DLA Piper Increases Office Attendance Mandate for Global Attorneys

What's Happening?

DLA Piper, a leading global law firm, has announced an increase in its office attendance mandate for attorneys worldwide. Starting in November, the firm will require personnel in its offices outside the United States to attend the office at least three days a week, up from the previous requirement of at least 50% attendance. This decision follows the firm's recent mandate for U.S. corporate attorneys to work from the office four days each week. The firm emphasizes the value of face-to-face collaboration and an engaged office culture while maintaining flexibility for its employees. This move aligns with trends among other U.S.-based firms that have already implemented similar attendance policies in their international offices.

Why It's Important?

The shift towards increased in-office attendance reflects a broader trend in the legal industry and other sectors as companies reassess remote work policies post-pandemic. For law firms like DLA Piper, in-person collaboration is seen as crucial for maintaining productivity and fostering a strong office culture. However, this change may impact work-life balance for employees who have adapted to remote work. Firms must balance the benefits of in-person work with the flexibility that employees have come to expect. The decision could influence other firms to reevaluate their own attendance policies, potentially leading to a wider industry shift towards more structured in-office requirements.

What's Next?

As DLA Piper implements its new attendance policy, other firms may monitor the outcomes to inform their own decisions. Employee feedback and productivity metrics will likely play a role in determining the long-term viability of increased in-office mandates. Additionally, firms may explore hybrid models that offer flexibility while ensuring the benefits of in-person collaboration. The legal industry will continue to navigate the balance between remote and in-office work, with potential implications for recruitment, retention, and overall firm culture.