The short-term and long-term impact of a hybrid work model on the future of the legal profession

By Valentina Muoio

As COVID-19 restrictions ease and the world begins to live with the many challenges associated with a pandemic, many work from home (‘WFH’) arrangements have also come to an end. However, the hybrid work model has become the new norm for many different industries and is set to be the way of the future. Taking a closer look at this hybrid work model, employees alternate between the office and home, which is said to provide increased flexibility and autonomy. Evidently, such a work model provides a better work-life balance which is arguably necessary for a profession such as law which is notorious for its long hours and strict deadlines.

At the beginning of the pandemic, like in many other industries, lawyers also worked remotely, which posed many challenges for the legal profession. Just as university students were not able to attend on-campus classes, courts were closed and lawyers had to appear via video link to plead their client's case. Many judges, including the Honourable Justice Stephen Gageler, have expressed the importance for young lawyers to ‘get back in the room where it all happens,’ to build the foundations for professional development, as well as for the benefit of clients and the community. It is clear that whilst physical constraints have posed quite a few challenges and have required the legal profession to be resilient and adaptable, flexible working arrangements such as the hybrid work model together with the increased reliance upon technology have allowed lawyers to uphold their respective duties to the court and to the client.

Whilst the WFH model posed many obstacles regarding supervision of those new to the profession, retention of information and engagement in tasks, as well as concerns surrounding health and safety requirements, it is clear that a hybrid work model strikes this much-needed balance. As a result, many mid-tier law firms are only ‘encouraging’ return to the office, acknowledging that flexibility is key. Many firms have adopted a 60-40 approach, where lawyers go into the office for three days of the week and work from home the remaining two days. Accordingly, law firms have acknowledged that although spending time in the office brings about many benefits for both the firm and clients, working remotely is going to be a permanent part of the future. Whilst many lawyers appreciate the benefits of a hybrid work model and the flexibility that it provides, evidently, such a model also better equips lawyers to ensure time in the office is utilised well when mentoring and assisting law students in developing their skills. 

Accordingly, as the hybrid work model becomes more prevalent, one way law students could prepare for such a work style in their future profession is to participate in virtual internships. Virtual internships are widely available and accessible, and are a valuable resource in navigating life in our profession in the midst of a pandemic. This would ultimately provide students with a taste of what working remotely could be like, and the opportunity to work on a range of legal tasks.