There are many attributes of remote work that have been tremendously positive for law firms: greater flexibility to handle other responsibilities or spend time with family, increased productivity for hours otherwise spent commuting, and an overall boost in morale. Remote work is not without drawbacks for the standard law firm model, however, and at this point, most firms have instituted some form of hybrid model that they hope will bring the best of both worlds.

The hybrid model has been an agent of expedited change for law firms in a profession that is otherwise more measured in its evolution. This unexpected break from the ordinary course presents a natural opportunity to reevaluate traditional practices and remodel firm cultures— retaining the fundamentals while eschewing some of the rigid and outdated mores. To take advantage of this opportunity, it is worth looking granularly at how remote work has changed certain aspects of firm cultures.