The Case for Open Space
Law firms, long a bastion of mahogany desks and wood paneling, are trading in traditional décor for a more open and contemporary style. This may be a response to the influx of Generation Y associates who, according to the American Bar Association, represent “a significant portion of the hiring pool whose needs and wants law firms simply cannot ignore.”
As perhaps to be expected, there has been some pushback from the older partners, who want to retain their corner offices and traditional surroundings. According to Altman Weil, a consulting company who works exclusively with legal organizations, many older lawyers see the associates of today as “part of a generation that is respectful of authority but not awed or intimidated by it…To an older generation of partners, this may be perceived as disrespectful or discourteous.” Interestingly enough, technology has served as one way of reconciling this generational gap. Technology is speeding up many aspects of lawyers’ daily responsibilities, helping younger attorneys find the work-life balance they seek, while still remaining successful and competitive.
According to Marty Festerstein, co-leader of NELSON’s Legal Workplace Practice, “We’re seeing a generation of attorneys interested in technology. Law firms are now multi-generational and the workplace is changing, influenced by the new partners and young associates, who feel comfortable working in non-traditional spaces.”
“For the older generation it’s truly cost that’s driving the issue,” says Festerstein, about law firms opting for more open offices. After salary, rent is the most significant expense for a firm. According to the Wall Street Journal, “A law firm might pay between $1 million to $2 million a month in rent to house 300 attorneys in top legal markets such as New York or Washington, D.C.” Savings based on more efficient use of space can be dedicated to invest in other projects. Festerstein says the focus on efficiencies in office space has been especially apparent in the past three years, since the economic downturn.
Collaboration spaces have become more popular, and corner offices less so. “Lunchrooms are coming onto the window line, as quick meetings are favored over scheduled conference room meetings.” In the Greenberg Traurig office NELSON designed in Atlanta, the conference center doubles as a lunchroom.
Technology has resulted in less reliance on secretaries, which in turn has led to more flexible floor plans, so that secretarial bays can be converted to other uses as the need for secretaries decreases. Likewise the traditional law firm library space has been significantly reduced with the advent of online research databases.
Festerstein is often asked by firms who seek to remodel their traditional spaces for tips on how to build consensus among firm members for the future workplace. Festerstein explains that a good design can help foster the type of working environment that encourages future partners to stay with the firm.
Jason Rosenblatt, the Design Director for NELSON’s Architecture, says of today’s law firms: “They’re more casual, with a high level of finish, including rich materials, wood, lighting detail, modern AV, glass, more daylight, and branding in the reception areas and lobby.” As the footprint of the private office shrinks, the collaborative space expands: “‘I’ space is becoming ‘we’ space, ” says Rosenblatt.
The future of law firms will be changing as Generation Y gets ready to take the reins. Although it’s too soon to tell just how the legal community will be affected by these changes, it doesn’t seem like mahogany desks or corner offices will be coming back into style anytime soon.
This piece first appeared on http://community.honestbuildings.com/the-case-for-open-space/
