Fennemore Craig launches remote work program for lawyers
ARIZONA, UNITED STATES — Phoenix-based law firm Fennemore Craig has introduced a remote work initiative called Fennemore Forward, challenging the traditional brick-and-mortar model of legal practice.
This program aims to enhance talent recruitment and retention by allowing attorneys to work remotely from locations without physical offices.
“We think other firms are making a huge mistake by requiring everyone, regardless of their circumstances, to come in the office,” said Fennemore CEO and president James Goodnow.
“Frankly, we want to take advantage of that.”
Adapting to post-pandemic workplace dynamics
Since the pandemic, many law firms have maintained some level of work-from-home flexibility. However, most have moved away from fully remote work due to concerns about mentoring and client service.
An April report by the Thomson Reuters Institute revealed that 56% of surveyed firms require lawyers to be in the office at least three days per week.
In contrast, Fennemore Craig’s Fennemore Forward program includes 53 remote employees, consisting of 18 lawyers and 35 legal professionals.
These employees, some of whom previously worked at the firm’s physical offices, now work from cities without a Fennemore presence.
Importantly, the firm assures no difference in compensation based on remote or in-person status.
“While many firms cling to traditional office models, Fennemore’s culture embraces flexibility, technology, and innovation,” said Chris Wilson, director of Fennemore Forward.
“This approach enhances lawyer well-being and productivity, meets evolving client demands, and contributes to a sustainable world.”
Strategic growth and talent acquisition of Fennemore Forward
Wilson explained that Fennemore Forward primarily targets senior attorneys at the partner level with established practices.
The firm anticipates hiring between 50 to 100 remote lawyers within a few years, significantly increasing its ability to attract top legal talent nationwide.
Fennemore’s initiative is not unique in the legal industry. Other firms like Husch Blackwell and Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan have also embraced remote work options, signaling a potential shift in the legal profession’s approach to workplace flexibility.
