Evolving Workforces
Law Firm Benchmarking Survey Highlights 2026
Law Firm Practice Group & Americas Consulting
March 30, 2026 7 Minute Read
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Available exclusively to survey participants, our full report comprises 30 pages of detailed results, data and observations.
Executive Summary
The 2026 Law Firm Benchmarking Survey reveals a legal industry that is stabilizing hybrid work models while steadily pushing toward stronger in-office engagement.
As firms navigate higher utilization goals, shifting talent expectations and a renewed focus on workplace experience, real estate strategies are evolving toward purposeful, culture-driven investment.
At the same time, operational priorities—from modernization of space to AI adoption—signal a sector preparing for measured growth and long-term transformation.
Key Findings
Hybrid is stabilizing, but firms are pushing for more in-office presence.
Most firms maintain hybrid attendance, but the trend is shifting toward stricter in-office expectations, especially at AM Law firms. Firms largely prefer encouragement over mandates as they work to strengthen in-office culture.
Talent attraction and workplace experience now outweigh cost reduction.
Across firm types, talent and workplace experience are the top real estate drivers, outranking cost savings. Cost-reduction priorities have dropped 10 percentage points year-over-year, as firms move toward investments in culture and experience.
Space modernization and efficiency upgrades are accelerating.
AM Law firms lead in adopting universal office sizes, interior offices and tech-enabled administrative space upgrades. Renovations to meet new design standards are the #1 strategy to optimize real estate.
Office Policy & Culture
Law firms expect higher attendance. Most encourage working in the office at least three days a week by fostering an appealing firm culture rather than using mandates.
Key Findings
Real Estate Priorities
Real estate strategies are driven by business expansion and the need to attract and retain top talent. Firms have shifted away from contraction to footprint expansion and renovations, driven by expected business and headcount growth.
Key Findings
Space Planning & AI Impact
Firms are continuing to modernize through reduced file retention and office standardization. While the long-term impact of AI remains uncertain, the immediate priority is creating efficient, tech-enabled workspaces for all staff.
Key Findings
Survey Methodology
In Q4 2025, CBRE carried out an annual benchmarking survey to explore the real estate priorities of law firm leaders. Responses came from a spectrum of law firm sizes and portfolios.
Response Geography
2026’s survey received 143 responses, half in the U.S. only and half with a global presence. Responses represent firms headquartered in 25 U.S. states, 24 firms in the U.K. and six in Canada. The HQ markets with the highest representation are London, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Boston.
Full Survey Report
Contact us to take the Law Firm Benchmarking survey
Available exclusively to survey participants, our full report comprises 30 pages of detailed results, data and observations including:
- The largest data set in the real estate industry, including direct insights from +140 law firm leaders (c-suite, managing partners and real estate leads)
- Results shown by Am Law vs. non-Am Law Firms and select results for the Am Law 50
- YoY data trends since 2023
- Details on shifting metrics for rentable sq. ft./lawyer
- Law firm trends to watch in 2026
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A survey of law firm leaders shows the legal workplace continues to transform, driven by hybrid work and real estate cost and talent retention pressures.
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Contacts
Josh Bank
President, Occupier Accounts (Account Management), Law Firm Practice Group Leader
Emily Botello
Managing Director, Americas Consulting
Sarah Gibbons-Scheets
Managing Director, Americas Consulting
