Creating a workspace that enhances the client experience is a crucial consideration for law firms, where trust, professionalism, and confidentiality are paramount.
In the legal industry, where relationships and reputation are everything, the environment in which you meet clients can significantly impact their perception of your firm’s competence and credibility.
While many industries debate the balance between working from home and the office, the legal sector holds a unique position.
Law firms, have an intrinsic need to be present for their clients in professional and discreet settings, close to peers and courts. The four walls that the office is traditionally thought of has far more meaning when considering the emotional impression that is needed to win and handle clientele, and the engagement required between colleagues working on collaborative and challenging projects.
“When establishing a new firm, having a good office solution is vital – whether that’s access to a conference room when you need it, a hot desk for a reprieve from home or an office for creating a collaborative small team. It’s about flexibility to grow when you can afford to,” said Tony Jansz, director of Clarence, a workspace provider for lawyers.
“The key to building a successful practice is to maximise the amount of time you are practising law and serving your clients. There’s no time for looking after your own data network or IT. Or for finding cafes to meet in and places to print documents when there is no toner left and the delivery is three working days. There are so many benefits to being in a custom designed office for your business.”
In this context, flexible workspaces for small law practices make sense. What to then look for in such a workspace becomes evidentially more important, depending on what your firm needs to happen within it. “You need to look for something that is so much more than just an office.”
Appearance and vibe: A CBD location can enhance reputation and provide convenience. The workspace should project a professional image, with proximity to courts and other legal establishments being a plus. The environment should reflect the firm’s gravitas, avoiding overly casual elements that might undermine professionalism.
“Even if you do not frequent the courts, locating your firm in or near a CBD legal precinct brings significant value to your business,” Tony said. “You can leverage this both directly and indirectly by increasing your brand’s credibility through association with other legal firms, chambers, and courts. It helps you to work, socialise and network with your peers.”
Flexibility: A dynamic workspace offering various environments – such as collaborative areas, semi-private desks, and quiet zones – is ideal. It’s important to assess how existing tenants use the space and whether the acoustics and lighting contribute to a conducive working environment. Beware of spaces that are overly focused on hot-desking or open-plan layouts, as these can be either overwhelming or isolating depending on the day.
Community: Feelings of isolation are one of the more prevalent challenges solicitors face industry wide, especially for sole practitioners and small firms. A supportive workspace community can counteract this.
It can also help with building your client base, significantly. According to a recent report, 84 per cent of small firms rely heavily on referrals, while 82 per cent derive new clients or matters from word of mouth.
“Some lawyers feel it may be a disadvantage to be located with other lawyers. This myth is quickly put aside. A new legal firm can engage as much or as little as it wants to. Importantly, the option is always there to reach out to access other legal specialities, source precedents and to seek or provide advice.”
When visiting potential spaces, consider the other tenants and whether there’s common ground for building professional relationships. Also, evaluate how the workspace provider fosters a sense of community through networking events, educational seminars, and industry-focused opportunities, which are crucial for business growth.
Supportive services: A workspace should simplify practice management, allowing firms to focus on billable work. Look for spaces with on-site IT support, legal support services like on-demand paralegals, professional administration staff, and member programs that offer resources and solutions tailored to legal practices.
“The majority of our members have started their own firm because they have a passion for the area of law they practise,” Tony said. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of operational and administrative functions that come hand in hand with running a business. Clearly the ability to spend as much time practising law rather than these administrative tasks is personally, professionally and financially more rewarding.
“This means meeting potential clients, building out and engaging with your network and delivering billable services. It is not economical to be building your own website, setting up your IT, arranging meeting rooms and getting the mail. This is where firms like Clarence can really provide support.
“So, what we have tried to do at Clarence is to help in both of those areas. How do we de-risk either setting up or running a law firm? How do the financial strengths and the flexibility of what we offer, help small-business lawyers do what they want to do?” he said.
“Minimise your upfront costs, staying flexible and leveraging support services when you need them to manage overflow is crucial. Minimising your financial risk and maximising your business options should be a central focus. This applies whether you are starting your law career, re-entering the profession, moving from a larger firm or moving interstate. In most instances it takes time to build a client base, perform matters and then collect proceeds.
“Ultimately, your workspace should be an extension of your practice, helping to win new business and expand your network. When considering potential spaces, think beyond the basics and evaluate how the environment can elevate your firm’s operations and client interactions.”
Clarence provides a range of flexible office solutions and support services all tailored to meet the unique needs of solicitors, allowing members to maximise their time practising law and serving their clients. Clarence locations include private offices to common spaces and semi-private coworking areas within upscale serviced offices located close to courts from six premium locations in the heart of the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane CBDs.
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