People need connection to grow and succeed. It’s something we understood from day one, and something we talked about long before Practus even launched. When we were building the foundation of this law firm, we knew culture couldn’t be an afterthought. It had to be a cornerstone.
Because let’s face it: in a remote-first environment, it would be all too easy to feel like you’re working on an island. That feeling of isolation was never going to work for us.
From the very beginning, our team has dedicated time, resources, and plenty of creativity into building connection across state lines and time zones. Not just for the sake of fun (though there’s plenty of that), but because great relationships lead to stronger collaboration, better client service, and a more fulfilling practice of law.
So, in the spirit of 7 years blazing this trail together, here are 7 ways we make sure no one at Practus is going it alone:
1. From the Water Cooler to the Campfire
Connection is built in the in-between moments. Traditionally, that meant hallway chats, water cooler catch-ups, or shared laughs at the printer. Thanks to today’s technology, we’re able to recreate those in-between moments virtually.
Whether it’s our weekly coffee break calls, Teams channels chats, or spontaneous check-ins, our “virtual water cooler” is always flowing. This year, we’ve leaned into our anniversary theme and taken it up a notch by gathering around the metaphorical campfire of The Great Practus Quest.
Some of us survived a bear attack, others discovered meat sticks are more useful than Twinkies for survival, and we even had a guest appearance from real horses at this virtual event! While fighting for survival in this Oregon-Trail-themed event, the Practus team joined together sharing laughter and a sense of community.
2. Events as Unique as Our People
Let’s just say… we don’t do boring. From bake-offs, charcuterie showdowns and holiday who-dunnits to virtual escape rooms, wine tastings, and game shows, there’s always something happening. And we plan with intention, knowing our team has a mix of personalities and interests. Whether you’re here for the friendly competition or the casual hangouts, there’s space for everyone to connect.
3. Celebrating Life’s Milestones (Big and Small)
Weddings, babies, graduations, 5Ks, marathons: if it matters to someone on the team, it matters to all of us.
We share photos, cheer each other on, and show up in big ways. (More than one team member has flown across the country to celebrate a colleague’s retirement or milestone moment, no invitation required.)
4. Real Collaboration, Not Just Buzzwords
When you know your colleagues beyond the email signature, collaboration becomes second nature. We see these collabs every day — attorneys teaming up on client pitches, sharing insights, creating joint engagements for new client work, and building stronger practices together. A law firm that encourages collaboration across practice areas and jurisdictions results in clients receiving more well-rounded and insightful legal guidance.
5. Repping the Brand (And Loving the SWAG)
We’re serious about our swag. Branded merch isn’t just fun (though it is); it’s a reminder that we’re proud to be part of something different. We wear the brand — literally — around the world. Our team is always thinking of new ways to incorporate Practus into our community events through high-quality, fun swag packages that tie together themed events and practicality.
6. Local Meetups, National Impact
As the firm has grown, we’ve watched pockets of Practus partners and staff organically form their own local hubs — grabbing lunch, hosting happy hours, meeting up for dinner. It’s happening in cities across the country, and it’s a reminder that even in a distributed law firm model, we’re never too far from a teammate.
7. Asking, Listening, Improving
Culture isn’t set-and-forget. We’re constantly evolving and asking our team for feedback along the way. Being the best in the business means helping our attorneys work smarter, collaborate better, and serve clients more meaningfully.
That’s why we kicked off 2025 with a firmwide satisfaction survey. By listening to our attorneys and non-legal team members through periodic surveys, we’re able to develop thoughtful solutions driven by actual feedback. We don’t just collect the data. We act on it through improved user interfaces, transparent communication, and better access to resources.
Seven years in, and the trail ahead feels just as exciting as the one behind us. At Practus, we’re still building. Still evolving. Still finding new ways to stay connected and support each other… regardless of where we are on the map.
Because connection isn’t a perk. It’s a path. And we’re walking it together.
Catch up on the rest of the Practus Anniversary Series here:
Part 1: 7 Years of Blazing the Trail as a Modern Law Firm by John Lively
Part 2: Attorney Spotlights from the Trail: Insights, Innovation, and Independence
Part 3: How Mutual Fund-to-ETF Conversions Blazed the Trail to Disrupt the Investment Industry
