Design
Designing Private Offices for Leadership & Focus
The Partner Suite:
The private office remains one of the most symbolically and functionally important spaces in a law firm. It is where confidential decisions are made, client relationships are managed, and leadership presence is reinforced.
For partners, the office is more than a workspace; it is a tool for billing and business development. However, as law firms rethink real estate costs and hybrid work models, partner offices are under pressure to do "more with less."
Thoughtful partner office design must now balance three often-competing priorities: deep focus, visible status, and long-term flexibility. This guide explains how to design partner suites that meet modern demands while preserving the authority that leadership requires.
Why Partner Offices Still Matter
Despite shifts toward collaboration in other industries, private offices serve critical roles in the legal sector that cannot be replicated in open plans:
- Confidentiality: Essential for sensitive client calls and strategy.
- Mentorship: A private space allows for candid feedback with associates.
- Focus: Complex legal drafting requires interruption-free zones.
The Evolution: From "Corner Office" to "High-Performance Suite"
The days of the massive corner office filled with paper files are fading. The modern partner suite is smaller (typically 150–200 sq. ft.) but far more efficient.
Key Design Shifts:
- Glass Fronts: Replaces solid walls to allow light into the corridor, maintaining privacy via acoustic glazing.
- Zoning: Distinct areas for individual work (desk) and collaboration (small table or lounge chairs).
- Digitization: Less filing cabinets, more integrated screens and connectivity.
Anatomy of the Modern Partner Office
1. The Focus Zone (The Desk)
The desk should command the room but not dominate it. Modern layouts often position the desk facing the door (power position) but floating in the room, rather than pushed against a wall.
2. The Consultation Zone (The Meeting Area)
Instead of a second large desk, modern suites incorporate a small round table or two comfortable lounge chairs. This allows partners to host clients or review documents with associates in a more egalitarian setting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Oversizing: Building offices so large they feel empty and disconnect the partner from the team.
- Using standard glass: Creating a "fishbowl" effect where every conversation is heard outside.
- Ignoring lighting: Relying solely on overhead grid lights instead of warm task lighting.
Mini Case Insight
A corporate law firm reduced average partner office size by 15% during a relocation. By reinvesting the savings into premium acoustic glass and ergonomic furniture, the firm improved satisfaction scores. Partners reported that the new, smaller offices actually felt more functional and premium than their old, larger spaces.
Partner Office Planning Checklist
- ☑ Defined work and meeting zones
- ☑ Acoustic performance verified (STC 45+)
- ☑ Integrated storage for personal items/coats
- ☑ Flexible furniture systems (Sit-stand options)
- ☑ Material palette aligned with firm brand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How large should a partner office be?
- Typically 160–200 square feet is the modern standard, depending on meeting needs.
- Can glass-front offices still feel private?
- Yes, but only with acoustic-rated glazing and proper masking. Visual privacy can be managed with frosting or switchable glass.
- Are corner offices still relevant?
- They are still prestigious, but many firms now use corners for shared meeting rooms to democratize daylight access.
- How do you modernize offices without upsetting partners?
- Focus on comfort, acoustics, and flexibility. Demonstrate that the new design supports their workflow better than the old one.
