Can lawyers work remotely? The short answer is Yes. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, more companies have embraced hybrid and remote work models for their legal departments.

According to a study by the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) and Empsight, only one in ten in-house lawyers work exclusively in the office, with more than half (63%) opting for hybrid schedules that blend on-site and remote work every week.

However, while remote work has its advantages, it isn't all rainbows and sunshine. Mental exhaustion and burnout remain a growing issue among legal professionals. And in a world where legal and business are increasingly intertwined, legal counsel is being pushed harder than ever before.

So, how do you navigate this new reality? How do you ensure you maintain high productivity as a remote lawyer?

This guide provides all the details.

How remote work has changed the dynamics of in-house legal teams

“I was originally very skeptical about WFH and whether it could truly work for an in-house legal department. I was glad we stuck with it, and ultimately, I became a believer and a defender of the practice.”
~ Sterling Miller, Senior Counsel, Hilgers Graben PLLC
The Insider: Working from home – can it really work for in-house counsel?

The onslaught of COVID-19 and the consequent enforcement of social distancing policies in 2020 shook the world of business, forcing organizations to welcome the concept of remote work.

For many in-house legal teams, this was a rather abrupt change in working conditions, disrupting established routines that had long relied on physical presence and in-person interactions.

Meetings went from being held in conference rooms to taking place on video conferencing platforms. Collaborations happened using shared documents and project management tools.

Impromptu check-ins and "water cooler" conversations were replaced by scheduled virtual meetings and instant messaging. Cloud-based document management systems, e-signature platforms, and legal research tools became mission-critical for maintaining productivity.

Also read: Top 5 Free AI Tools for In-House Legal Teams

Fast-forward to recent times, the pandemic is gone. Still, remote work, once viewed as a contingency plan, has become a viable and even preferable mode of operation for many legal professionals.

According to a study by the American Bar Association (ABA), about 30% of in-house legal counsel are working remotely approximately 100% of the time, and this number is expected to maintain an upward trajectory, especially among younger lawyers.

“There are a number of candidates who are saying if there are no remote working arrangements, they’re just not interested in the opportunity.”

~ Heather Fine, Partner at Major, Lindsey & Africa

In-house hiring market is incredibly active, particularly for mid-level roles

The proliferation of remote work has also forced many lawyers to appreciate the advancement of technology in the legal industry. More in-house counsel are becoming well-versed in digital tools for processes like contract management, due diligence, and compliance tracking, in a bid to function optimally, whether working on-site or remotely.

Also read: Future Trends in Legal Tech Every In-house Counsel Must Know

Advantages of remote work for legal teams

According to the ABA, 44% of young lawyers show a strong preference for remote work and would leave their current employer for one that offers more flexibility.

Also, in a community conversation on Fishbowl, the majority of remote lawyers—young and old—stated their overall experience with remote work has been favorable.

But what makes remote work a good option for lawyers?

#1 Better work-life balance

ABA’s report also shows that 47% of remote lawyers experience improved work-life balance, thanks to their ability to work from home. This is more pronounced among female lawyers, who say it allows them to balance work with family obligations.

#2 Enhanced productivity

Remote work minimizes distractions associated with traditional office environments, enabling legal professionals to concentrate better and potentially boost their productivity levels.

#3 More autonomy and flexibility

Remote work offers legal professionals a heightened sense of autonomy, empowering them to manage their workload and working hours with greater flexibility. This contributes to job satisfaction, leading to greater motivation, higher morale, and reduced turnover rates.

#4 Cost savings

Remote work can save considerable costs for legal professionals and their employers. Remote lawyers save on commuting and other work-related expenses, while companies can downsize their office space, reduce overhead costs, and manage resources more efficiently.

Also read: 7 GCs on How to Prioritize Legal Resources & Boost Efficiency

Disadvantages of remote work for legal teams

Let’s look at some downsides that come with remote work.

#1 Feeling of social isolation

Working remotely often comes with feelings of isolation and detachment from colleagues. This lack of regular social interaction can impact morale and mental well-being. This was the case with many of ABA's respondents, 49% of whom reported a decrease in the quality of relationships with colleagues.

#3 Potential for distractions

Remote work environments, whether at home or in shared spaces, can present distractions, such as pets, chores, and random interruptions by persons in shared spaces. These can significantly impact focus and productivity.

#4 Potential risks for data security and confidentiality

Transferring documents across individual PCs across the internet presents considerable data security and confidentiality concerns for remote lawyers and their organizations. There’s always a potential for unauthorized access, stressing the need for robust data security measures.

Best practices for staying effective as a remote legal counsel

Despite the promise of flexibility and work-life balance associated with remote work, declining mental health and burnout continue to be an issue among legal professionals.

But how do you stay on top of your responsibilities as a remote lawyer without losing your mind? Here are practical tips you should consider.

