Clifford Chance appoints Cushman & Wakefield to review London real estate strategy

International law firm Clifford Chance has appointed real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield to conduct a strategic review of its London occupational requirements and to advise on its long-term property strategy, following a competitive tender process.

A multidisciplinary team at Cushman & Wakefield will ensure that Clifford Chance’s long-term real estate strategy is informed by market-leading insight on workplace experience, sustainability and wellness. Clifford Chance has been based at 10 Upper Bank Street in Canary Wharf since 2003, when it relocated from the City of London, with its lease running until 2028.

Michael Bates, UK Managing partner at Clifford Chance, said: “We have learned a lot over the course of the pandemic about the importance of the workplace experience to our culture, our colleagues and our clients. With so many leaps forward in what is possible, and with clients based right across London, it is particularly important that we think seriously about the ‘where’ and ‘how’ of the future of our London space in the longer term. We look forward to working with Cushman & Wakefield, which is at the forefront of thinking on the future of the office, to understand our potential options.”

James Meikle, Head of London Occupier Representation at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “This is a generational opportunity for Clifford Chance to align its real estate strategy to its future business strategy, supporting its delivery of services and the recruitment and retention of the best legal talent in London. Making long-term decisions, during the most challenging and uncertain times in modern history, requires a clear vision and robust strategy. We are excited to work with Clifford Chance and to provide the analysis and data to enable the firm to make an informed decision on its London real estate.”