Real Property: How Today's Lawyers Are Working Remote

Ed. note: This is the second in a series. Read the first installment here. 

Since the spring of 2020, lawyers have steadily built up the resources and routines that allow them to thrive at work while working from home.

Now, many expect remote work to continue as part of whatever industry standard may emerge.

Our series includes the distractions, hobbies, and other activities that make up the remote workplace, to benchmark your own setup while gathering a few tips from your peers.

In this edition, we visit the home offices of Dean Mead real estate lawyer Kristilee Chihos, based in Orlando. Want to share how you’ve adapted? Click here to participate.

Describe your office decor in one sentence.

I would call my office style “Professional Fantasy” because it contains a healthy balance of books, Harry Potter collectibles, Star Wars memorabilia, academic awards, Avatar: The Last Airbender Funko Pops, and an RBG action figure.

What office equipment do you use to complete your day-to-day work?

Two large Apple Thunderbolt displays (which were nearly free as part of a moving sale), a MacBook Pro, an Apple Magic Keyboard and Mouse, a wireless headphone set that I always forget to charge, a warmer for my cup of tea, and a 3-in-1 printer/scanner/copier.

What key pieces of office furniture do you use?

A very uncomfortable chair from IKEA and a custom wooden desk built by my husband as his first woodworking project. My office furniture occasionally includes my kitchen table if I need to spread out a bit more.

What work adjacent equipment helps?

I really enjoy doing a light workout during lunchtime and breaks. About two years ago I started taking an aerial arts class (like Cirque du Soleil for beginners) and I recently set up an aerial silks and lyra rig in my backyard. I use it to do a few pull-ups when I take my dogs outside. Those small doses of physical activity help keep me energized and focused for the remainder of the workday.

Any videoconference fashion must-haves?

I’ve actually never participated in a work-related videoconference from my home. I’m a transactional real estate attorney, therefore I don’t have video court appearances or depositions. Most of my client meetings and office meetings are done the old-fashioned way via phone calls.

What are your biggest meeting-bomb risks?

My husband and I share a home office. He’s a manager of digital analytics for a hospitality company, so he’s either giving presentations on data and statistics or typing code on his mechanical keyboard.

When we know we have an upcoming meeting at the same time, he’ll graciously move to the kitchen or outside. However, most of my client calls are spontaneous, so I’m typically looking up contract terms on my computer while he’s 3 feet away giving a presentation about vacation destinations.

We’re actually pretty great coworkers, but I think we’ll eventually need separate office spaces if we continue working from home long-term. I also have two dogs who mostly sleep all day except for their strategically planned barking fits when I’m on the phone with a client or my managing partner.

What is your go-to publication or website for taking a breather?

I keep up with news by reading theSkimm, The New York Times, and my local newspaper, the Orlando Sentinel.

What are your favorite physical books in your background (or nearby)?

I have two bookshelves in my home office. One is for fiction and the other is for non-fiction. The non-fiction books look nice in the background, but my much-abused Harry Potter books will always be my favorite books for sentimental reasons.

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