Hi friends,

Cal Newport’s philosophy of “deep work” offers a path to productivity in a world filled with distractions. Cal is Professor of Computer Science in the US and, like me, a ‘knowledge worker’. His philosophy is directed at similar professionals and he often talks about lawyers (solicitors or barristers in the UK) as such workers. But how can the deep work techniques, which in many respects better map over to science based or entrepreneurial careers, be adapted to the high-pressure environment of a commercial law firm in England?

In law, especially in commercial practice, focus is everything. Yet, our days are broken up by urgent emails, client calls, and meetings. We are required to be reactive. Some of the out of office response examples Cal refers to in his in writings would offend most of my clients. To thrive in this setting, we need a version of deep work tailored to the rhythms of legal practice.

In this series, I will explore how commercial lawyers can create space for focused, uninterrupted work, even in the midst of an environment that demands constant responsiveness. We’ll dive into strategies for managing email and client communications, structuring your day, and setting realistic boundaries.

Why Deep Work Matters in Law

Commercial law is intricate. Success requires not only attention to detail but also the ability to think critically and creatively. These cognitive tasks demand deep focus, the kind Cal advocates. However, most firms foster, often specify, a reactive culture were the immediate takes precedence over the important.

Shifting to a deep work culture in law can lead to more strategic thinking, fewer mistakes, and ultimately, better outcomes for clients and the lawyer’s own personal development journey. This post will set the foundation, showing how deep work can transform your practice and discussing the specific barriers lawyers face to achieving it.

This first post introduces the philosophy and why it’s essential in commercial law. I plan to elaborate further in the next post if you’d like to delve into the specific practices to integrate into a busy law firm environment.

5 Strategies for Achieving Deep Work in a Commercial Law Firm

Commercial law is a high-stakes field that requires deep cognitive engagement, but distractions often erode focus. To successfully apply deep work principles within a law firm, you need strategies tailored to the demanding environment. Below are five methods that can help commercial lawyers achieve a state of deep work:

1. Time Blocking with Flexibility

In the legal world, client demands and court deadlines are movable feasts. The traditional time-blocking method of scheduling your day in advance does work, but with a crucial adjustment: build in buffer periods and adjust your mindset to one which accepts flexibility. Instead of rigid, back-to-back blocks, allow for 30-minute gaps after significant tasks to handle any urgent matters that arise. Use these gaps to catch up on emails, return client calls, or prep for sudden meetings. When there are no small ‘2 minute’ tasks, fill the gap with nothingness - go for a short walk, calm the mind and ready yourself for the next block.

Practical Tip: Schedule your most cognitively demanding work—whether that’s drafting contracts, preparing for court, or strategic planning—for the times of day when you have the most mental energy. Early mornings, before the office becomes hectic, often works best for me.

2. Set Clear Boundaries for Communication

Constant communication can break the focus required for complex legal work. To protect deep work, communicate your availability clearly. For example, designate specific times for responding to emails and calls, such as mid-morning or late afternoon, and communicate this policy to your clients and colleagues.

Practical Tip: Use out-of-office messages creatively. During deep work sessions, set an automatic email reply that explains you’re in a focused period and will respond at a specific time later that day. This not only manages expectations but also reinforces the importance of your uninterrupted focus.

3. Work in Sprints

Lengthy stretches of concentration are often unsustainable in a fast-paced law firm environment. Instead, break your deep work into shorter, focused sprints of 60 to 90 minutes. This technique, based on the famous Pomodoro Method, allows for intense focus without burnout and creates a rhythm that fits the legal practice’s dynamic nature.

Practical Tip: Use a timer to signal the start and end of each sprint. After each session, take a brief break to reset before diving back into focused work. You’ll find this helps maintain long-term productivity, especially during busy seasons. Alternatively, set a timer running and stop when you become distracted or when you first lose focus. Make a note of the time spent in deep work and then at the next session, try to beat that time.

4. Cultivate Rituals to Signal Focus

Deep work benefits from environmental cues that tell your brain it’s time to focus. In a law firm, cultivating these rituals can be a powerful way to switch between different modes of working. Simple habits like sitting in a particular chair, working in a dedicated room, or listening to a specific genre of music can train your brain to enter focus mode.

Practical Tip: If you don’t have access to a quiet workspace, use noise-cancelling headphones and create a playlist that you associate with deep work. Over time, your brain will begin to associate this environment and these sounds with focus. I have recent started to use Endel. Their luscious focus soundscapes really do invoke a state of productivity https://endel.io

5. Master the Art of Saying No

Deep work requires protection. As a commercial lawyer, saying “no” to non-essential tasks, unnecessary meetings, or minor requests can be challenging. However, mastering this art is essential for preserving your ability to do deep, meaningful work. This doesn’t mean being unavailable—it means setting clear priorities.

Practical Tip: When faced with requests, assess them by how they impact your core responsibilities. Frame your “no” positively: offer alternatives, delegate when possible, or reschedule non-urgent meetings.

Full disclosure. I need to work on saying no in this context!

Conclusion: Deep Work as a Competitive Edge

In a commercial law firm, where billable hours and client needs dominate, the ability to engage in deep work can become your competitive advantage. By cultivating these strategies—time-blocking with flexibility, setting boundaries, working in sprints, developing focus rituals, and mastering the art of saying no—you can reclaim your focus and produce higher-quality work.

The pressure to multitask and react is always present in a law firm. However, with these methods, you can carve out spaces for deep work that will not only enhance your professional performance but also reduce stress and improve the quality of your output. This approach is not about working longer—it’s about working smarter.

In the next post, we’ll explore how to apply these strategies to manage client relationships effectively without sacrificing your deep work priorities.

Thanks for reading!

If you found these strategies helpful, there’s much more to explore! Dive into the rest of the blog for insights on deep work, book reviews, and intentional living. I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether it’s your experiences with deep work or ideas for future posts. Feel free to leave a comment or get in touch directly. Let’s keep the conversation going as we refine how we work, live, and think in an ever-evolving world!