Dr. Greg Dooley
Digital Marketing Manager
Office Design & Build and Furniture
A law firm office design, fit out, or refurbishment can enhance staff retention and well-being while future-proofing the long-term leases of legal workspaces, which can be as long as 10-15 years. In our design and fit-out projects for law firms like Squire Patton Boggs and Latham & Watkins, we’ve noticed that there’s a pronounced emphasis on infusing brand identity into the office design. Spaces aren’t just functional; they’re a reflection of the firm’s ethos, values, and legacy.
This article provides a deep dive into office design and fit out of law firms: from collaborative zones and the value of transparency to the importance of inclusivity and the imperative of staying ahead in an increasingly digital workplace. The next few paragraphs cover it all.
The tug-of-war between traditional office mandates and the desire for increased flexibility is at the forefront of office design considerations. Joe Patrice, senior editor of “Above the Law” argues in a rather compelling analysis that Biglaw firms often mistakenly believe they have the leverage to enforce hard-line in-office work mandates, underestimating the desire of lawyers for a more flexible work environment.
Law firms have taken different stances on the return to the office following the pandemic. Some believe that the job market allows them to mandate strict in-office work policies. For example, the recent decision by Weil, Gotshal & Manges’s London office, in alignment with its U.S. base, mandates attorneys to be present in the office for at least four days a week. They’ve justified this by citing the benefits of regular in-person work, such as improved training, better mentorship, morale enhancement, and accelerated professional development. Firms like Ropes & Gray and Vinson & Elkins have also instituted similar four-day in-office policies in recent months.
Yet, while these U.S.-based firms are seemingly leaning into this “market leverage”, their U.K. counterparts tell a different story. Many U.K. firms have yet to implement stringent in-office requirements. In fact, U.S. law firms like Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan and Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson have offered their London-based lawyers the choice to work from home for an entire month. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, show particular interest in the hybrid working debate with the line “Talent Mandatory. Office Optional”. As John Quinn Notes:
I personally think there’s no turning back to a situation where everybody is expected to be in the office. […] On the one hand, we’re embracing work from anywhere and trying to make that useful and rewarding in its own way. But we recognise there are people who want to get back in the office – and how do we maximise that experience as well? That’s also going to probably include some redesign of office space. The office should be for situations where people congregate and get together, and we have to think about designing office spaces in ways that promote that.
To contextualise this, it’s pivotal to recognise the broader implications. While certain firms are hedging their bets on the tangible benefits of regular office attendance, they simultaneously tread the fine line of potentially estranging talent that cherishes work flexibility and a balanced life. In a domain where retaining and attracting top-tier talent is the sine qua non, such decisions could be fraught with unintended repercussions.
Reflecting on this, our article on hybrid office design has become ever-pertinent. It highlights that workplaces adopting a hybrid model early on are most likely to flourish. With data revealing that 85% of UK working individuals and 52% of US workers prefer a blend of home and office work, the writing is on the wall. Hybrid working is not a fleeting trend but rather an enduring evolution, reshaping the very fabric of traditional office culture. In this landscape, the astute firms will be those that calibrate their strategies to resonate with these shifting paradigms, seamlessly integrating the strengths of both in-office and remote work.
The table below outlines the critical factors involved in modern law firm office design, along with descriptions and examples on how to achieve them. This table is a useful guide to creating a conducive, functional, and aesthetically appealing workspace that aligns with the firm’s values and meets the demands of modern legal practice.
Office Design Solution | How to Achieve it | |
---|---|---|
Transparency | Emphasises open-door offices, and glass partitions to foster a culture of openness. | Open layout with glass partitions allowing visibility between junior staff and leadership. |
Learning Spaces for Growth | Spaces for workshops, seminars, and training to foster continuous professional growth. | Internal library, tech-enabled conference room for training sessions. |
Technology | Adoption of technology for hybrid work models, enhancing in-person interactions. | Presence technology to inform employees of colleagues’ in-office status. |
Space Utilisation | Optimising space and promoting flexibility to reduce costs on unused real estate. | Hoteling office space, shared only in emergencies. |
Inclusivity and De-hierarchisation | Designing for equal access to facilities and transforming traditional power structures. | Equal access to natural light, multigender facilities, transforming corner offices into shared areas. |
Client Experience and First Impressions | Design elements in client-facing areas shape perceptions and ensure comfort and privacy. | Modern, organised reception, private nooks, digital check-in kiosks. |
Space Utilisation & Collaboration | Designing spaces for scalability, global connectivity, and high-security private areas. | Reconfigurable furniture and partitions, advanced soundproofing, and office pods. |
The landscape of the modern workplace is changing, and even traditional spaces like law firms are not exempt. Microsoft’s comprehensive study on employee motivation, and Mapticiain’s 2023 Maptician Attorney Engagement Survey, offer pivotal insights that can be translated into the design and ethos of law firms. The findings from these studies resonate within the context of legal office spaces in the following ways:
The design of a law firm’s office is much more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s an embodiment of the firm’s brand, values, and operational needs. Inclusivity and de-hierarchisation are becoming increasingly important and shaping the design of the workplace. Here are a few of the ways that’s happening:
Client experience starts the moment they step into the office. The design and fit-out, especially in client-facing areas, play a significant role in shaping their perceptions and determining how they feel about the law firm. Law firms looking to fit out and refurbish their offices need to consider the following things:
Law firms are faced with numerous challenges when it comes to selecting, designing and optimising workspaces. The list below captures a few things that you might want to consider. Of course, each space is different so for a more hands-on approach we suggest speaking to our professional team of office designers and project managers who can help you flesh out the details.
Generative AI has gained immense traction publically and with that, it’s created numerous legal and regulatory challenges, especially in areas of data regulation, intellectual property, and competitive markets. With concerns ranging from potential copyright infringements to privacy issues, regulatory bodies globally are racing to catch up. Innovative law firms like Linklaters have embraced the opportunity and integrated AI into their services – their article “Riding the Wave of Generative AI” makes compelling reading.
So what does AI mean for office design? Well in the next 5-10 years, we would wager that the legal sector is poised for a rapid transformation unlike any period before, primarily driven by the capabilities and challenges of generative AI and advanced computing. For law firms, this isn’t just about changing practices or adopting software. It demands a holistic re-evaluation and redesign of the very fabric of the workplace. Here are some of the things that could come into play:
They passed a tough tender process and were chosen against strong opposition. We couldn’t have been happier with them. They made what could have been a very stressful time-pressured project a complete joy! K2 were friendly, professional, and helpful, going above and beyond at every turn and continuing to offer aftercare or advice to this day.
Ben Hoar, Operations Director
Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance
Speak to Our Team of Office Design and Fit Out Specialists
For over 20 years, K2 Space has been at the forefront of law firm office design in London, skilfully merging brand ethos with contemporary aesthetics. Our talented team of innovators and visionaries are more than just designers; they're partners in transforming workspaces. From the initial consultation to aftercare, we ensure an exceptional journey for your office, integrating our holistic services from design & build to furnishing. Moreover, in today's modern workspace, we emphasise sustainability. With our designs and choices, your firm can not only look good but also prioritise environmentally conscious solutions. Visit us at our Barnsbury Square studio or connect online, and let's embark on a journey to redefine your professional space.