Shared office space. Credit: KornT/ShutterstockThe future is now at law offices, as the coronavirus pandemic drastically accelerates two decades of workplace evolution and spurs attorneys to use their space more strategically. While tech firms are widely known for market-leading office advancements, law firms are swiftly adapting.

Law firms are increasing their use of artificial intelligence and other high-tech tools, reallocating space for common areas and amenities, assigning fewer desks, sharing more workstations and making their remaining space more appealing and aesthetically pleasing.

Those are among the findings in new research conducted by Vocon, a national architecture, design and workplace strategy firm with offices in New York City and Cleveland. Vocon's study is based on a survey of more than 300 law associates, consultations with clients nationally and a synthesis of recent legal sector-related real estate research.