A&O Shearman – Global

Delivery Of A Leading Legal Workplace Through Global Embedded Project Management

Spec

Brief

A&O Shearman appointed Aura Consulting to lead a strategic office rollout across their international portfolio. Over a two-year engagement, Aura acted as a seconded extension of the firm’s London-based HQ team. Operating with A&O Shearman identities, Aura provided leadership to deliver six complex projects globally, totalling 70,000 sqft.

The engagement utilised a traditional procurement route in every market, with Aura managing multiple project teams and navigating varied international supply chains. To maintain absolute alignment with internal staff and global objectives, the Aura team undertook quarterly travel to each destination, ensuring a hands-on, collaborative approach despite the significant geographical spread.

Challenges

Time Zone Management – Delivering six major projects simultaneously across multiple continents required Aura to manage constant time zone shifts, ensuring project momentum and communication remained seamless between London and the local sites.

Exchange Rate Volatility – Budget management was a critical focus. Aura implemented rigorous cost consultancy and financial stewardship to mitigate the risks posed by fluctuating exchange rates across diverse global markets.

Varied Design Requirements – With no centralised playbook, the design briefs varied exceptionally between locations. Aura had to pivot strategies for each site to respect local operational nuances.

Highlights

Localised Design Excellence – Aura successfully delivered workplaces that aligned with specific local requirements. These often moved beyond standard corporate templates to create bespoke environments that resonated with regional teams while maintaining “Magic Circle” quality.

Global Stakeholder Satisfaction – The projects resulted in highly satisfied clients across all locations. These successful deliveries now serve as exceptional reference points for the firm’s future global real estate strategy.

Seamless Secondment – By acting as part of the internal team, Aura bypassed typical consultancy friction, delivering all 70,000 sqft of space on time and within budget through a unified, embedded approach.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Whatever stage you’re at, Aura is here to provide clarity and support. Get in touch and we’ll guide you through the next steps.