International law firm aims higher with office move
Squire Patton Boggs has this weekend moved into No 1 Spinningfields as the law firm looks to build on a year that was “one of the strongest for many years”.
The law firm announced two years ago this week that it would move into three floors at the landmark building, which is also home to PwC and NorthEdge.
The change comes after 25 years on John Dalton Street, where they originally moved in as Hammonds. In 2000 a merger with Edge Ellison created Hammond Suddards Edge, before it joined the Squire Sanders network in 2011. Another merger, in 2014, resulted in Squire Patton Boggs.
Rob Elvin, managing partner of Squire Patton Boggs in Manchester, said: “It’s a while ago since we combined with Squires. The first thing they say when an American firm takes over is that they are only intersted in capital cities, but that can’t be further from the truth.
“Moving into the most prestigious building in the city lays down our marker that the city is really important to us and we are investing in it.”
Rob Elvin in one of the breakout areas at No 1 Spinningfields
The law firm’s 125 staff have moved into 27,500 sq ft of space, including a rooftop bar with panoramic views across the city.
“I think there will be a great collegiate atmosphere,” said Elvin. “Our current building is quite compartmentalised. We have got so many more of our fee-earning staff on the same floor. There’s much more collaboration going to happen – that’s what we saw in Leeds.
“In the UK, the Leeds office move was the first for a long time. We learnt a few things about design and what the employees wanted in terms of break-out areas, quiet areas, soundproofing.”
The move comes with the firm in bullish mood in the region, on the back of significant financial growth and an increasing number of lawyers, including the addition of seven partners.
Elvin said: “2017 was really strong, one of the strongest for many years. Work levels are as strong as I have seen them since I have been office managing partner.
“It’s really looking positive for us. The pipeline for Q1 looks strong, no-one is currently telling me it’s going to change anytime soon.”
