Skip to main content

Two Canadian firms are taking a page from Australian architect Bill Dowzer, a specialist in reimagining the way lawyers work

Open this photo in gallery:

A visit to Australia showed Marc-André Blanchard, CEO of Canadian law firm McCarthy Tétrault LLP, how dramatically different law offices could be. Here, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP workplace in Sydney.

1 of 8
Open this photo in gallery:

These Australian offices were designed by Bill Dowzer, of the architecture firm BVN, who has become a specialist in reimagining the way lawyers work.

2 of 8
Open this photo in gallery:

At the Herbert Smith Freehills workplace, partner-associate offices, that traditionally hogged the daylight, have been pulled away from the windows, letting light into interior spaces.

3 of 8
Open this photo in gallery:

“A lot of traditional law firms have a siloed world. There are traditionally two groups of people, one who has the light, one who doesn’t,” said Mr. Dowzer, on a recent trip to Vancouver where he is now working with two Canadian firms.

4 of 8
Open this photo in gallery:

He’s created café-like spaces where people can bring their laptops from their offices and work.

5 of 8
Open this photo in gallery:

At Mallesons Stephens and Jacques LLP in Melbourne, Mr. Dowzer designed a large space where groups can gather to work on projects or just one or two can settle down and spread out all their papers.

6 of 8
Open this photo in gallery:

An interior patio-like area at Mallesons Stephens and Jacques that gives lawyers and support workers informal space to gather – and take in the view.

7 of 8
Open this photo in gallery:

Mr. Dowzer, the architect, says it’s difficult to bring change to the legal world, where hierarchy has been key. In his designs, offices for staff will all be the same size without a difference in furnishings – the typical status markers. Read full story at link below: New law space that works for the team.

8 of 8

Interact with The Globe