Law Firm Planning & Design

Daniel G. Jay
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From the Introduction:

During the course of twenty years of planning law offices, patterns are identified and analyzed.  These patterns turn into valuable lessons for firms, considering a relocation or renovation of their law offices.  Like the best pattterns, there are constant variations, and we have yet to find two firms that we can try consider similar.

Our first converstions with law firms have their own pattern.  We want to upgrade, but we don't know how.  We want to modernize and integrate technology.  We want to recalibrate.  We want to know what other firms are doing.  And, because we are a law firm, we will have to accomplish this all by committee.

While this may all be true, all too frequently the process is governed by the need to negotiate the best real-estate lease.  Out of this process a design firm is identified that may or may not have the capability of leading the firm through this self-evaluation.  If the design firm is offered as part of the landlord package, then almost certainly the firm will have to look elsewhere to define the opportunities presented by the renovation or relocation.  Effective planning can, ultimately, bring far greater benefit to the firm tthan effective lease negotiation.

The effective planner brings process:  a sequence of analysis and review that enlightens the client and leads them to the most appropriate strategies.  The effective planner also brings content:  the knowledge of how law is practiced in the firm environment, and what innovations and feaqtures can best support that practice.

This document is not a substitute for that kind of experience, yet it does provide a general overview of the issues and patterns that we have observed.  It is specifically written for lawyers and administrators who wish to be more informed buyers of planning and design services.