client functions after hours.
Law firms are repositioning the workplace as an instrument that raises an organization’s effectiveness by enhancing how people build relationships in person and virtually, both internally and externally. The organizations that will flourish are building work environments to enhance the employee experience, putting well-being, client service, and culture at the core of their workplace design.
Editor’s Note: Emily Strain is director of workforce strategy at Corgan. She founded the Workplace Strategy practice at global architecture and design firm Corgan. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has led strategies for organizations ranging from Fortune 100 companies to tech startups. Her work continues to guide clients like TIAA, State Street, and Oncor in aligning space with business goals. Connect with her on LinkedIn.