London law firms are increasingly moving away from the City, seeking cheaper rents and occupying open-plan offices with more amenities to attract staff, an office outfitting company said this week.

Chris Booth, managing director of office outfitter Overbury, said there was a trend of firms migrating to ‘modern higher-quality premises in areas like Southwark and Docklands’.


He said: ‘The drive for image and identity is another reason for more law firms deciding to fit out and refurbish new or existing premises this year.’


He added: ‘With the market becoming so competitive, many of our clients consider upgrading their offices as a key component to attracting and retaining staff.’


Overbury counted Reed Smith Warner Cranston, Ashurst and the London office of US firm Shearman & Sterling among its clients last year.