If you thought the remote versus office debate was over, think again. In large and midsize law firms, industry observers say, more firm leaders are considering whether to be more rigid on attendance and move to require four days in the office a week, much like a quarter of Am Law 50 firms do now.
The issue remains unsettled, sources say, because of the “revolving door” of talent in a highly competitive era. Other factors motivating firm leaders to consider more required time in the office: a lack of engagement in the workforce, plus rising occupancy costs and the prospect of losing talent as demand increases.
Some firms also know they’re not likely to get everyone to follow their rules on in-person work unequivocally. Still, they want to set a high bar, said Jeffrey Lowe of recruiting firm CenterPeak.
“I continue to believe that firms requesting four days in-office aren’t really expecting it or are likely to achieve it,” Lowe said in an interview. “But it’s the hope that, ‘The more days we ask for, the more days they’re likely to show up.’”
Source: Big Law Office Attendance Still Getting ‘High Degree of Discussion’| Law.com