On an almost daily basis, there are articles on whether large law firms will require attorneys to return to the office in September. Remote work ameliorates the perceived ills of working at large law firms, dampening lateral movement and contributing to the current tightly constrained legal job market. “Return to work” policies will open the flood gates in associate movement. Much like when law firms recently raised associates’ salaries to retain and attract legal talent, law firms will now be forced to offer a variety of remote work benefits to compete for associates. Short term.
During the first tech stock bubble in the late 1990s, Wall Street investment bankers eschewed their beloved pinstripe suits and wingtips for jeans and flip flops in an effort to curry favor with the young west coast tech titans and secure the next mega IPO. Institutional trading desks followed the lead and summer casual Friday became the daily norm. When the bubble burst and profits nose-dived in the early 2000s, guess what happened? The suits and ties went back on.
So, the July 16th article in Bloomberg entitled “Morgan Stanley Top Lawyer Demands Law Firms Return to Office” bears reading and watching.
Eric Grossman, chief legal officer at Morgan Stanley, sent a memo Thursday to law firms and legal service providers encouraging them to improve client service by having lawyers and employees return to the office, according to a company official. Grossman’s memo suggested that those continuing to operate remotely risk their relationship with the financial services giant.
Bottom line, if the clients demand it and profits per partner begin to suffer, remote work will quickly become a thing of the past.
But in the meantime, if you are contemplating a lateral move, a savvy local legal recruiter will be able to help sort out which firms’ philosophies, benefits, and policies best align with your legal career goals.
Return to Office Has Its Benefits
While remote work has offered flexibility and short-term appeal, law firms and their clients are increasingly recognizing the value of in-person collaboration. A return to the office, whether full-time or in a hybrid format, can offer significant professional and strategic advantages for attorneys at every stage of their career.
This shift is not isolated to the legal industry. Since 2022, over 50% of companies have implemented a formal return-to-office policy, reflecting a broader recognition that in-person work supports stronger culture, productivity, and client service.
For associates, being physically present provides greater access to informal mentoring, faster learning through observation, and more visibility with senior attorneys and firm leadership. It allows for spontaneous conversations that can clarify client issues or expedite deal flow in ways that scheduled video calls simply cannot replicate.
Law firms also report that in-office work supports stronger team cohesion, improved training, and more consistent performance, all of which benefit both attorneys and clients. From a business development perspective, proximity often leads to greater client trust and better cross-functional collaboration. It is no surprise that some major clients, including Fortune 500 legal departments, are beginning to favor firms whose lawyers are physically present and fully engaged.
While remote policies may still play a role in attracting talent, firms that balance flexibility with in-person engagement are likely to come out ahead. If you are considering a move, an experienced legal recruiter can help you evaluate the tradeoffs and find a firm that fits your values, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Thinking about your next move? Atticus Recruiting can help you find a firm that aligns with your goals, values, and preferred work style. Contact us today to get started.