All of the firm’s Melbourne workforce will now work in the same office, including the firm’s alternative legal services (ALT) team that is currently based on St Kilda Road, as well as HSF’s main office at 101 Collins Street.

Rodd Levy, managing partner of Herbert Smith Freehills’ Melbourne office, explained that the firm’s new Melbourne workplace will prioritise the firm’s clients and people.

“After a challenging 18 months, our people in Melbourne are looking forward to the move. The planning for the move came at an opportune time, allowing us to design a work environment for our people that is flexible and future fit for a post-Covid world,” he said.

The relocation follows the announcement of the firm’s global agile 60 remote working policy, requiring staff to work in the office 60 per cent of the time.

“Our new Melbourne office has been designed with our agile workforce in mind, supporting our commitment to creating a workplace that meets the evolving needs of our people. We aim to empower them to choose a working environment where they can perform at their best and in the way that best suits them, whilst delivering a consistently excellent client experience,” Mr Levy added.

HSF’s new office will be located in Dexus’ newly completed 38-level South Tower, which comes with a Six Star Green Star rating – the highest sustainability rating given by the Green Building Council of Australia. The building incorporates sustainable building materials, energy and water-efficient equipment, and an elevated indoor setting to minimise the impact on the environment and enhance the experience of the people who work at and visit the building.

Herbert Smith Freehills enlisted Bates Smart to design its new office and SHAPE Australia to complete the build. Melbourne-based HSF global chief administrative officer, Alan Peckham, said that the new workplace would provide space for employees to collaborate and build on the firm’s strong values.

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“The office design integrates physical, cognitive, and social wellbeing considerations, encouraging high performance while supporting mental resilience,” he said.

“To that end, we have prioritised access to natural light for all workstations, incorporated extensive planting, and ensured that a café and internal staircase are featured in the design.”

The announcement follows the news that Ashurst has also opened a new office at 80 Collins Street. The firm moved from William Street last month to the new central location, in what the firm’s managing partner Ross McClymont called “an investment” in the firm’s staff and clients alike.