Norton Rose has implemented a £1.9m IT package as part of its move to new More London premises that could pave the way for the firm's lawyers and clients to communicate via video conference from their desks.

Communications group Affiniti has laid the foundations for a number of IT developments to aid what Norton Rose called "collaborative working", including a new telephony system that will synchronise voicemails with personal computers and BlackBerrys.

The firm is currently trialling the video conference facilities, with around 30 lawyers involved in the pilot scheme.

Norton Rose has also adopted the foundations for a system dubbed 'Presence' that will enable anyone at the firm to see if colleagues are at their desk by checking information on their own computer.

Norton Rose program manager Anthony Salter commented: "The office move was the ideal opportunity for Norton Rose to see what new technology was available to future proof and improve the business."

If judged successful, the pilots are expected to be rolled out next year, while Presence may also be rolled out to clients in due course.

A system is also been introduced that will enable lawyers and clients in separate locations to work together on documents at the same time. Norton Rose hopes the developments will mean its lawyers spend less time travelling and in meetings away from the office.