Office space has always been a priority for attorneys and other legal professionals, but how law firm real estate is utilized has shifted over time.
Today’s law offices are more condensed with an increased focus on collaborative space. And although the transition from traditional to more hybrid layouts was already in motion, it was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—as were a number of other trends in recent years.
Read on to learn more about the transformation of law firm real estate.
A History of Law Firm Real Estate
In the past, law firms followed a traditional office model, where each attorney and their support staff were allocated approximately 1,000 square feet each. Many partner offices included tables and couches for comfortable internal meetings, while support and administrative staff also enjoyed their own work areas in close proximity to these private offices.
And although much of law firm real estate was divided into private office space, communal space existed throughout law offices: conference rooms, kitchens, lunch rooms, law libraries and other storage space was scattered throughout.
How Is Law Firm CRE Evolving to Meet Shifting Needs?
Many of the following trends have gained momentum over the years, but were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rise of Digitization
Because law firm staff members often work from multiple locations, resources must be accessible anywhere. Law libraries and other important files are increasingly available in digital formats, which has reduced the amount of space needed for physical files and documents.
However, while increased resource accessibility has introduced a number of benefits to the law industry, many firms have been left with excess space that’s no longer needed for storage. In many cases, firms are finding ways to use this extra square footage to meet their current needs.
The Rise of the Hybrid Office Space
Many attorneys and legal professionals now work some days from home, reducing the need for expansive traditional offices—especially for large, well-known firms.
Associates and partners are now allocated universal office sizes between 600 and 700 square feet as communal approaches to office space become popular. The overall ratio of attorneys to square foot is also decreasing, which has led to consolidated meeting spaces. However, private meeting spaces for confidential conversations still exist.
The Rise of the Satellite Office
Historically, law firm operations have been centralized in downtown areas to be close to courts. Today, however, many firms are opting to build satellite offices around the “hub and spoke” model. In this layout, smaller offices are centered around a major hub office.
Some firms have moved their back office operations (think: marketing or finance departments) to satellite locations. Doing so can save costs without sacrificing the location or prestige of a main hub office.
Satellite offices can also offer shorter commutes, improved access to local labor, easier access to clients, and a reduction of the costs often associated with downtown real estate.
The Modern Law Firm Office
Today’s most desirable law firm offices are optimized for employee health and happiness.
Common features of the modern law firm office include:
- Comfortable amenities, including home-like furnishings and oversized furniture.
- Health and wellness amenities, like fitness centers and new HVAC systems.
- Social amenities, such as tenant bars or restaurants and mentoring spaces.
- Modern technology, like virtual conferencing rooms, high-speed internet and secure networks.
- Easy accessibility by bike, foot, or vehicle.
- Flexible parking options.
Law firms are constantly evolving to meet the needs of firms and their clients, especially in a landscape dominated by the rise of hybrid work.
And because the right office space is essential to the success of your law firm, it’s critical you’re aware of these trends.
Want to learn more about law firm real estate?
Commercial real estate is critical to the success of law firms and their retention of top talent. Learn more about law firm real estate and the trends impacting your decisions today by downloading our free checklist, 6 Must-Have Features of the Modern Law Firm Office.