How Law firms Are Improving Productivity Via Office Design

Law firms are facing unprecedented pressure to achieve productivity. And they are achieving it by making changes to their workplace that remove hierarchy and recalibrate the organisation for improved equity and greater efficiency.

It is a process of major change, that usually requires a new workplace, or redesign of an existing workplace, yet extends far beyond taking a new office. In fact, for some law firms, a new office can mean new ways of working and a catalyst for change that allows:

• A reduced floor space ratio per person, and therefore the net lettable area (NLA) and costs of the office lease,
• Consolidation of filing and paper management processes into new digital platforms,
• Enlightened integration of technology into the business to reduce the costs of travel and increase the staff’s efficiency.
• Greater equity amongst all staff, giving the younger, highly profitable staff greater access to the mentoring and collaboration the demand from partners
• A reduction in the traditional hierarchy that is the cornerstone of so many cultural issues for law firm operations.

And, at this time, along the eastern seaboard, CBD leasing incentives are running hot, making relocation or refurbishment a revenue neutral exercise for most firms.  This allows firms to consider spaces that are more suitable to a new hybrid office design.