Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has reopened its London office, allowing small numbers of staff to return to its Fleet Street base.

Staff who may be finding it difficult to work from home or have client requirements are being permitted to return, but the firm is encouraging remote working to continue in general.

A person at the firm told Law.com International that the reopening is part of its "comprehensive road map" regarding getting its people back to some level of normality, which was finalised a few weeks ago.

"The reopening of Fleet Street is not temporary", the person said.

In the future, staff will be split into rotating teams to ensure there are less people in the office at one time, the person added.

Meanwhile, the delay to the firm's new office move will not be as severe as first anticipated, as construction on the building is still on schedule.

A London Freshfields partner said that the construction is "coming together" and that the "floors look amazing". 

The firm had been due to complete its move to 100 Bishopsgate in August 2020, but the firm is still aiming to complete the move by the end of the year. 

Fellow Magic Circle firms Allen & Overy and Linklaters have followed suit in reopening in London, with the firms allowing staff to return on Monday and Thursday respectively. 

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