5 Ways to Make Your Law Office Look More Professional

Your law office is more than just a workspace; it’s also an important component in your corporate branding. So while you certainly want to have a space that lends itself to collaboration and to productivity, you also need to think of your law office like you would a business card or a corporate logo: It is an important icon of your professionalism, and it says something about your brand to anyone and everyone who happens to see it.

And chances are, there are plenty of people who do see it—clients and potential clients alike. Thus, when setting up your firm’s workspace, it is important to think not just logistically, but aesthetically—creating a space that is as professional as it is functional.

Underscoring Your Professionalism

But what are some design and layout touches that can underscore your professional acumen and your authority as an attorney? Here are five simple ones:

1. Remember that professional and personal can go hand-in-hand. One way to enhance your office professionalism is—believe it or not—to bring a personal touch to it, such as an assortment of family photos, some sports memorabilia, a poster of your favorite classic car—whatever is important to you and tells your story. This casts you as a real person with real interests, which in turn underscores your confidence and complexity as a practitioner of law. Plus, these things are excellent conversation starters!
2. Display your degrees. Yes, you should definitely show off your academic achievements, though you also don’t want to look desperate. Diplomas and law degrees, yes—put them on the wall! Certifications from every little course you’ve ever taken? Probably not.
3. Give clients their own space. You need a place in your office where clients can feel welcome—a place that’s obviously just there for them. Maybe this is a separate conference room or maybe just a nice chair that you pull up to your desk, but make sure the client is central. In other words, don’t let your computer monitor be in the way of making direct eye contact.
4. File! Messiness and disorganization are the opposites of professionalism. They will make you look sloppy and amateurish. Make sure you have some sort of filing system that you will actually implement with consistency.
5. Plant something. It may be as simple as a fern, but a plant can improve everyone’s mood. Plus, it sends the subliminal message that you’re invested in growing something at your firm.

Your office says something about you—and even if it’s subconscious, clients will definitely pick up on it. Invest a few minutes in making your space more professional right away.