The high-powered corridors of law firms are bustling once again. Yet, the question remains — does the physical return to the office truly remedy the challenges of collaboration and productivity that many perceived with remote work?
With firms being split on the office vs remote work debate down the middle as 50% of firms want to increase office days and the other half do not, it’s time to value the effectiveness of the office as a catalyst for productivity and examine whether the digital transformation ignited during global lockdowns has reshaped the very definition of collaboration within the legal sector.
The reality of remote work
Contrary to popular belief, the legal profession adapted surprisingly well to remote work. The Bellwether 2022 report found that half (49%) of the lawyers surveyed found that working from home has not adversely affected new business, and the majority (71%) say their firm adapted well to the change of hybrid work.
The data upholds the claim that distance does not inherently impede legal endeavours, and that the quality of work, particularly in research and documentation, was unaffected by location. This resilience and adaptability may, in part, be attributed to the rapid adoption and integration of legal software solutions. These digital tools have revolutionised how legal professionals manage case files, conduct research, and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
Advanced platforms offering secure document sharing, video conferencing, and real-time collaboration have bridged the gap between traditional office settings and the virtual workspace. Could it be that, with automation and workflow features built into these software’s, that productivity could also increase with the return to the office?
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