The decision to review the roles comes after Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer signed a lease for new premises at Bishopsgate that will be around 25 per cent smaller than the firm’s current digs, and the decision to relocate around 350 support roles to the firm’s business services hub in Manchester. It is understood that 180 PA staff will be given the opportunity to apply for an executive assistant role with the firm. Those PA’s who are unsuccessful in their applications or who do not apply will be offered voluntary redundancy packages. The firm expects to conclude the review within the next two weeks.

Sources: Legal Week; The Lawyer