Since the pandemic, hybrid working has become a staple of many professional industries. With legislation currently in the House of Commons looking to make flexible working and working from home a worker’s right in industries where it’s practical, what does this mean for law firms? And how can law firms pivot to ensure they are maximising productivity among an ever-mobile workforce?
A permanent fixture
The legal industry, formerly rooted in office-based practices, has been undergoing a profound shift since the pandemic. Once tied to physical offices and in-person meetings, law firms quickly adapted to remote working when necessity demanded it. Now, hybrid working has evolved from a short-term solution into a long-term expectation.
Early adopters of hybrid models have already seen the benefits—higher employee satisfaction, improved retention, and, in many cases, greater productivity. These firms have also positioned themselves as more attractive to top talent and adaptable to the needs of modern clients, who now expect seamless virtual services alongside traditional ones.
By contrast, firms that have returned to fully office-based setups risk being left behind. Both employees and clients increasingly value flexibility, and the Employment Rights Bill could accelerate these changes by making flexible working a statutory right. Firms that resist this shift may find it harder to attract and retain skilled staff while also losing competitive ground in an evolving legal landscape.
Building a hybrid model that works
Transitioning to hybrid working requires more than a policy announcement. Law firms must create structured, sustainable frameworks to support both remote and in-office teams. This starts with clear policies that define expectations around attendance, communication, and performance. Employees need clarity about how hybrid work will operate in practice, including when they are required to be in the office and how their contributions will be measured.
Technology underpins the success of hybrid working. Cloud-based platforms enable lawyers to securely access case files, billing systems, and critical documents from any location, allowing for a seamless blend of in-office and remote work. Legal-specific tools, combined with communication platforms that enable real-time collaboration, can help firms maintain productivity and keep teams connected. Security is equally critical. Hybrid firms must ensure that their systems comply with data protection regulations and safeguard sensitive client information.
Culture also plays a vital role in hybrid success. Hybrid working can create a sense of isolation, so firms should prioritise regular opportunities for collaboration and connection. These can include scheduled in-person meetings or virtual check-ins designed to keep teams aligned and engaged. Training leaders to manage hybrid teams effectively is another key step. Partners and managers must learn to balance trust and accountability, fostering a working environment where employees feel empowered while still meeting performance expectations.
Supporting flexible working through your software
The shift to hybrid working poses challenges, but the right tools can make the transition smoother. Cloud-based platforms are designed to support law firms as they navigate this new way of working. With these systems, lawyers can securely access case files, billing systems, and other essential tools from anywhere, making it easy to transition between office and remote work without interruptions.
Client information can be protected and meet regulatory requirements thanks to robust data security. Additionally, collaborative tools make it easy for lawyers to work together on cases in real time, regardless of their physical location. This ensures that hybrid teams remain productive and efficient while providing high-quality client service.
Through SaaS systems, scalability is another major advantage. Whether a firm is a small boutique practice or a larger organisation, systems such as OneAdvanced Legal adapts to its needs, growing alongside the business. For firms looking to embrace hybrid working, SaaS systems provide the infrastructure and flexibility needed to thrive.
Hybrid working has become a defining feature of the modern workplace and is likely to become even more entrenched with the passage of the Employment Rights Bill. For law firms, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Firms that proactively embrace hybrid work by implementing clear policies, investing in technology, and fostering collaboration will position themselves as leaders in the evolving legal industry.
With software portfolios and platforms like OneAdvanced Legal, the transition to hybrid working becomes more manageable. Its cloud-based model and focus on security and collaboration provide the tools firms need to navigate the complexities of flexible working. By adapting to this new reality, law firms can not only remain competitive but also redefine what it means to succeed in a modern, hybrid legal landscape.
