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Navigating the VUCA World: Why Firms Must Innovate and Reevaluate Legal Operations

By Joel Wirchin
February 01, 2025

In the legal industry, volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) (originally a military concept) have reshaped how law firms operate, requiring legal administrators to adapt to a rapidly evolving work environment. Navigating this VUCA landscape involves balancing hybrid work models, evolving return-to-office strategies, and significant workforce challenges, especially in administrative support.

Many law firms, for instance, are grappling with a shortage of administrative staff due to retirements, layoffs, and increased workforce mobility, further amplifying operational complexities. In fact, according to the 2024 RR Donnelley Administrative Support Survey featuring responses from more than 150 firms and a variety of firm sizes from small to big law, 53% of law firms are moving toward hybrid models for administrative support, yet over the majority (61%) rate their current structures as only average or below average.

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