Dechert Mandates Four-Day Office Week for Junior Lawyers in Industry Shift

Dechert LLP has intensified the legal industry’s return-to-office push. The firm is now requiring its junior associates to work from the office four days a week. This new policy specifically targets rising second-year lawyers and incoming trainees.The mandate began on February 2 and applies globally. According to The Legal Intelligencer, business services professionals and partners must also adhere to the four-day rule.

Stratified Approach to Office Attendance

The policy creates a clear tiered system for its attorneys. More senior lawyers, including third-year associates and counsel, have a three-day in-office requirement. This distinction places a heavier facetime burden on the firm’s newest lawyers.Dechert’s co-chairs defended the move in a joint statement. They emphasized the irreplaceable value of in-person collaboration and mentorship. The firm believes this structure will better serve client needs and boost team morale.

Aligning with a Broader Biglaw Trend

Dechert’s move is part of a significant industry-wide shift. Many major law firms are now enforcing similar four-day office mandates. This list includes giants like Skadden, Latham & Watkins, and Paul Weiss.Some firms are pushing even further. Sullivan & Cromwell now requires its attorneys to be in the office five days weekly. This trend signals a strong, collective push to repopulate physical workspaces across the high-stakes legal sector.

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The renewed emphasis on in-office presence represents a fundamental shift in legal workplace culture, with firms like Dechert betting that physical proximity is key to training the next generation and maintaining a competitive edge.

Thought you’d like to know

Who exactly is affected by Dechert’s new policy?

The mandate applies to rising second-year associates, fall associates, and incoming trainees. Business services staff and partners are also included in the four-day requirement.

What is the in-office requirement for senior lawyers at Dechert?

Rising third-year associates and all counsel are expected to work from the office three days each week. This creates a two-tier system within the firm’s attorney ranks.

How does this compare to other major law firms?

Dechert joins a growing list of firms with four-day policies, including Davis Polk and WilmerHale. Sullivan & Cromwell has a stricter five-day weekly in-office mandate for its attorneys.

What is the firm’s stated reason for this change?

Dechert leadership says in-person work fosters better collaboration and coaching. They believe it improves team energy and helps junior members learn more effectively.

Is this policy being implemented globally?

Yes, the four-day office policy for junior associates is being enforced on a worldwide basis across all of Dechert’s international offices.