P2P

P E E R T O P E E R M A G A Z I N E · F A L L 2 0 2 5 59 and support attorney autonomy, all while protecting culture and mentorship. Real estate strategies reflect this shift: while some firms continue to reduce space per attorney, others are reinvesting in Class A buildings and enhanced amenities that reflect a "flight to quality." At the same time, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals are influencing real estate decisions, as firms strive to reduce energy consumption and office waste. Return-to-office policies are also evolving. The early compliance issues that plagued 2021–2022 have given way to more defined expectations. Some firms now require attorneys to be in the office four days per week; others offer structured flexibility tied to team- based collaboration. Regardless of the approach, most firms are moving toward intentional workplace planning, supported by data, policy, and technology. A STRATEGIC LENS ON CHANGE THROUGH MAPTICIAN'S 2025 SURVEY In this environment of experimentation and recalibration, Maptician surveyed law firms across the Am Law 100-200 to better understand how workplace trends are taking shape on the ground. The findings reveal not only how firms are adjusting, but also what challenges remain. A central shift lies in the structure of seating itself. Over 58% of firms surveyed report increasing flexible seating, such as hoteling, while less than 20% added more assigned seating. At the same time, nearly half (46%) of firms reduced their ratio of seats to total professionals, indicating continued pressure to rationalize space. These changes reflect a recognition that fixed seating models are no longer practical or preferred in environments with fluctuating attendance. However, the data also reveal a paradox: even as firms embrace flexibility, they are also expanding collaboration space, with respondents indicating an average 4.6% increase in square footage dedicated to meetings and group work. This investment is driven by a combination of factors, including increased peak-day attendance, a rise in cross-functional team structures, and a growing reliance on face-to-face interactions for mentorship and business While some firms continue to reduce space per attorney, others are reinvesting in Class A buildings and enhanced amenities that reflect a "flight to quality."

• Cover