As the talent wars subside, law firms have found themselves back in the driver’s seat with leverage to dictate office attendance and other employee expectations. While signing bonuses have already fallen by the wayside, fully remote and reduced-hours arrangements could be the next to go, according to industry consultants. 

Even in Northern California, where hybrid work has become a mainstay, fully remote positions started to vanish earlier this year, with several firms electing to hire talent in states where they have offices, and in some cases, telling staff members to return to the office or see the door. The next pillar to fall may be alternative hours programs, which typically allow attorneys to work a part-time schedule at a lower pay rate.