Skender’s Ashlee Pforr Discusses How Legal Workplaces are Evolving with the Times

Today’s law firms face the same challenge as other businesses across industries— how to create a space that is enticing for its employees. Previously designed primarily as a tool that demonstrated status and prestige to clients, law firms are now being more responsive to their employees’ work needs and are adapting to support new ways of working. At the Steelcase showroom at THE MART, panelists recently discussed this topic of evolving legal workplaces and what the future of legal workplace design and construction looks like.

Moderated by Keith Bujak, research principal at Steelcase, panelists were Todd Lippman, vice chairman at CBRE; Neil Schneider, design director and principal and IA Interior Architects; Ashlee Pforr, project executive at Skender; and Marty Festenstein, senior managing director at Savills.

When asked about how law firms are rethinking their spaces as leases come up for renewal, reflecting on the dramatic changes brought by COVID, Lippman highlighted the contrast between home efficiency and office productivity. He emphasized the challenge of fostering culture in a hybrid work setting, prioritizing talent over cost. Schneider echoed those sentiments, pointing out the pivotal role of the office in cultivating organizational culture and advocating for spaces that mirror the firm’s identity and strategic location choices. The panelists agreed that flexible leases are critical for today’s law firms and said that the importance lies in focusing on hybrid policies, space design and lease terms that align with business goals.

The discussion also touched on the shifting landscape of law firm locations in Chicago. Panelists highlighted the conservative nature of location choices, citing challenges in areas like Fulton Market due to court access and transportation constraints. Pforr, however, noted a gradual influx of law firms into Fulton Market that are seeking newer, tech-oriented buildings. Despite the allure of these buildings, adapting spaces to suit law firm requirements remains a challenge, panelists said, while also emphasizing the importance of aligning building choices with organizational culture.

Addressing supply chain issues and longer-term challenges in law firm design implementation, Pforr pointed out the significance of early contractor involvement and innovative procurement strategies.

Overall, law firms are pushing the boundaries and are at the forefront of technological integration, investing substantially in technologies aimed at enhancing productivity. While virtual collaboration remains a work in progress, optimism persists regarding the advent of hybrid work environments. Nonetheless, concerns still linger about preserving organizational culture and sustaining long-term relationships.