#1 Set clear boundaries

Remote work can cloud the lines between professional and personal life. Remote lawyers must establish clear boundaries that everyone, both at home and in the workplace, understands and respects.

This could involve setting specific work hours, creating a designated workspace, and communicating availability to avoid interruptions during focused work time.

#2 Set a routine and adhere to it

The flexibility you enjoy with remote work can be a double-edged sword. Without discipline, it can quickly turn into a productivity sinkhole. A consistent routine provides structure, gives you a sense of professional normalcy, and helps you stay productive. This may include:

• Setting a regular wake-up time,
• Establishing regular work hours,
• Scheduling breaks and
• Dedicating time for check-in calls with clients and colleagues.

“Just because you are working from home does not mean you should give up your normal routine. Treat WFH just like going into the office (only without the commute!).”
~ Sterling Miller, Senior Counsel, Hilgers Graben PLLC
The Insider: Working from home – can it really work for in-house counsel?

#3 Be accountable

Even without the direct supervision of a traditional office setting, remote lawyers should demonstrate a strong sense of accountability, and this goes beyond meeting deadlines.

You must proactively communicate progress to the right stakeholders and take ownership of both successes and challenges. This helps you establish a track record of reliability and consistency, fostering trust among colleagues, clients, and superiors.

"Trust is the foundation of all human relationships. The precursor to trust is psychological safety, which is knowing that you can be a version of your authentic self, say what you're going to say, do what you're going to do, make mistakes, and be human."
~ Seth Weissman, Executive Coach, Weissman Coaching and Consulting
Leading Legal Teams in High Growth-High Pressure Environments

#4 Maintain healthy communication

The feeling of isolation is common among remote lawyers. This often translates to reduced productivity and increased mental stress. Scheduling regular check-ins with your team, whether through emails, calls, or virtual meetings, ensures that everyone is on track, not just with their tasks but also with their well-being.

Clear and open communication helps prevent misunderstandings, keeps projects running smoothly, and promotes a sense of connection despite the physical distance.

“Leaders need to be the ones to set that tone in a virtual or distributed environment, because your success as a leader is wholly dependent on the success of your team—how you show up for them, how you react to them, and how you build rapport with them as human beings.”
~ Seth Weissman, Executive Coach, Weissman Coaching and Consulting
Leading Legal Teams in High Growth-High Pressure Environments

#5 Prioritize upskilling and professional development

To thrive as a remote lawyer, you need to maintain a culture of professional development.

Learn about new tools and concepts, attend physical and virtual conferences, and take courses where applicable.

Keep tabs on what’s happening in the industry and determine how you can leverage them to provide better value for your organization.

Also read: Preparing for a Technology-Driven Future

For instance, if your organization manages contracts using a disconnected selection of tools like Microsoft Word, Google Drive, and Outlook, you can learn how to utilize Contract Lifecycle Management tools like SpotDraft to unify the entire contract lifecycle, automate routine processes, accelerate turnaround times, and help your organization scale.

“It's good for a lawyer to be tech-savvy because it helps to know what tools are at your disposal and how to use them best.”
~ Sue So, Head of Legal, Hopin
Streamlining Contracts in Hypergrowth Startups

Bottomline

Although the concept of remote work for in-house counsel has been mainstream for only a few years, its future looks promising, with more organizations embracing flexible work arrangements and recognizing the benefits of a distributed workforce.

However, thriving in this new reality requires discipline, accountability, and a strong will to evolve with the changing landscape.

If you’re curious about SpotDraft CLM and how its AI-powered functionalities can help you maximize productivity, we can schedule a personalized demo for you. Click here to send a quick request.

FAQs around remote lawyers

Can lawyers work remotely?

Yes, lawyers can work remotely. In fact, remote work is becoming increasingly popular in the legal industry. It is, however, important to note that many companies do require their in-house counsel to work on-site a few days of the week.

How can I find work-from-home lawyer jobs?

You can find work-from-home lawyer jobs through a combination of online resources, professional networking, and specialized platforms.

Niche job boards like LawJobs.com and TotallyLegal may occasionally post work-from-home lawyer jobs. So you can always keep an eye on them.

You can also leverage LinkedIn for networking and job search.

Speaking of networking, consider taking advantage of your law school alumni network and your country’s bar association to get information on opportunities like this.

Additionally, agencies like Axiom, Elevate, Robert Half Legal, and Special Counsel can connect you to relevant remote lawyer jobs.

How to Become a General Counsel?

Becoming a General Counsel (GC) is a dream for many in-house lawyers, but it doesn’t come easy. After obtaining a law degree, you’ll need to:

• Obtain extensive experience as a legal counsel
• Get mentored by other GCs
• Cultivate strong leadership and management skills
• Build a strong network
• Seek opportunities for advancement, preferably at a relatively smaller company

With time and consistency, you’ll get there.