Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was due to complete its move to 100 Bishopsgate by August 2020.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Cooley are facing delays to their planned London office moves this year, according to several people with knowledge of the situation.

Freshfields had been set to move to new premises at 100 Bishopsgate by August, but two people in the property sector say that timescale has been interrupted.

Both practitioners said that because of the coronavirus pandemic, Freshfields is currently facing "fit-out" issues for the new offices which would delay its move.

The firm signed a 20-year lease at 100 Bishopsgate three years ago, and was due to complete the move by August 2020.

One person said the firm is still aiming to complete the move by the end of the year, and will do so as soon as possible.

Claire Wills, London managing partner at Freshfields said in a statement: "We remain committed to our move to 100 Bishopsgate. We can build on the amazing way our people have embraced change under the lockdown, with additional new technologies and ways of working, in a purpose-built space designed to bring out the best in our culture. And it's a big step in reducing our environmental footprint, an issue that we, and our clients, care deeply about. The move will be better for our people and that will be reflected in an even better client experience."

Freshfields has long been gearing up for the move and last March created replica offices that resembled the new premises which could be used for testing and for lawyers to adjust.

The firm has also pushed back its timeline for its senior and managing partner elections, according to two people with knowledge of the situation. It had been due to vote in replacements for incumbents Edward Braham and managing partner Stephan Eiler in June, but the pandemic has delayed that process.

Cooley is also facing disruption and has delayed its office move, according to the real estate practitioners.

According to one person, the firm was set to move from Old Broad Street to 22 Bishopsgate this year but has had to delay the process for the same reasons as Freshfields.

Cooley declined to comment.

The delays come as several other firms signed for new leases this year. Linklaters signed a lease to move into 20 Ropemaker Street in Moorgate in 2026.

Meanwhile, Slaughter and May is considering options to move out of its 1 Bunhill Row office, which it has occupied since 2002. The lease expires in 2026.

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