The Hybrid Hustle.
Hybrid Work: Revolution or Just a Fancy New Headache?
The legal world thrives on collaboration, meticulous documentation, strict deadlines, and—let’s be honest—face-to-face client schmoozing. But with the hybrid model now firmly embedded in many firms, has this new way of working enhanced or undermined these essentials?
As with any good legal debate, for every argument, there’s a counterargument just waiting to object. So, let’s cross-examine some of the biggest talking points.
Productivity: The Jury’s Still Out
What does work-life balance look like for you?
Pre-2020, I loved being in the office—catching up with colleagues, grabbing a drink after work, and just being around people in a buzzing city. If I ever had to work from home, chances were I wasn’t getting much done (unless watching Netflix counted). Life was good.
Now? I work for myself, from a laptop, wherever I want—UK, US, café, airport lounge—you name it. I rarely see the people I spent every workday with four years ago. And guess what? Life is still good.
A global lockdown forced a shift in perspective. People left cities, changed careers, or simply enjoyed not commuting for two hours a day. Technology made remote work not just possible, but in many cases, preferable.
That said, some love being back in the office full-time—and that’s fine too. The real issue isn’t where you work, but how well you manage it.
Do you set clear working hours, or are you answering emails at midnight?
Do you actually focus at home, or are you just kidding yourself while folding laundry between calls?
Are deadlines slipping because Slack messages don’t hit the same as a partner standing over your desk?
The truth? If you don’t set boundaries, you can’t expect them to be respected.
Collaboration & Communication: Is the Team Falling Apart?
Let’s be honest—are your work relationships really suffering, or do they just require a little more effort now?
With Teams, Zoom, and shared documents, remote collaboration should be seamless—if expectations are clear. If a partner prefers face-to-face meetings, that’s fine. But is it a necessary preference, or just a reaction to change?
Pro tip: If someone else’s way of working triggers you, ask yourself why before imposing a blanket rule.
A hybrid setup can work if everyone is on the same page. The real challenge isn’t distance; it’s lack of clarity.
Training & Development: Can You Learn Over Zoom?
For years, the traditional model of legal training was simple: shadow senior lawyers, soak up their wisdom, and learn by doing.
Enter hybrid work, where junior associates aren’t in earshot of those crucial client calls and can’t just knock on a door for quick guidance. Training now requires a conscious effort, not just passive absorption.
So, what’s the fix?
Virtual training, online courses, and scheduled mentorship sessions can fill the gaps—but they need to be intentional.
Firms should align office schedules to maximize in-person training days rather than just assuming people will "figure it out" remotely.
Would we adapt if another lockdown happened tomorrow? Of course. But should we leave development to chance? Absolutely not.
Client Exposure: Are You Really Missing Out?
One of the biggest worries about hybrid work is reduced face time with clients. But let’s be real: clients aren’t in their offices five days a week either.
Technology has made it easier than ever to serve clients across different geographies, schedule smarter, and offer flexible service options.
For firms in major cities like London, business development still happens in person—but that doesn’t mean daily coffee meetings are necessary. For those in less compact regions, hybrid business development is about being smarter, not just busier.
Adaptability is key. If clients can shift to hybrid, so can you.
Final Verdict
Hybrid work isn’t perfect—but neither was the traditional office model. The key to making it work? Clarity, adaptability, and actually having a strategy.
So, whether you’re a full-time office advocate, a remote-work evangelist, or somewhere in between—make sure your work style is working for you.
Otherwise, it might not be hybrid work that’s the problem—it might just be how you’re managing it.