A&O Shearman: New London HQ Features Wellbeing Focus

• A&O Shearman is relocating its London headquarters to 2 Broadgate by the end of October, concluding two decades at One Bishops Square.
• The new 360,000 sq ft office will feature extensive employee wellbeing amenities, including an on-site GP, physiotherapy, and a Nuffield fitness center with reformer Pilates.
• The firm anticipates a 90% reduction in annual London office carbon emissions and a 61% drop in energy consumption per square meter at the new site.
• Dedicated client facilities, flexible workspaces, and collaborative design elements are central to the new eight-floor premises, informed by over 18 months of staff feedback.
• This strategic move for A&O Shearman's largest global office reflects a commitment to talent retention, environmental sustainability, and enhanced client service.

This strategic investment underscores a growing trend within the legal sector to integrate comprehensive employee welfare, advanced collaborative environments, and stringent environmental stewardship into core business operations.

A&O Shearman, a prominent Magic Circle firm, is poised to inaugurate its new London headquarters at 2 Broadgate, adjacent to Liverpool Street station, with the relocation anticipated to conclude by the end of October. This significant move marks a departure from its long-standing base at One Bishops Square, where the firm had operated for two decades since 2006. The new facility encompasses approximately 360,000 square feet spread across eight floors, representing a substantial upgrade in its operational footprint for the Allen & Overy Shearman London office.

This strategic shift for the firm's largest global office, which accommodates over 1,800 legal and business professionals, including nearly 200 partners, highlights a forward-looking approach to its physical infrastructure. The transition to 2 Broadgate A&O Shearman is not merely a change of address but a comprehensive reimagining of the firm's working environment, designed to support its extensive client base and internal teams for years to come.

Central to the design of the new A&O Shearman London office is a profound commitment to employee wellbeing, setting a new benchmark for law firm office amenities London. The facility will boast an array of services aimed at fostering a healthy and supportive work environment, including an on-site general practitioner, a dedicated nurse, and physiotherapy services. Additionally, staff will have access to nutrition advice and a Nuffield-operated fitness and wellbeing centre, equipped with a gym, a bike studio, and reformer Pilates classes, catering to diverse health and fitness needs.

Beyond health services, the new headquarters integrates features designed to enhance daily comfort and collaboration. Every working floor includes its own balcony or terrace, providing access to fresh air, complemented by windows that can be opened. Standard provisions include sit-stand desks, relaxation rooms, and parent rooms. For dining, a restaurant and café bar are available, alongside more than 550 cycle spaces to encourage sustainable commuting. The architectural layout emphasizes connectivity, with flexible workspaces, dedicated focus rooms, and staircases specifically designed to link different practice groups and business teams, fostering a more integrated and collaborative atmosphere. This approach to A&O Shearman employee wellbeing was rigorously tested, with the firm installing a full-scale trial floor at its previous office for over 18 months to gather direct staff feedback on the proposed layout.

The relocation to 2 Broadgate also underscores A&O Shearman's robust commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with broader ESG objectives within the legal sector. The firm projects a remarkable approximately 90% reduction in its annual London office carbon emissions, alongside an anticipated 61% decrease in energy consumption per square metre. These ambitious green targets position the new headquarters as a leader in sustainable office design. Furthermore, the firm is conscientiously managing its environmental footprint during the transition by relocating around 1,500 items of furniture from its former Bishops Square premises. Unwanted furniture pieces have been offered to staff, with proceeds directed to United for Global Mental Health, the firm's global charity partner.

Client experience has also been a paramount consideration in the design of the new facility. A dedicated client entrance ensures seamless access, leading to an entire floor specifically allocated for client-facing activities. This floor integrates a comprehensive suite of amenities, including various meeting rooms, sophisticated dining facilities, versatile event spaces, and a state-of-the-art auditorium, all designed to provide an exceptional and efficient experience for the firm's clientele.

Denise Gibson, UK managing partner of A&O Shearman, articulated the strategic significance of this move, stating, "This is a significant moment for our London office." She emphasized that the new 2 Broadgate A&O Shearman location will facilitate greater collaboration, noting, "Our clients work draws on people from across our practices, sectors and markets. 2 Broadgate will make that easier, bringing our teams and our clients closer together." This perspective highlights the firm's intent to leverage the new space to enhance internal synergy and client service.

Gibson further underscored the long-term vision behind the investment, remarking, "This office is designed for the decades ahead and it reflects the ambitions we hold for the firm here. I am looking forward to seeing our people and clients make the most of it." This strategic investment underscores a growing trend within the legal sector to integrate comprehensive employee welfare, advanced collaborative environments, and stringent environmental stewardship into core business operations. The "Magic Circle firm office move" to 2 Broadgate serves as a compelling example for other firms considering similar investments in talent retention, wellbeing, and ESG commitments, setting a high standard for the future of legal workplaces.

This article provides insight into the evolving standards for law firm employee welfare and sustainable office design, offering a benchmark for other firms considering similar investments in talent retention, wellbeing, and ESG commitments. Lawyers and compliance officers should note the competitive landscape for attracting and retaining talent, and the increasing focus on environmental sustainability within the legal sector.

Source: Original reporting via Legal Cheek on A&O Shearman's new London HQ.