What do you miss most about in-office working?

As years go by, many colleagues have retired or will retiring.

I found quite hard to maintain virtual contact with colleagues with whom I do not have immediate business with.   In the past, walking on one of the many floors we occupy, I would have bumped into some of them.   Sometime, reconnecting with people after 2-3-5 years.   But with online meetings, if you do not have a reason to talk with someone, you won't find time to say hello to that person.   And it is very sad.

I could not imagine the loss of informal information we're facing.   Remember, when you were talking to someone and all of the sudden, a few heads were showing up across the screens (not the monitors!) around you and they were adding on the subject or giving thoughts on it.

Connection with people and ability to learn from others and mentor others in a more personal manner.

I don't think there is anything that can't be replicated in a remote environment for in-house legal departments. However, in law firms, it's important to have in-person client meetings and events, as well as an in-person training/mentoring experience for junior (and summer associates). 

The meetings between the meetings and the connection with other people in the office.

* Brainstorming & scribbling on the white board
* Corridor talk / bypassing the hierarchy to get work done
* Lunch with colleagues
* Feeling the emotions by meeting people