According to Winston Churchill, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” With this in mind, we look at what a firm’s layout says about its culture and how important it is when choosing your next firm.
I read recently that 19% of the top 100 law firms have open plan offices. That compares to 10% five years ago and shows the direction in which law firms are headed. There is a definite trend towards open plan.
There is little doubt that cost is a key driver, especially for larger firms. The world’s largest commercial real estate consultancy CBRE estimates that, on average, firms using open plan occupy 40% less space and pay 35% less in property costs per fee earner than firms that operate on a cellular basis. For this reason alone, we expect more firms to adopt open plan in the near future.
Cost is only part of the story though. There are other benefits of having an open plan workspace, though there are downsides, too.
Let’s take a look at what these are. How you perceive them may well influence your choice of firm next time you move jobs.
The benefits of an open plan working environment
1. It reflects the firm’s culture
Most of the law firms we speak to are afraid of living up to the stereotype of being old fashioned. An open plan environment, which is a radical break from the traditional cellular layout, is the most obvious clue that a firm is moving with the times.
With recruitment of the best young trainees and lawyers high on most firm’s list of priorities, this matters. An open plan office says to the world we’re modern, we’re friendly and we work as a team. Most importantly, it shows that the firm is non-hierarchical. Partners become visible and approachable, rather than being hidden behind closed doors.
2. It is easier to share knowledge
Learning from more experienced colleagues is a critical part of a young lawyer’s growth. They can see how partners and senior colleagues go about their day-to-day work, and deal with difficult clients and lawyers on the other side.
It is also easier for young lawyers to ask questions of colleagues at opportune moments or for team members to hold impromptu meetings to discuss something they are working jointly.
3. Partners have a better idea what is going on
Partners are better able to gauge how a junior lawyer is coping with their workload and when to step in to offer support. They also get a clearer idea of how team members interact with each other and what contribution everyone is making.
4. It generates a sense of camaraderie
It has become a bit of a cliché for firms to talk about their ‘collegiate’ atmosphere. Cliché or not, having a happy workforce with everyone pulling in the same direction is one of the biggest challenges for large firms.
Open plan offices foster a co-operative atmosphere and plenty of human interaction. By seeing everyone around you, including partners, working hard and enjoying what they do, you are likely to be far more productive and committed.
Also, new recruits find it easier to get to know their colleagues and are integrated into the firm more quickly.
5. Flexibility
Open plan space is much more flexible than the traditional cellular layout. It is easier to move teams around or bring groups together for specific projects. Plus, seating arrangements can be freshened up as and when necessary.
The downsides of an open plan environment
1. It’s noisier and less private
Legal work is often complex and requires high levels of concentration. Sometimes you need to close the door and be free from distractions. Open plan advocates will say most offices set aside private areas for this type of work, but the fact is some lawyers prefer to work in relative peace all the time. Also, some people don’t like speaking on the phone when others can listen in.
2. Confidentiality
It’s a bedrock of the profession that client matters remain confidential. Many lawyers fear that by working in an open plan office there is a risk that private information will leak out.
3. Prestige
Most partners are rightly proud of their status and some feel that this should be recognised by being afforded a private room, preferably with a big window and a suitably impressive view. They want junior staff to aspire to their lofty heights and believe it will encourage them to work harder.
While most observers expect the number of law firms operating in an open plan environment to continue to grow, it is clear that there are many traditionalists who remain steadfastly resistant to change.
Depending on your own preference, it should be a factor when choosing your next firm.