The unstoppable tide of hybrid working

For law firms, this is a pivotal moment. How can they ensure maximum productivity in a hybrid world? How can they create a setup that works for employees, clients, and the growth and development of their firm? By embracing technology, rethinking office culture, and adopting innovative practices, firms can not only adapt to these changes but thrive.

Why hybrid working is here to stay

Hybrid working is not just a matter of legislative compliance. It’s a reflection of shifting societal expectations. Employees, particularly those in high-pressure industries like law, increasingly value flexibility as essential for balancing personal and professional commitments. Firms that resist this trend risk alienating top talent and falling behind competitors who embrace it.

At the same time, client expectations are evolving. Businesses want law firms that are agile, accessible, and responsive, regardless of whether their teams are working in-office or remotely. Hybrid working aligns perfectly with this demand for adaptability, enabling firms to deliver seamless service in a fast-changing landscape.

In addition to its appeal for employees and clients, hybrid working has proven its effectiveness. In our recent Legal Sector Trends Report, only 21% of law firms say they feel productivity has decreased with hybrid work. This shows that, far from being a detriment, hybrid models have either maintained or boosted output in the majority of cases—highlighting the opportunity for firms to achieve more with a well-structured approach.

Law firms are facing a dual imperative: to embrace hybrid working not just as a necessity but as an opportunity to redefine productivity, inclusion, and employee satisfaction.

Maximising productivity from anywhere

The success of hybrid working hinges on equipping teams with the right tools, processes, and mindsets to remain productive wherever they are. Technology, in particular, plays a central role in bridging the gap between remote and in-office work.

So, what do law firms need? They need their staff to be able to work from anywhere securely with easy access to collaborate. They need a cloud-based system that allows for real-time access and data backups. Law firms need a software that supports their business, streamlines work, boosts productivity, and grows with the firm.

That’s why OneAdvanced Legal has been created, to answer the challenges of law firms. Made specifically for the UK with a deep understanding of the UK legal market. Building the infrastructure to work efficiently from anywhere, providing secure, real-time access to essential case files, client information, and collaboration tools. Ensuring that teams can operate as effectively from their living rooms as they do from the office. Automation further streamlines operations, freeing up lawyers to focus on higher-value tasks instead of routine administrative work. OneAdvanced Legal brings to its portfolio additional features to its ecosystem including fully integrated legal accounts to ensure that finance queries don’t need face to face contact.

However, technology alone isn’t enough. To make hybrid work truly productive, firms must establish clear expectations. Regular communication, whether through virtual check-ins or scheduled in-office days, is key to ensuring alignment across teams.

Equally important is fostering a culture of connection and accountability. Regular check-ins, team events, and clear KPIs ensure alignment and engagement, while setting clear objectives through Performance and Talent helps drive behaviours and outcomes that support broader goals.

Hybrid work is more than a logistical shift—it’s a cultural evolution that requires balance between technology, communication, and performance expectations.

The role of office culture in hybrid success

A successful hybrid working model isn’t just about tools and logistics. It also requires a cultural shift that ensures employees feel connected, supported, and motivated, no matter where they work.

Despite the rise of remote work, the physical office remains a vital part of law firm life. It serves as a hub for collaboration, creativity, and mentorship—elements that are difficult to replicate entirely online. For this reason, firms must reimagine their office spaces as places employees genuinely want to be.

Modern office design should reflect hybrid needs, offering a mix of collaborative areas, quiet zones for focused work, and technology-enabled meeting rooms to facilitate seamless interactions with remote colleagues. Beyond the physical space, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment is crucial, not only for staff but clients too. A modern customer friendly office with happy, enriched staff creates a great first impression for clients, while building a safe space for client meetings.

Another finding from our Legal Trends Report shows that 69% of law firms observed a positive impact from diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Hybrid working provides an opportunity to double down on these efforts by accommodating diverse needs, such as flexible hours for working parents or accessible setups for employees with disabilities. By embedding DEI into their hybrid strategies, firms can create workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered.

To combat the potential isolation that can come with remote work, firms should also prioritise connection. Regular in-person events, such as team-building workshops or informal catchups, can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging. Mentorship programs that pair junior employees with senior staff can ensure that learning and career growth don’t fall by the wayside in a hybrid model.

Preparing for the future of work

The shift to hybrid working is more than a logistical adjustment—it’s a cultural transformation. Law firms that embrace this change have the chance to build more resilient, inclusive, and productive teams. This isn’t just about staying competitive in the present; it’s about preparing for the future.

By investing in the right technology, reimagining office spaces, and fostering a culture that supports flexibility and inclusion, firms can turn hybrid working into a strategic advantage. This is a moment to lead, not follow—to be proactive rather than reactive.

As flexible working moves from being a perk to a legal right, the firms that thrive will be those that see this as an opportunity to innovate. Hybrid working is here to stay. The question is: is your firm ready to make the most of it?