What do law firms want in an office?

Clare King and Sanjay Davé outline the modern office demands of law firms, and how their workspaces are being redefined. What are law firms looking for when taking new space? Law firms want their new offices to be aspirational, not merely functional, to reflect their own brand and values. In the post-Covid world of wide-scale hybrid working, people might assume that the need for office space in the legal sector might be shrinking. Perhaps surprisingly, many top-tier law firms have expanded their UK footprint in the past year, signalling the enduring importance of the physical office as a powerhouse of productivity. While the challenge of identifying a way to ensure office space is fully utilised remains, the core of the debate has shifted from “how much space to take” to “how is that space used”. Physical offices continue to play a critical role in fostering collaboration and maintaining client engagement. The modern office has become more than just a workspace; it is a central part of law firms’ identities. This change has led to increasing competition for “prime” assets which are currently in short supply. Below, we explore the defining characteristics of a prime legal office in 2025. Location Location remains pivotal in office planning. Traditionally, proximity to (i) central business districts (where clients are based) and (ii) transport hubs was critical. These features remain a high priority today, but there are now additional factors to consider. Some 60% of the UK’s top 50 law firms now maintain a presence outside London. However, the prestige of a London address continues to carry weight. The city remains unmatched in its global connectivity and status as a legal and financial centre. Even as firms diversify regionally, retaining a footprint in London is perceived to signal credibility and strengthen client relationships. Therefore, while decentralisation is on the rise, it complements rather than replaces London’s dominance as a legal hub for the biggest firms. Hybrid working Hybrid working has altered the office landscape with most international law firms in London implementing hybrid working post Covid. However, the long-term future of hybrid working is unknown. One of the practical challenges associated with hybrid working lies in designing offices to support varying usage levels. Flexible, modular spaces are popular, enabling firms to adapt layouts, including to cater for peak and low-demand periods. This adaptability also future-proofs offices to some degree aligning with firms’ strategic needs in this fast-evolving sector. Some firms have introduced hot-desking to manage their space more efficiently while maintaining the requisite level of flexibility. However, this model has its critics, with some employees preferring consistent workstations to foster a sense of ownership and productivity. As firms refine their hybrid strategies, the key will be to achieve the right balance between employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. Sustainability The climate crisis has placed sustainability at the forefront of office design. Buildings account for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, making green architecture essential for achieving the UK’s 2050 net-zero target. Features like energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy integration and waste reduction initiatives are becoming standard. Office spaces with BREEAM  Outstanding or Excellent ratings (or equivalent environmental accreditations) now command a significant rental premium, underscoring the value of sustainable design. Beyond environmental benefits, sustainable offices enhance employee wellbeing. It has been reported that employees’ mental health improves when working in buildings that they perceive as sustainable, while more overt representations of the drive toward sustainability, for example a biophilic office design, can reinforce this improvement further. Sustainability also aligns with client priorities. Corporate clients more often look to form partnerships with firms that demonstrate a commitment to environmental, social and governance principles. As a result, a sustainable office helps a law firm build stronger client relationships while meeting both regulatory standards and societal expectations. Offices like hotels Top-tier law firms are now looking for office space that reflects a blend of luxury, flexibility and functionality: a place employees not only need to be, but want to be. Firms are prioritising environments that promote a balance between professional demands and personal wellbeing. Key amenities sought now include gyms, restaurants, medical facilities and rooftop gardens, with some developments offering additional perks such as cinema rooms, wellness suites and libraries. These amenities are all designed to support employee health, relaxation and social interaction and, as law firms continue to compete for top legal talent, the creation of an appealing office environment will be more critical than ever. Law firms will also seek beautiful, well-equipped event areas that can host client meetings, seminars and networking events. Ultimately, law firms want the office to mirror high-end hotels with thoughtful design details, and an atmosphere that makes employees and clients feel valued and inspired. Flexibility is also the cornerstone to this “office-as-a-hotel” model. As noted above, adaptable workspaces need to cater for hybrid work models that allow employees to move effortlessly between spaces and help firms manage fluctuating demands throughout the work week. Additionally, some firms are embracing other flexible office space models which create shared workspaces that allow collaborative areas to be rented out to clients or business associates when not in use by employees. This provides two key benefits: optimisation of the unused office space and the opportunity to enhance client relationships. Technology Technology plays a crucial role in law firm office design, particularly in supporting the hybrid working models and streamlining facilities management systems. Law firms are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into their operations. In 2025 and beyond, law firms hope that AI will not only automate administrative tasks but: (i) carry out more complex tasks and (ii) enhance collaborative tools that enable lawyers to work more efficiently with clients. Examples of this include the use of interactive digital whiteboards, video conferencing systems with AI-driven transcription and tech-enabled meeting rooms which will all become normalised. Smart office systems are also a key component. These systems allow room occupancy to be constantly monitored enabling employees to select and book the type of workspace that suits their task (eg quiet zones, collaborative areas or informal meeting areas). Wellness-focused technologies, such as air purification systems, adjustable lighting and temperature controls, optimise energy efficiency and comfort. With these technologies, room usage and energy consumption can be continually monitored, improving productivity and reducing waste. Collaborative spaces Well-designed collaborative spaces are more vital than ever for law firms. The traditional singular office space, once the hallmark of law firms, is being reconsidered in favour of multi-occupancy rooms and open-plan working environments that promote teamwork, transparency and flexibility. These spaces will support team-wide meetings, client-facing events and client drop-in areas and will be designed to strengthen professional bonds, foster creativity, and drive innovation. Supply and demand The legal office sector is recovering well following the Covid years. Many of the top-tier law firms are re-expanding their office footprints, not only in the UK but also in major legal hubs such as New York and Hong Kong, and are seeking to adapt those spaces to strike the right balance between remote work, in-office collaboration and client engagement. However, challenges remain. The availability of high-quality office space in prime locations is a significant concern, as top-tier firms compete for flexible spaces with limited availability. Furthermore, hybrid work models have resulted in the under-utilisation of office space, as fewer employees are, at the moment, working in the office full time. The office-as-a-hotel model, which combines luxury amenities with flexible, collaborative spaces, could address this challenge by helping firms better utilise their office space. Utilisation will be further assisted when coupled with the use of advanced space management technologies, such as occupancy sensors and AI-driven systems, leading to a reduction in costs. The outlook for the sector remains exciting and it’s fair to say that the office is here to stay. Clare King and Sanjay Davé are both senior associates in real estate at Hogan Lovells International