by Richard Prior
Staff Writer
There are plenty of “big picture” questions to be answered as today’s law firms decide whether to expand or relocate.
An ability to accommodate rapid changes in technology may be the biggest consideration of all.
“Businesses across all industries are embracing technology, constantly clawing to the next level,” said Steven Steinmeyer. “As we think about real estate and we think about law firms, this is probably one of the biggest priorities.”
Steinmeyer and Melissa Copley were the guest speakers Monday at the April membership meeting of the Jacksonville chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. Holland & Knight hosted the lunch meeting.
Steinmeyer is senior vice president, and Copley is managing director of tenant representation at Jones Lang LaSalle in Chicago.
A company brochure says the firm has become “the world’s leading real estate services and investment management firm.”
Copley is responsible for more than 5 million square feet in transactions. Steinmeyer is responsible for more than 1.7 million square feet in leasing transactions.
Firms that renovate or relocate are changing their image by shedding dark mahogany walls in favor of bright, airy spaces. They now consider certain amenities, such as fitness centers, to attract bright young associates. They want access to public transportation.
They want their surroundings to project the qualities they aspire to: “cutting edge, dynamic, flexible, functional,” said Copley. “They want to be high quality, but not ostentatious.”
Office size makes a difference, the two agreed.
The object is to minimize square-foot cost. That doesn’t necessarily mean all offices will be the same size, but it’s close. The days could be winding down for senior partners with spacious offices commanding broad views of the St. Johns River, while new associates barely have enough wall space to accommodate their diplomas.
Trends are for less space for support people, such as secretaries and paralegals, the two said.
One main reception area is being set aside, even for those firms with offices on more than one floor.
Library size is being cut; there’s a reduced word processing area. There is an off-site back office, electronic file storage and centralized space for accounting and human resources.
Interior stairways are being eliminated, in the interest of increasing efficiency and reducing cost.
But making accommodations for technology may be as important as security for firms who want to avoid future shock.
“The telephone pole was approaching fast,” Steinmeyer quoted from an insurance claim. “I was attempting to swerve out of its way when it struck my front end.”
“Technology is the same way,” said Steinmeyer said. “It’s coming at you. You can try and swerve out of its way.
“If you take that approach, you’re probably going to smack right into it.”
Video conferencing, for instance, is “the wave of the future,” Copley added. “It’s becoming more and more important as people try to minimize travel while still getting face-to-face exposure.”
Renovated space or a possible new building have to be considered with an eye toward data ports, speaker phones and, again, video conferencing, Steinmeyer said.
“One thing is certain,” he said. “Technology is changing at an increasingly rapid pace.
“It’s something that needs to be embraced. Your clients have this technology. They expect you to have this technology.”