As the legal industry navigates the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, the shifting dynamics of remote work have been felt in law firms and corporations alike. While remote work requests were once readily granted for in-house counsel, it appears that the era of the remote General Counsel (GC) has come to an end.
The Changing Landscape:
According to Corporate Counsel, the market has seen a drastic change in the acceptance of remote GC positions. As the job market sizzled in 2021 and early 2022, CEOs and company leaders were apprehensive about implementing stringent return-to-office policies, fearing a potential exodus of skilled professionals. However, with a more stabilized job market and the pandemic’s decline, executives have been emboldened to reshape their workplace policies.
The “Hard Hybrid” Model:
Amidst these changes, the current trend in law departments is the adoption of a “hard hybrid” approach, resembling Biglaw’s “core” days. This model requires employees, including GCs, to come into the office on specific days. For some employees, this may mean having to relocate, eliminating the option of working remotely from a different location. Remote GCs have also been asked by companies to relocate to accommodate the new in-office requirements, presenting them with a challenging decision.
Delicate Balancing Act:
While leaders recognize the need for employees’ physical presence in the office, they are also keen to avoid alienating GCs who are reluctant to return to the office full-time. These leaders acknowledge the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between the company’s needs and the employees’ preferences. Sensitivity and understanding play a crucial role in creating a harmonious work environment for all.
Long-Term Commitment and On-the-Ground Presence:
Bigger companies, in particular, are inclined towards having their legal chiefs present in the office, alongside the rest of the executive team. The skepticism lies in the fear that a remote GC may be less committed to the company in the long run, potentially jumping ship if a closer opportunity arises. This concern stems from the desire for sustainability and a personal attachment to the company, which is believed to be possible only through physical presence.
The End of Fully Remote In-House Work:
The COVID-19 pandemic has signaled an end to fully remote working conditions, especially for general counsel roles. The grass is no longer greener for those seeking a remote or hybrid work experience in the in-house legal world. Employers now prioritize in-office collaboration, creativity, and building unstructured moments of learning to foster employee development and commitment to the company’s long-term goals.
The legal industry’s move away from remote General Counsel positions reflects the evolving perspective of CEOs and corporate leaders, who prioritize the benefits of in-office work. The emergence of the “hard hybrid” model and the call for a physical presence align with the desire for stronger collaboration, relationship-building, and employee development. As the pandemic recedes, it is clear that in-house legal departments are shifting gears, leaving the remote GC revolution firmly in the past.
Market Capital Research 