The Unworking podcast: is the legal sector playing catch-up?

The legal sector has experienced significant and multifaceted transformations in the past 15 years. The increasingly competitive ‘war for talent’, changes in working styles and the rise of AI is driving the legal sector to pivot from traditional workplace strategies to avoid falling behind.

To understand what’s happening behind the scenes, Cornelius Medvei – advisory board member at UnWork and former consultant to DLA Piper – sits down with Darren Mitchell, chief operating officer at international law firm Simmons & Simmons to discuss some of the key factors shifting the landscape of the legal industry.

More than money

As competition for top talent rises, firms are being forced to rethink what they offer beyond financial incentives. While salary remains a key factor, Mitchell emphasises the importance of transparency, career progression, and workplace culture in attracting and retaining staff. Employees have higher expectations when it comes to feeling valued, being able to enjoy their work environment, and having a voice when it comes to shaping their future career.

At Simmons & Simmons, the emphasis is on a flat organisational structure, with an open-plan office layout encouraging spontaneous interactions and a more inclusive culture. However, cultural expectations still vary across countries. In London, employees are encouraged to move around the office freely, while in Germany and Paris, traditional hierarchies are still more common.

Rethinking career progression

Work-life balance, wellbeing and sustainability are key priorities for the legal sector right now. This includes creating a culture and workplace where employees have equal opportunities. Mitchell discussed that there is a focus in the firm to improve women’s career progression. While female representation at the partnership level has grown from 10 per cent to 30 per cent over the past decade, Mitchell acknowledges there is still a long way to go. Supporting flexible work arrangements and removing the stigma around part-time roles are key to ensuring women have access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts in the firm.

AI in law: challenge or opportunity?

The legal sector has long been identified as ripe for AI disruption, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the future of legal work. Simmons & Simmons is taking a proactive approach, developing its own AI tool, ‘Percy’ – this approach allows the firm to leverage the benefits of AI efficiency without comprimising control over data security.

While AI can enhance efficiency, there is some apprehension in introducing AI into the everyday work life as over reliance can lead to critical errors. Mitchell underlines the importance of junior lawyers developing the foundational skills before relying on AI, ensuring that technology is used as an aid not a crutch.

The future of the legal workplace is not about throwing out the rule book and starting again, it requires continuous adaptation to changing expectations while maintaining some traditional values. Whether through workplace design, career development, or AI integration, firms like Simmons & Simmons are trying to adapt to create working environments where lawyers can progress while also feeling reassured.

Listen to the podcast here.