Blackmont Legal, a Manchester-based law firm that began as a fully virtual practice, has opened its first city centre office in response to increasing demand for physical workspace.
Founded last year, the firm specialises in corporate law, intellectual property, and emerging sectors. The move marks a new chapter for Blackmont Legal as it balances the benefits of remote work with the advantages of a physical presence.
Founder and CEO Zohaib Hashim said: “When we started Blackmont Legal, operating fully remotely allowed us to scale quickly and serve clients nationwide.”
“As the firm has grown, we realised the value of having a base that supports collaboration between staff and in-person client meetings – things you can’t always achieve virtually.”
Blackmont Legal has established a base within the former Co-operative Group headquarters at 1 Balloon Street, providing a flexible workspace for the firm’s team, who still work from home on a hybrid basis.
The site’s proximity to Exchange Square and Victoria Station makes it a convenient hub for staff and visitors.
It comes as businesses continue to return to office sites. The British Chambers of Commerce recently published a survey which found 41% of businesses increased their requirement for staff to work from the office in the last year.
However, Blackmont Legal’s move also reflects a broader trend in the professional services sector, where smaller, fast-growing firms are moving into landmark buildings as larger organisations scale back their office space.
“This move isn’t about forcing colleagues back to the office,” said Zohaib. “Our team remains mostly remote, but having a dedicated space allows us to come together when needed and engage more closely with the city’s business community.”
He added: “The way businesses use office space is changing. Since the pandemic, we have seen a huge scaling back in in-person office spaces as more people turn to working remotely.
“For us, it’s not about being in the office full time, but about having a place that represents our identity and supports us in our collaboration.”
The move also signals Blackmont Legal’s long-term commitment to Manchester and the wider North West, proving itself as one of the region’s most progressive law firms.
Blackmont Legal continues to operate as a technology-driven firm, combining flexibility with the infrastructure needed to deliver high-quality legal support to clients ranging from startups to multinational corporations.
“This is an important step in our journey,” Zohaib concluded. “We’re proud to be investing in Manchester and building a firm that reflects the future of legal services.”
