Hellmuth & Johnson has been operating at full capacity since June 1, while the majority of Twin Cities law firms remain unsure when they will return to their normal, pre-Covid operations. The Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal interviewed Hellmuth & Johnson managing partner, Chad Johnson, to discuss the firm’s decision to bring back all staff and attorneys.
The firm has several factors in its favor: It owns its building near Interstate 494 and Highway 169, the firm is the sole occupant, most if not everyone drives to the facility and employees don’t have to worry about crime or the perception of crime in downtown Minneapolis. “We’ve been business as usual since June 1,” said Johnson. “We own a standalone building and can control who comes into the office… I think it’s been a huge advantage. I have friends and clients who work downtown, a lot of them don’t want to go downtown because of the unrest and Covid-related issues.”
By Aug. 1, clients started coming to their office. Johnson said that’s been a huge advantage since client relationships are so important, and having face-to-face meetings helps solidify those bonds. Johnson added he thinks everyone in the office drives to work and doesn’t rely on public transportation, which has seen ridership plummet due to remote working and concerns over social distancing. “I think the ease of getting to and from this office location, I think that is a big factor, especially during these times,” he said.