@AAQ
The CT court system helped facilitate WFH by requiring all filings do be done electronically. No more trips to the courthouse to file papers.
Many court proceedings are still being held via Zoom. This saves clients loads of money. I typically bill $250 more per hours for court appearances (plus travel time) than my standard rate. Much of the day in court is wasted waiting for cases to be called, judges interrupted for motions, 90 minute lunch breaks when I can’t do other billable work, so the client pays a full day and I don’t do a full day’s work for the client, but have to be available as the judge’s clerk schedules.
With Zoom, I can do billable work, until I hear the clerk call the case, there is no travel time to be paid by the client, no gas, parking, etc. I don’t take 90 minutes to eat, so i have another hour to work and bill another client. The first client is not stuck paying for a full day.
We have used WFH for decades, as long as an office staff member is in the office during opening hours, the attorneys can come and go as appointments and meetings warrant. We do not have walk in trade.
During Mrs. CTL’s long illness I did 90% of my work from my home office. I have a separate outside entrance and a few select clients could see me in person if necessary without me being unavailable for her needs.
My daughters who work for the firm, loved being able to work from home when my grandchildren were very young and I extended that workstyle to non-family employees as well. each clerical worker chooses one half day per week to be in the office and file. Phones are often transferred to ring off premises at the office manager’s or receptionist’s home office.
If I didn’t own our offices, I would downsize the firm’s space, but owning a fully paid and depreciated building means it is a prudent decision to remain.