5 design trends reshaping law firm offices in 2025 

The legal sector is evolving, and so are the spaces where lawyers work. Traditional law firm offices, once defined by endless corridors of private offices and heavy wood-panelled boardrooms, are being reimagined to reflect the changing expectations of both clients and employees. 

In 2025, forward-thinking law firms are prioritising flexibility, technology, wellbeing, and sustainability to create workspaces that support productivity, collaboration, and a strong brand identity. Here are five key design trends that will be reshaping law firm offices this year. 

1. Embracing flexible and open spaces 

The legal industry has historically been one of the slowest to embrace flexible working, but that’s changing. Hybrid work models are now the norm, and law firm office designs are adapting accordingly. While private offices remain important – especially for confidential client work – firms are rethinking how much space is dedicated to individual desks versus shared environments. 

More firms are implementing hotdesking or ‘neighbourhood seating’ systems, where lawyers and support staff use bookable desks rather than having fixed offices. This allows firms to reduce their overall footprint, making room for collaborative zones, meeting hubs, and social spaces. 

A great example is VWV, who successfully reduced their office footprint from three floors to two – cutting operational costs while bringing their teams closer together. Their new workspace features a variety of flexible settings, including focus desks, private booths, collaboration tables, and open-plan desking, ensuring every employee has an environment that supports their best work. 

A 2024 Savills report found that many law firms are reducing their private office allocations in favour of hybrid-friendly workspaces, with flexible layouts improving efficiency and communication. The key is balance: firms must design spaces that accommodate focused and confidential work while also fostering interaction and knowledge sharing.  

2. Integrating advanced technology and AI 

The rapid rise of AI in the legal sector is influencing office design in multiple ways. From AI-powered research assistants to automated case management, technology is streamlining legal workflows, but it’s also changing how spaces are used. 

Law firms are now investing in smart office solutions, including: 

• AI-driven room booking systems that allocate spaces based on team needs and remote attendance. 

• Digital case management tools that reduce paper usage, leading to fewer filing rooms and more collaborative spaces. 

• Integrated video conferencing technology, ensuring seamless hybrid meetings with remote clients and colleagues. 

According to CBRE, 70% of law firms are prioritising tech investment in their office redesigns, with smart meeting rooms and digital-first environments becoming the new standard. Firms that fail to embrace these innovations risk falling behind in both efficiency and client experience. 

3. Prioritising wellbeing and inclusivity 

The legal profession is notorious for long hours and high stress levels, but modern law firm offices are being designed to combat burnout. In order to attract and retain the best talent, firms are now prioritising wellbeing by incorporating features that promote mental and physical health, such as: 

• Biophilic design features, including increased access to natural light, indoor planting and open-plan layouts improving mood and alertness. 

• Ergonomic workstations, ie. height-adjustable desks and high-quality seating to reduce physical strain. 

• Quiet zones and wellness rooms where employees can take breaks, meditate, or decompress.  

• Multi-faith rooms and breastfeeding spaces that ensures every employee feels welcome and supported. 

Even firms with smaller office footprints are finding ways to integrate wellbeing into their workspace designs. For example, at Stone King’s new London office (just 4,200 sq ft), the firm prioritised employee health and inclusivity by incorporating height-adjustable desks, biophilic elements, and a dedicated well-being room. 

“A truly inclusive office isn’t just about meeting regulations – it’s about designing spaces where everyone feels comfortable and supported. We consider age, gender, physical disabilities, neurodiversity, race and religion, enabling choice and autonomy through a no one-size-fits-all approach. Thoughtful design choices, like adjustable lighting and temperature, quiet zones, and flexible workspaces, can make a real difference in reducing stress and improving focus.” – Sarah Pasquall, Creative Lead at Interaction 

Inclusivity is also shaping the way space is allocated. Some firms are moving away from the traditional hierarchy of large offices for senior partners, instead standardising office sizes across all legal professionals. This fosters a more equitable culture while making better use of space. 

Studies by the WELL Building Institute show that offices designed with employee well-being in mind see an increase in productivity and job satisfaction. As competition for top legal talent intensifies, firms must create environments that support and retain their workforce. To learn more about how you can attract and retain top talent, download our Law of Attraction whitepaper for free. 

4. Enhancing client-centric spaces 

Law firms are rethinking how they engage with clients in their offices. Instead of sterile, corporate reception areas, modern firms are designing welcoming, hospitality-inspired spaces that reflect their brand and values. 

Key trends include: 

• Comfortable lounge-style reception areas with high-end furnishings and curated artwork. 

• Coffee bars or refreshment stations, allowing for a more relaxed and informal client experience. 

• Multi-functional meeting rooms with customisable layouts to accommodate different types of discussions, from large presentations to intimate negotiations. 

The goal is to create an experience that puts clients at ease while reinforcing the firm’s reputation. With many firms operating in highly competitive markets, a well-designed office can serve as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining clients. 

For example, at TLT’s newest office in Manchester, client experience was a top priority. Inspired by hospitality-design, the star of the office is an 11th floor coffee lounge, complete with TLT’s own full-time barista. Designed to make the most of uninterrupted views across Manchester, it is the perfect spot for hosting clients in a more informal and welcoming setting. 

5. Sustainable and eco-friendly designs 

Law firms are under increasing pressure from clients, employees, and regulators to adopt environmentally responsible practices, and office design is a major part of that shift. 

In 2025, we’re expecting to see sustainable design become common place, including: 

• The use of eco-friendly materials such as recycled wood, low-VOC paints, and carbon-neutral flooring. Considering the circular economy and lifecycle of furniture and finishes will also become increasingly important. 

• Energy-efficient LED lighting and smart climate control systems to reduce energy consumption. 

• Green building certifications (such as SKA, BREEAM or LEED) to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. 

Firms that invest in sustainable design not only reduce their environmental footprint but also appeal to clients who prioritise ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values. With 80% of corporate clients now considering ESG policies when choosing legal representation, sustainability is becoming a competitive advantage.  

The law office of the future 

The legal sector is evolving, and the best law firms are evolving with it. Offices are no longer just places to work, they are strategic tools for attracting talent, impressing clients, and fostering innovation. By embracing flexibility, technology, wellbeing, client-centric design, and sustainability, law firms can create workplaces that reflect the modern legal landscape. 

If your firm is looking to future-proof its office space, our team at Interaction specialises in creating high-performing workplaces for professional services. Get in touch today to discuss how we can bring these trends to life in your office.