The Hybrid Work Dilemma: What Law Firm Recruiting Trends Reveal About Post-Pandemic Work Models

The legal industry has long been synonymous with long hours in the office, but the pandemic upended that tradition—and the shift to hybrid work is here to stay. As the 2025 recruiting cycle unfolds, law firms are grappling with how to balance the demand for flexibility with the need for collaboration and mentorship. For candidates, this means navigating a patchwork of policies and expectations as they evaluate potential employers.

This article explores how hybrid work is shaping law firm recruiting in 2025, what it means for associates and firms alike, and how candidates can make informed decisions about their future workplaces.

The State of Hybrid Work in BigLaw

Since the pandemic, hybrid work has become the norm in many industries, and BigLaw is no exception. According to a 2024 survey by the Legal Executive Institute, 85% of AmLaw 200 firms now offer some form of hybrid work arrangement, typically requiring associates to be in the office three to four days a week.

However, the specifics vary widely. Some firms, like Davis Polk & Wardwell, have embraced a fully flexible model, allowing attorneys to choose when and where they work. Others, such as Kirkland & Ellis, have implemented stricter policies, mandating set days in the office to ensure consistency.

This lack of uniformity has created a competitive dynamic in the recruiting landscape. As one legal recruiter noted, "Candidates are increasingly prioritizing firms that offer flexibility, and firms are adjusting their policies to attract top talent."

How Hybrid Work Is Impacting Recruiting

The shift to hybrid work is having a profound impact on law firm recruiting in 2025. Here are some of the key trends:

Flexibility as a Selling Point: Firms are touting their hybrid work policies as a key differentiator in the battle for talent. For example, Gibson Dunn recently highlighted its "flexible core hours" in recruiting materials, emphasizing its commitment to work-life balance.

The Mentorship Challenge: One of the biggest concerns about hybrid work is its impact on mentorship and professional development. Junior associates, in particular, rely on face-to-face interactions with senior attorneys to build relationships and learn the ropes. To address this, some firms are designating specific days for team collaboration and training.

Geographic Expansion: Hybrid work has also enabled firms to expand their talent pools beyond traditional legal hubs. In 2024, several Vault 50 firms opened satellite offices in smaller cities, allowing them to recruit top candidates who prefer not to relocate to major markets like New York or San Francisco.

What Candidates Should Consider

For law students and lateral candidates, evaluating a firm’s hybrid work policy is a critical part of the decision-making process. Here are some factors to keep in mind:  

Policy Clarity: Look for firms with clear and transparent hybrid work policies. Ambiguity can lead to mismatched expectations down the line.

Mentorship Opportunities: Ask about how the firm facilitates mentorship and training in a hybrid environment. Are there designated in-office days for team collaboration?

Work-Life Balance: Consider how the firm’s policy aligns with your personal and professional goals. If flexibility is a priority, seek out firms with more relaxed in-office requirements.

Culture and Connectivity: Hybrid work can make it harder to build relationships and integrate into the firm’s culture. Ask about initiatives to foster connectivity, such as virtual social events or in-person retreats.

The Challenges for Firms

While hybrid work offers many benefits, it also presents challenges for law firms. One of the most pressing is maintaining a cohesive culture in a fragmented environment. As one managing partner at a Vault 20 firm explained, "We want to preserve the collaborative spirit that makes our firm unique, but that’s harder to do when people are working remotely part of the time."  

Another challenge is ensuring equity and inclusion. Remote work can create disparities in visibility and opportunities for advancement, particularly for women and minority attorneys. To address this, some firms are implementing formal check-ins and career development programs to ensure all associates have access to the same resources.  

The Future of Hybrid Work in Big Law

As the legal industry continues to adapt to the post-pandemic world, one thing is clear: hybrid work is not a temporary fix but a permanent shift. Firms that strike the right balance between flexibility and collaboration will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent.  

For candidates, the 2025 recruiting cycle offers a unique opportunity to find a firm whose hybrid work policy aligns with your values and goals. By asking the right questions and doing your homework, you can make an informed decision that sets you up for long-term success.