What's Happening?
A new report from CBRE indicates that the legal industry is expanding its office footprint for the first time in three years. According to the 2026 Law Firm Benchmarking Survey, 28% of law firms plan to expand their office space, up from 16% in 2024.
The survey also shows a decrease in firms planning to reduce office space. The shift is driven by a desire to increase in-office attendance and prioritize talent attraction and workplace experience over cost reduction. The survey found that 51% of firms have adopted a primarily in-office attendance policy, requiring three or more days of in-person work.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of office space in the legal industry reflects a broader trend towards in-office work, which could influence other sectors. This shift may impact real estate markets, as increased demand for office space could drive up prices and affect leasing strategies. The emphasis on in-office attendance highlights the importance of workplace culture and employee engagement in attracting and retaining talent. As firms prioritize these factors, they may invest more in office amenities and technology to enhance the work environment.
