Hoge Fenton Law Firm

A Nod to the Future

In approaching its new office, Hoge Fenton sought a workspace that was more “Silicon Valley” and less traditional law office. The new space certainly met that goal. Finishes are fresh and vibrant. Colors are light and bright. Natural daylight is abundant. Sightlines are open and unobstructed. Furniture is contemporary yet substantial.

This is in direct contrast to their previous space of 30 years, where dark woods and closed private offices have been replaced with a modern, welcoming aesthetic that supports the workplace as an extended family that prides itself on collaboration, open communication, and client service.

The efficient floor plan finds a balance between privacy, productivity, and connection, eliminating obsolete space. For instance, the large law library, which had morphed into a gathering place as references books went digital, is replaced with communal lounge/ jigsaw puzzle room. Similarly, areas for paper filing are reduced. The result is more communal spaces that supports gathering and socializing—already a favorite among staff.

Throughout, increased transparency supports connectivity, collaboration, and mentoring among departments and staff while still optimizing heads-down, individual work.

Private offices along the floor’s periphery include standardized sit-stand furniture solutions that are flexible for different work styles. Glass office fronts allow daylight to stream into the center of the floor plan. Additionally, casual, free-address workspaces—from banquette seating to clustered conversational seating—allow quick meetings or simply a change a scenery. A primary glass-front conference room supports large-group meeting and presentations, while several smaller Zoom rooms and phone rooms allow individual meetings.

The new workplace encourages staff to return to the office or chose a hybrid model, with technology integration, on demand remote collaboration, and flexible workspaces taking center stage. Overall, the casual yet efficient environment supports a flat organizational structure. Hoge Fenton points to the future.