Tempted by the cost savings, and by the example provided by corporate clients, Big Law has been taking a second look at the open-floor office. Doing away with the every-lawyer-gets-a-door promise could save a lot of money, but so far most of Big Law hasn't wanted to make that leap.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe will instead take a shuffle step in that direction next year, when as part of a consolidation plan it creates open-floor desks and hotelling territory in its Menlo Park offices. An experiment last year yielded mixed reviews, so, at least for now, office managing partner Don Keller said any lawyer who wants an office will still get one.

Even with that promise, Orrick's move could prod other firms to commit to the cube. Real estate experts say firms could shave 20 percent from their leasing costs with the open plan. But some lawyers, and law firm leaders, say legal work is sensitive, and privacy is needed for conversations—and also for concentration.