As the post-pandemic world reshapes work norms, Arnold & Porter, a titan in the legal industry, has announced a refreshing shift in its office attendance policy. Starting in 2026, the firm will require its attorneys and professional staff to be present in the office for three days each week—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This decision places Arnold & Porter at the forefront of promoting a more balanced approach to in-office and remote work, especially when compared to the four-day office mandates increasingly adopted by other top law firms.

The announcement comes at a time when many of its peers in the Biglaw sector, such as A&O Shearman, Cooley, and Covington, are tightening their in-office expectations to four days per week. Some, like Sullivan & Cromwell, have even pushed for a full five-day in-office work week. Arnold & Porter’s decision, therefore, marks a significant deviation from the emerging industry standard and highlights a more modest adjustment to the traditional work model.

The firm’s CEO, Sean T. Howell, emphasized the intention behind this policy shift in a recent memo, stating, "We look forward to spending more time together in the year ahead and to continuing to build on the success and sense of community that make our firm so special." This move is not only aimed at fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the staff but also at accommodating the growing demand for work-life balance—an aspect that has become a critical consideration for many professionals today.

In addition to this policy update, Arnold & Porter will operate virtually during certain periods, specifically the week of Thanksgiving and the last two weeks of December in 2025. This temporary virtual operating status indicates the firm’s adaptive strategies in managing workflow and employee satisfaction during traditionally high-impact times.

As the legal industry continues to evolve in its operational strategies post-pandemic, Arnold & Porter’s new approach could set a precedent for others in the sector. It remains to be seen how this policy will influence recruitment, retention, and overall employee satisfaction in comparison to firms with more stringent in-office requirements. The broader impacts of such policies on productivity and firm culture are also areas that will likely be closely watched by industry analysts and other stakeholders.

In a world where the dynamics of professional environments are constantly changing, Arnold & Porter’s latest move might just be a pioneering step towards defining a new normal in the legal sector.