The Hybrid Hustle.

In the evolving landscape of professional services, law firms are continuing to struggle with the complex dynamics of hybrid working.

The COVID-19 pandemic incited a rapid shift towards remote work, forcing even the most traditional sectors to adapt. (Well, something had to do it).

The nature of legal work often requires close collaboration, documentation review, adherence to strict deadlines and client relationships. Has the hybrid model compromised these aspects?

Among every survey and article published, you will find arguments both for and against this new way of working. Whether based on extensive research or solely on the perspective of a specific firm, recurring themes emerge. As we know in the legal world, for every argument presented there is a counter argument waiting in the wings.

So, let’s look at the most common issues…

Improved Productivity?

What does a work-life balance look like for you?

Pre- Covid, I loved being in the office to see my friends. colleagues, go for a drink at lunch or after work and be around people in a beautiful city. I never asked to work from home and knew that on the rare occasion I had to, I was probably getting very little done. I was living my best life.

Post-Covid, I now work for myself, from a laptop, at home (in the UK or US) and rarely see those I spent every work day with 4 years ago. I am still living my best life.

A forced lock down, for the first time in our generation, changed perspectives for a lot of people.

Technology enabled people in law and insurance to continue working.. People were able to move away from the cities and enjoy a different way of life. People (like me) were able to take stock of their future and retrain to do a job they loved more. I never would have had the time pre-2020.

But for some, 5 days back in the office and life to return to ‘normal’ is their preference. Equally fine.

Whatever your personal view or way of working, it needs to be managed properly. Setting clear expectations and boundaries around working hours and deadlines are crucial. For yourself and your team. When do you work at your best? If you are ill would you still work because you can? Do you log off at 6 or check emails into the late hours? Do you work less at home because you are easily distracted and know you are missing deadlines? Is your work product suffering because of it?

Be honest with yourself and those you work with. You cannot expect boundaries to be met if you never set them in the first place.

Collaboration and Communication

Are your relationships at work suffering as a result of not being around each other every day?

Be honest - are they suffering or will it just take more effort to make it work?

With tools like Google Docs, Teams, Zoom and other project management software, the gap between remote and in-office could be easy. As long as everyone knows what is expected. If a Partner’s preference is face to face, have the discussion and set those boundaries.

But first know why thats your preference. Is someone else’s preference a trigger for you?

Training and Development

The traditional model of learning and development involves hands-on training and shadowing experienced colleagues.  Hybrid working necessitates a rethinking of these practices.

Virtual training programs, online courses, and mentorship through digital platforms can support the continuous professional development of lawyers in a hybrid environment, but constant clarification may be necessary to make up for the reduced tone, context and body language cues that come with in-person interactions.

How many days are you or your team working remotely? Do schedules need to be adapted to make the most of the in-person days?

The reality is, if we got put back into a lockdown tomorrow, we would make it work!

Reduced Client Exposure

Modern technology and remote working offers a lot of benefits for clients across different geographies. It allows an expanding reach and provides more flexible service options.

For smaller cities such as London, developing business with clients in person remains the same. It may require flexibility with scheduling but the personal touch is still available.

Don’t forget, the clients aren’t in the office 5 days a week either.

For less compact regions, business development, like all other aspects of work, can be done smarter and remotely. Be open minded and adaptable.

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”

Charles Darwin