Open-and-shut_case_as_firms_design_new_offices

The days when making partner meant a swish office all to yourself are soon to disappear at West country firm Thring Townsend and nearby Reading...The days when making partner meant a swish office all to yourself are soon to disappear at West country firm Thring Townsend and nearby Reading firm Boyes Turner.

Thring Townsend, the product of a merger last year, has begun work on open-plan headquarters in Swindon, which should be ready for occupation by the end of the year.

Partners, support staff and fee-earners will sit together in offices designed with environmentally friendly features such as natural ventilation rather than air conditioning.

The law firms head of marketing Nigel Ashman said: Open-plan offices mean that transactions are completed faster.

It also creates a more open and friendly atmosphere, meaning that staff retention rates are good.

Mr Ashman said the firm was trying to move away from the traditional law firm idea of a partner sat behind a big oak desk with a secretary outside: we want to offer a new, modern approach.

There will be private rooms for lawyers to handle highly confidential work.

Down the road from Swindon, 16-partner Reading firm Boyes Turner will also be moving into new open-plan offices next month.

Chief executive Andrew Chalkley said: Open plan helps people to work as a team, and we were adamant that partners should also be open plan.

Victoria MacCallum