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The Shift: Restructured Roles Are Coming for Post-Pandemic Offices

With the world coming up on a year under the thrall of COVID-19, a number of attorneys are feeling something they never would have believed 12 months ago: an earnest desire to return to the office. But once they get there, it's likely not going to be the same office they're used to. And yes, that could manifest itself through shrinking real estate square footage, or more flexible working space. But, the biggest change may have nothing to do with the physical environment—and all to do with the people not in it.

With lawyers used to working from home, they've begun to take on more administrative tasks by necessity, tracking their own time and billing, research and more in a remote environment. And perhaps surprisingly, they're finding it's not too much of a burden. Stroock & Stroock & Lavan chief information officer Neeraj Rajpal told Law.com of the increased responsibility, "I don't see that as an administrative burden. I think the lawyers and partners have become more technologically savvy, they understand the tools and people are available for them."