Recognizing the importance of in-office work as part of a balanced hybrid model, the S.F. office of the Top 50 Biglaw firm Dechert has transitioned into a larger, more upscale space. The move is widely interpreted as part of a broader approach to create an attractive and collaborative workspace to improve on-site presence.
According to Dechert’s managing partner in San Francisco, Jonathan Stott, this sentiment was echoed by their recent lateral partner hires who stressed the value of face-to-face interactions. “We believe in a hybrid work model but we believe there’s a purpose to being in the office,” Stott commented in a conversation with The Recorder.
The new office provides an additional 2,000 square feet compared to their old location. More importantly, the improved office design incorporates a series of “enhanced amenities” specifically developed to prompt attorneys to work more regularly from the office. While Dechert expects its lawyers will make use of the office for a minimum of three days per week, the ultimate aim is to ensure that the office setting fosters cohesion, collaboration and, subsequently, productivity.
The strategic move by Dechert reflects a thoughtful approach to the post-pandemic shift in work patterns. The firm seems to be seeking equilibrium between the flexible advantages of remote working and the collaborative capacities of a physical workspace. As big law firms across the globe continue to adapt to the changing dynamics, it would be interesting to follow how the lean towards a balanced hybrid work model evolves.
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