Law Firms Adapt to New Office Formats

Law firms are adapting to new office formats. While law firms continue to use traditional office space, these companies are adopting new workplace strategies to recruit and retain talent. However, law firms need to balance the needs of employees at different stages of their careers.

“There has been a marked shift in thinking and a new approach to space and talent required for today’s legal workplace,” Jonathan J. Larsen, principal, managing director and member of executive committee for the US at Avison Young, tells GlobeSt.com. “We are seeing more law firms encompass multiple generations, from recent law school graduates to senior partners well past the conventional retirement age.”

While new entrants and mid-level attorneys have their own specific needs, senior attorneys do as well. “Attorneys in their early 60s are considered to be too young to retire, especially when they are partners with relevant books of business,” says Larsen. “In most major law firms, 60 to 62 had been a mandatory retirement age. Over the last few years, however, several local firms that have expanded nationally have hired attorneys in this age group with a relevant book of business, and many continue to work well into their 70s and 80s.”