The momentum for a four-day, in-office mandate is picking up steam in Biglaw. Just this week, A&O Shearman announced that, beginning on September 2nd, attorneys will have a face time requirement of four days a week, up from the in-office three-days a week rule that the firm previously employed.
As per the firm’s statement on the matter:
This update recognizes the vital role in-person interaction plays in the professional development, mentorship, training, and teamwork of our people, and serves to maintain the strong culture that underpins the quality of our work and client service.
It also aligns with a broader shift in the legal industry and among many of our clients, who have adopted similar approaches to in-office work in the U.S., while continuing to support a flexible working environment.
We remain focused on ensuring our people have the tools, environment, and support they need to thrive, both individually and collectively.
A&O is right that a four-day, in-office policy is trending in Biglaw. Hogan Lovells; Davis Polk; Latham; Paul Weiss; Ropes & Gray; Simpson Thacher; Skadden; Vinson & Elkins; Weil Gotshal; WilmerHale; White & Case; and Sidley all have a four-day, in-person attendance policy. And Sullivan & Cromwell actually goes a step further and mandates five days in the office.
And with this broader trend — as well as a tightening job market — associates’ avenues to resist the four-day mandate are lessening. This is the new, new normal and associates will have to acclimate if they want to stay in Biglaw.
At least the firm is waiting until September when the worst heat of the summer is over before calling everyone back to the office.
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Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].
