Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is preparing for next year's move to its new Bishopsgate headquarters by creating replica offices designed to resemble the new premises and be used as a test bed for staff to adjust before the formal move in August 2020.

The imitation offices will be identical to those almost completed at 100 Bishopsgate near London's Liverpool Street Station.

An example layout design for office space at 100 Bishopsgate conceived by owners Brookfield

The setup – which the firm has yet to finalise – is expected to replicate desk space, digital systems and interiors of the new Bishopsgate office, enabling lawyers and other staff to immerse themselves in their new environment ahead of the actual physical move, and provide feedback to the London leadership. 

Following a trial, the firm expects to roll out the new office design, systems and equipment across its current offices in Fleet Street, which have been its home for 30 years.

The idea, as well as the move as a whole, is being spearheaded by the firm's London management group, which is chaired by new City managing partner Claire Wills, alongside London disputes head Sarah Parkes, tax head Helen Lethaby, employment partner Kathleen Healy, competition partner Simon Priddis and transactional practice head Julian Pritchard.

The move to Bishopsgate will mean a 20 percent reduction in floor space to 255,000 square feet and is intended to coincide with a sizeable reduction in the use of paper across the firm, with lawyers transitioning en masse to new digital storage systems and more advanced management tech.

Freshfields signed a pre-let agreement with 100 Bishopsgate owner and firm client Brookfield Properties in 2017, to occupy floors 20-34 of the 37-storey tower. The magic circle firm has signed a 20-year tenancy and will share the tower with U.S. firm Paul Hastings, investment house Jefferies and the Royal Bank of Canada. Several floors are still on offer.