During the COVID-19 pandemic, the legal industry swiftly adopted remote work policies, yielding surprising financial success. As many firms reverted to their pre-pandemic office settings, some, like Husch Blackwell, continue to thrive online. Jamie Lawless, CEO of Husch Blackwell, provides insight into the firm’s thriving virtual office, The Link, which boasts more than 700 members including herself. Lawless explains that The Link was not a mere reaction to the pandemic but part of a strategic Future of Work initiative launched years earlier to offer flexibility to clients and employees alike.
Lawless notes that The Link has enhanced her role as a leader and a “true citizen of the firm,” enabling her to connect deeply with team members and clients across diverse locations. This model has proved to be a financial success, improving engagement scores and optimizing real estate expenditure, which is a significant cost for law firms. As [highlighted in an article on Above the Law](https://abovethelaw.com/2023/05/this-biglaw-firms-largest-office-is-virtual-and-it-helped-bolster-a-fantastic-financial-performance/), The Link allows Husch Blackwell to recruit top legal talent without geographical constraints, leading to significant retention and successes in client service.
The Link also serves as a testing ground for new physical offices. For instance, before opening a brick-and-mortar office in Nashville, the firm utilized The Link to understand the market and recruit top talent, ensuring a strong establishment in the region. This strategy was similarly successful with a new office in Minneapolis.
When discussing industry challenges and surprises in her tenure, Lawless points to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need to lead a multigenerational workforce. Husch Blackwell has made significant investments in AI, aiming to enhance productivity, cost-effectiveness, and quality of service through collaborations with clients on AI solutions. She also underscores the importance of adapting leadership styles to meet the varying expectations and needs of different generations within the workforce.
Reflecting on her achievements in her first year, Lawless emphasizes the strong interpersonal connections and strategic expansions that have enabled the firm to attract exceptional talent and maintain its commitment to advanced business operations for client satisfaction. With a record 84 lateral attorneys joining this year, she sees the firm continuing its momentum and pioneering flexible work models in the legal industry.
For a detailed discussion with Jamie Lawless, read the full article on Above the Law.