We have not gone far - merely to One Southampton Row, at the southern end of the same block. And when viewed from outside, our new offices have a traditional exterior in the main, housed as we are behind a restored façade dating from the late 1800s. But within, the buildings have been created entirely to our own specification. Gone are the Regency Stucco and the individual fireplaces that have witnessed so many discussions and events during our recent history. Instead, we now have modern partitioned offices, laid out according to state-of-the-art practice, and adapted to our own very specific requirements. All our attorneys now sit on the same floor, grouped according to practice area, whilst our support functions occupy the floor directly above that. This top floor also houses our reception area, our video-conferencing suite, and an area of meeting rooms that can be adapted at short notice, either for small groups or, if necessary, all 150 of us. We also have outside areas on this floor: we are hoping that the English summer will bless us with the occasional evening that is warm enough for us to enjoy this space.

At the same time we have taken on a fresh appearance. The impending move prompted us to look at ourselves, both internally and from our clients’ perspectives, to ensure that when we embraced our new environment, these changes did not adversely affect our long-established culture and values. We are very conscious of our long history, and aware that whilst this office move and change in appearance may seem a big step for us right now, it is only the most recent step in a chain of events that span back over 200 years.

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