PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

The Return of the Law Firm Retreat: Destination Choices and Trends

By Ryan Spear

Law firms are witnessing a resurgence in the popularity of partner and firm-wide retreats.

Law Firm Retreat

Reconnecting in a Changing Work Landscape

Law firms are witnessing a resurgence in the popularity of partner and firm-wide retreats. After a prolonged period of remote work and virtual meetings, firms recognize the value of bringing people together — and attorneys are increasingly expressing their desire for these events. Retreats not only facilitate face-to-face interactions but also foster unity among firms with multiple offices across the country and even globally. These gatherings are pivotal opportunities to outline and discuss the firm’s future, being sure everyone shares a common understanding and commitment to long-term goals.

A Reintroduction of Law Firm Retreats

Understandably, during the past few years, retreats had become a neglected aspect of law firm culture. However, a recent trend report suggests that attorneys and partners view these gatherings as a coveted job perk. Business planning retreats are now being recognized as key for creating actionable, measurable goals that align with the firm’s overall strategic direction. And, recognizing the benefits of retreats in boosting morale, fostering collaboration and reinvigorating team spirit, many firms are revisiting the idea of organizing such events to communicate and refine their strategic plan. Some attorneys are even advocating for the inclusion of spouses and families, allowing for extended stays after the meeting concludes.

The Power of Face-to-Face Interaction

Despite the prevalence of flexible work locations in the legal profession, retreats are crucial in bringing employees together. When attorneys from various offices gather in a single location, it creates an opportunity for meaningful personal connections and a shared sense of purpose. Face-to-face interaction facilitates brainstorming, knowledge sharing, relationship building, and collaboration within practice groups, which can be challenging to achieve in a virtual environment. By uniting attorneys from different locations, retreats contribute to a stronger sense of unity and cohesiveness within the firm.

Effective retreats should incorporate a blend of strategic planning and professional development. Team building activities are important in building collaboration and improve team dynamics. By focusing on these elements, firms can be sure that their retreats are not only productive but also enhance the overall firm culture.

Law firms have diverse preferences when it comes to choosing retreat destinations. Many tend to favor warm-weather leisure destinations, such as Miami, other parts of Florida and California (San Diego, Los Angeles, Wine Country), as well as the Caribbean and Mexico. These locations provide an ideal backdrop for both work and leisure activities. On the other hand, some firms prefer to keep their retreats local or near their headquarters, opting for metropolitan areas such as New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and other major cities. Metropolitan locations allow for easy access for all participants and easier to coordinate.

Early Booking and Considerations

To ensure the success of a retreat, firms are encouraged to book early to secure the best pricing and availability. Previous retreats can serve as a guide for estimating the number of attendees and accounting for any changes in firm size. Keep in mind that it is important to consider not only the hotel expenses but also ancillary spending: flights, airport transfers, meals, excursions and private events. Proper planning and budgeting for all aspects of the retreat contribute to a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.

Creating Memorable Experiences

As we navigate the changing landscape of work, attorneys are increasingly seeking opportunities to reconnect. Law firms can create memorable retreats that strengthen their teams and foster a sense of unity by carefully selecting destinations and activities — and booking early.

Additional Tips for Creating a Successful Law Firm Retreat

Tips for Creating a Successful Law Firm Retreat

What is a Law Firm Retreat?

A law firm retreat is a planned event where partners, associates and staff come together to discuss firm objectives, strengthen relationships and increase productivity. These events allow the firm to re-set and re-align on goals and strategy, and create a sense of unity and shared purpose. By getting out of the daily grind, team members can build trust, collaborate better and align on goals. A good law firm retreat will boost team productivity and performance and lay the foundations for long term success.

How to Plan a Successful Retreat

Planning a successful law firm retreat demands attention to detail and a clear understanding of what the event is trying to achieve. The first step is to define the purpose of the retreat – is it to boost morale, share critical information, launch a new initiative, build consensus or re-affirm team commitment? Once you know the purpose, selecting a location and date that fits all attendees is key. Creating an agenda that balances strategic discussions with interactive activities is just as important. And considering the firm’s culture and values will ensure the retreat is inclusive and fun for everyone.

Retreat Topics for Law Firms

When it comes to retreat topics, law firms tend to focus on growth and unity. Common topics include strategic planning, business development, practice group management and cross-selling. These sessions will align the firm and enhance collaboration. Other good topics include marketing strategy, client service excellence, partner performance and firm culture. The key is to choose topics that are relevant to the firm’s goals and objectives so all attendees will find the discussions interesting.

Activities and Agenda

A good agenda is the backbone of a law firm retreat. It should have a mix of strategic, relationship building and interactive activities. Team building exercises, innovation workshops and client focused sessions are popular choices that promote collaboration and creativity. Make sure to leave time for socialising and networking so people can connect on a personal level. And include feedback sessions so people can have their say and contribute to the retreat.

Measuring Success and ROI

Measuring the success of a law firm retreat can be tricky but there are several ways to do it. Tracking the firm’s progress towards its goals and objectives is the main one. Surveys and feedback sessions with attendees will give you an idea of their satisfaction and engagement. And measuring the return on investment (ROI) by comparing the benefits of the retreat to its costs will give you a tangible way to measure its impact. By refining the retreat process based on feedback and results each year the firm will get better and better.

Hotel Stay Giveaway: Get Inspired!

To kickstart the retreat experience for law firms, we have a few hotel partners that would like to give away complimentary stays at their properties: The Fairmont San Francisco, Hardrock NYC and Fairmont Seattle. These luxurious hotels have wonderful amenities, gorgeous views and exceptional accommodations for retreats. With this giveaway, we hope to inspire law firms to take the initiative to plan firm retreats that allow for relaxation, in-person connection and team bonding. – Ryan Spear

To enter the giveaway and learn more, click here.
Hardrock NYC

Image © iStockPhoto.com.

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Ryan Spear Ryan Spear

Ryan Spear is the president of Hotels for Trial, a legal industry-focused travel agency for trial and litigation teams. Spear also serves as a mentor, speaker and hospitality professional. Follow his company @SpearTravelGroup.

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