A shared office for lawyers offers flexibility, professionalism and a built-in network

In an effort to foster focus and collaboration, many law firms have run counter to market trends by leasing premium office space, according to recent reports. For smaller firms, a shared office for lawyers might offer a better alternative.

Benefits of office space for law firms

According to a recent report from Cushman & Wakefield, law firms are opting for a return to the office in record numbers. According to the report:

“Law firms indicate the primary purpose of the office includes fostering collaboration and relationships, meeting with clients, and maximizing individual productivity and focus. The office needs to be thoughtful and flexible in its design to accommodate all these demands in a hybrid work environment.”

For lawyers, time in the office allows for:

  • More “drive-by” interactions. These spontaneous office interactions support stronger relationships and opportunities to exchange insights and to collaborate.
  • Focused work. Office space allows for a distinct line between work and personal time, which supports better focus for many professionals.
  • Keeping a finger on the pulse. Working alongside colleagues or peers allows for information exchange about the latest happenings in the field.
  • A professional setting for meetings. Clients respond well to a professional setting that allows for confidential conversation.

Time in office can create more structure and opportunities for connection for lawyers in firms of all sizes.

The case for a hybrid law firm schedule

While time in office offers a number of benefits, experts continue to research and debate how much time in office equates to better professional outcomes. Many studies have revealed that a hybrid approach might offer the best balance.

For example, PwC’s Chief People Officer Phillippa O’Connor said that a recent survey by the company showed that a hybrid schedule leads to better engagement than full time in office:

“The initial data there shows us that where we have people in the office three days a week, they are more engaged. Where they’re in the office five days a week, they’re less engaged.”

Earlier this year, the Microsoft Office Trends report revealed that a strong majority of workers feel pressure around defending time for more focused work:

When asked about challenges relating to scheduling, respondents ranked “defending enough focus time to get stuff done” as the number one issue (63.9%)

And a 2023 lobal survey from Owl Labs shows a strong preference for hybrid schedules:

“Employees globally are embracing flexible work – and they want more of it…data has shown that employees feel more productive, balanced, and loyal to their companies when they have flexibility. Many employees will even make sacrifices for flexibility. In fact, 44% would give up 10% or more of their salary for flexible working hours, 1 in 4 (25%) would give up 15% or more for flexibility in their working location, and 6% would quit their job if they were no longer able to work remotely or hybrid.”

Even for independent practitioners, a hybrid schedule can offer a better balance between focused time and flexibility or work-life balance.

Alternatives to traditional law office leases

For independent lawyers and small law firms, moving away from the traditional law office – and the associated financial burden – offers a perfect opportunity to create a hybrid schedule. 

Ask yourself the following when deciding when and where you work best:

  • Which tasks require uninterrupted focus time?
  • Would an office space create a more distraction-free zone for focused work?
  • How connected to peers do you feel in your current work setting?
  • Do you often feel out of the loop regarding industry happenings or news?
  • When you meet clients now, do you feel professional and confident?
  • Have you found the right balance between work life and home life?
  • Would a hybrid schedule or alternative office support a better firm culture?

A shared office or coworking space for lawyers gives you an ideal place to create a hybrid schedule. It also allows your firm to grow at a sustainable rate without the burden of a fixed office space or long-term lease.

Learn more about our shared office options for lawyer in Denver and Las Vegas. Schedule a tour today.