Law firms reveal different approaches to flexible working and office space

updated on 19 April 2021

International law firm DAC Beachcroft is the latest to move permanently away from compulsory office attendance, but national firm Duncan Lewis has bucked the trend of organisations downsizing office space by relocating to central London.

DAC Beachcroft’s 2,500 staff in the UK and Ireland will be able to choose from three types of work: office-based, fully flexible working or a hybrid. The Law Gazette reports that core hours will also be relaxed, enabling staff to flex their hours over the day and week.

As well as helping staff, Managing Partner David Politt said the new approach “supports our strategy to strengthen client relationships and improve our service by providing the increasing agility our clients expect.”

Meanwhile, Duncan Lewis is moving its headquarters from Harrow, Middlesex to the City of London, as the firm continues its expansion plans. Client accessibility was also a key driver in the firm’s thinking, as well as proximity to barristers.

Other City firms have looked to downsize their office space. Slater & Gordon moved out of its office in September 2020, while Allen & Overy has said it will “reduce considerably” its office space in future.