In the latest episode of The Unworking Podcast, as part of our Legal Insights series, Cornelius Medvei, our advisor at Unwork, had the privilege of hosting Colin Passmore, Senior Counsel at Simmons & Simmons. With nearly four decades at the firm, Colin has a wealth of experience and a keen perspective on the evolving landscape of legal practice.
The Evolution of Office Culture: Colin’s extensive tenure at Simmons & Simmons has given him a front-row seat to the profound changes in office culture and working practices. Reflecting on these shifts, Colin remarked, “The overall usage of office space is falling away, and the use of client facilities is starting to decline. There’s still a core group who prefer coming into the office, but it’s not limited to any specific age group.”
He highlighted how client entertainment and in-person meetings have significantly reduced, partly due to internal entertainment policies and the increased acceptance of virtual meetings. “Putting on events, whether lectures or presentations, is much more likely to be virtual now,” Colin noted.
The Impact of Technology: Technology has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in reshaping the legal profession. Colin expressed concerns about the over-reliance on AI and technology potentially eroding the rich experience and knowledge base of seasoned lawyers. “If we become so dependent on AI that we lose the fun of going to someone to ask for their experience, it could have a massive effect on culture,” he observed.
While acknowledging the efficiency that technology brings, Colin stressed the importance of retaining human interaction and mentorship within law firms. “The danger is that if we don’t need to talk to each other, we don’t need to be in the office, which could negatively impact our culture.”
Listening to the Younger Generation: One of the significant changes Colin has noticed is the increased emphasis on listening to the younger members of the firm. “We didn’t listen as much before, but now firms are setting up structures to hear what the younger generation wants out of the office,” he explained. He cited initiatives like Dentons’ shadow executive committee as examples of how firms are adapting to the expectations of new talent.
Colin emphasised the importance of culture in retaining talent. “The culture of a law firm is almost as critically important as the quality of the building, the work, and the clients. A good culture keeps people there and makes them want to join.”
Global Differences in Office Practices: Comparing the UK to other regions, Colin highlighted the differences in office practices across the globe. “In European cities, the practice is still to come into the office most days of the week, while in-house legal departments across various jurisdictions tend to work more from home,” he shared. This variation underscores the importance of adapting office layouts and practices to local traditions while maintaining a consistent brand identity.
Anticipating Future Changes: Looking ahead, Colin is cautiously optimistic about the future of legal practice. He anticipates further integration of technology but hopes it will enhance rather than replace human interaction. “AI and technology are enablers, not disruptors. They should help us provide better value to clients without undermining the interpersonal aspects of our work,” he stated.
He also foresees continued evolution in office usage and culture, driven by the needs and preferences of the upcoming generation of lawyers. “We need to ensure that our culture remains strong and that we continue to provide a supportive and engaging environment for our people.”
Conclusion: Colin’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the ongoing transformation within the legal industry. His reflections underscore the importance of balancing technological advancements with the preservation of human interaction and firm culture.
Join us for this engaging conversation with Colin Passmore on The Unworking Podcast.
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