Law Firms Take Design Cues From Tech Companies

Kennedy says there is no law library in the space because most content is now digital.

AUSTIN, TX—Texas law firms are taking cues from technology companies with office relocations and redesign. Moving toward sleeker and space-efficient office layouts, law firm partners are now targeting space to reflect a more youthful and advanced approach for practicing law, says Michael Kennedy , principal and managing director of Avison Young ‘s Austin office. It’s been a growing trend for only the past five years, but is resonating with law firms across the country. Scott Douglass & McConnico , an advocacy law firm practicing civil litigation, appellate law, administrative proceedings and energy-related matters, had a vision for creating its offices with generational demographics in mind, while implementing a more effective and updated space. “We formed a committee in our firm that spent more than four years assessing, planning, preparing and strategizing for our new office space,” said Christopher D. Sileo , managing partner, Scott Douglass & McConnico. “Our goal was to provide our employees with not only contemporary updates and better space, but a recruiting tool for continued success.” The firm moved its staff of 42 attorneys and 42 support employees to the downtown Colorado Tower . The 40,291-square-foot offices on the 24th and 25th floors showcase Austin’s changing skyline and Lady Bird Lake views. The class-A 373,334-square-foot office building is located in the heart of Austin’s Central Business District at 3rd and Colorado. The building was 100% leased upon delivering. Area amenities within a four-block radius include 50 restaurants, and more than 1,200 apartments, 2,000 hotel rooms and 500 condominium units. The space is significantly different from its former offices at One American Center on Congress Avenue. The new offices are laid out in a far different fashion from the hierarchy of old guard design. There is no big law library in the office space because most content is now digital, instead, there is a multi-use space that serves as a library and provides flexible workspaces. Kennedy tells GlobeSt.com: “Along with our lead brokers, Chrissy Fuller and John T. Baird , we represented SDM in the lease transaction and transition to Colorado Tower, which was Austin’s first downtown office tower in 10 years. The developer of the tower, Cousins Properties , reached out to us when looking for its first anchor tenant and SDM was the largest anchor to kick off the development in June of 2013.” Avison Young positioned the law firm to have a first mover advantage in a market where rental rates were rising quickly, and secured a favorable rent with 20% reduction in space, says Kennedy. Avison Young and Scott Douglass & McConnico implemented a strategy that created an opportunity for multi-generational design that reduces firm operating costs and increases collaboration. American Realty provided project management services and lauckgroup was the architect involved. “SDM partners were dedicated to making everyone feel comfortable and benefit from the new space. A well-designed workplace communicates the culture and values of an organization, helping to improve employee commitment,” Kennedy continues.