A&O Shearman is gearing up for a move to its new London headquarters, with the Magic Circle firm’s new digs set to feature an on-site GP, reformer Pilates classes, and nutrition services.
The firm is relocating from One Bishops Square to 2 Broadgate, occupying around 360,000 sq ft across eight floors, with the move expected to be completed by the end of October.
A Nuffield-operated fitness and wellbeing centre will offer a gym, bike studio, and reformer Pilates classes, while an on-site GP, nurse, and physiotherapy services will be available for staff. Nutrition advice will also be provided to help staff keep their diets in check.
Every working floor will feature its own balcony or terrace, with windows that open for fresh air.
Other amenities include a restaurant, café bar, relaxation rooms, parent rooms, and over 550 cycle spaces, with sit-stand desks coming as standard.
The new HQ has been designed to bring lawyers closer together, with flexible workspaces, focus rooms, and staircases linking different practice groups and business teams.
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A&O Shearman tested the proposed layout with a full-scale trial floor at its existing office for over 18 months to gather staff feedback, and clients will have their own dedicated entrance and a floor with meeting rooms, dining facilities, event spaces, and an auditorium.
The move is expected to reduce the firm’s annual London office carbon emissions by around 90% and energy consumption per square metre by 61%.
Denise Gibson, A&O Shearman’s UK managing partner, said: “This is a significant moment for our London office. 2 Broadgate will make that easier, bringing our teams and our clients closer together. 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.”
The relocation marks the end of two decades at One Bishops Square, where the firm has been based since 2006, and around 1,500 items of furniture will be reused, with staff able to purchase unwanted pieces, and proceeds going to the firm’s global charity partner, United for Global Mental Health.
London is A&O Shearman’s largest office, with over 1,800 lawyers and business professionals, including nearly 200 partners.
