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T
he legal workplace
is undergoing a
slow but significant
transformation.
Five years after the onset of
the pandemic, the office is no
longer a presumed destination
but a tool—one that firms must
actively design, manage, and
justify. Utilization remains a key
challenge. In early 2025, average
law firm occupancy across major
U.S. cities is hovering between 55%
and 60%, depending on the day of
the week, with Tuesdays peaking
and Fridays hitting historic lows.
This represents a significant
decline from pre-pandemic levels,
which reached 90% or higher in
February 2020 before the rapid
pivot to remote work began
(https://www.kastle.com/safety-
wellness/getting-america-back-
to-work/).
In this new reality, workplace
leaders are moving beyond
managing seat maps. They are
seeking balance: using data and
design to create offices that not
only optimize space but also
strengthen collaboration, well-
being, and client engagement.
They aim to reduce unused
space, improve collaboration,
HOW
WORKPLACE
LEADERS ARE
BUILDING LAW
FIRM OFFICES
FOR THE FUTURE
BY ASHLEA ALLBERY
FEATURES
