Discussing the future of firms today. Honestly don’t think I’ll ever return to office working. I’ll visit my team, yes, but I doubt very much any of us will go back to the old way. Loving being a part of the SM innovation group. 9 to 5? It’s not the only way to make a living.

Excited to be exploring a fully flexible approach; work when you can, when your family life alllows, or when your clients need you to. No rigidity, no presenteeism, just trust, talent and common values. Feel privileged to have been given freedom to rip up the rule book.

Very rare that I’ve needed to meet clients since starting new role, even before lockdown. Excellent feedback hasn’t stopped and neither have referrals. For those that want to see me, what’s wrong with a nice coffee shop, their front room or mine?

A shop front for those vulnerable clients that do need F2F. Of course. But why pay for big, city centre offices? Pay staff more, lower expenditure, improve profit, pump money into service delivery or (heaven forbid) improve pricing structure. All options.

Flexibility flows into family justice delivery; more alligned with arbitration, private FDRs, one lawyer proposition and increases opportunity to deliver national service from more locations/no set location. Biggest opportunity we’ll ever have to change perception of lawyers.

Limitless options. Excited to see the ways in which ALL law firms will emerge from this welcome pause. Wishing everyone success with planning and beyond. We can create an even better world and still do the job we love, which is ultimately centered around helping others!