The newly merged Hogan Lovells–Cadwalader outfit hit an unexpected snag last week in London one measured in degrees rather than deal value.
Staff at Atlantic House have been told to work remotely for at least two weeks after a total air conditioning failure sent office temperatures soaring past 30°C, with some reports suggesting highs of 36°C. The breakdown comes at particularly awkward timing, just as legacy Cadwalader lawyers were set to move into the building following the firms’ headline-grabbing megamerger.
Insiders said the system went “completely down,” prompting management to prioritise staff welfare amid a UK heatwave. The relocation, part of a wider 400-person internal reorganisation, has now been postponed until the issue is resolved.
A firm spokesperson confirmed the disruption, noting that remote work options were introduced to ensure comfort while repairs are underway.
While operationally inconvenient, the episode underscores a broader point for large law firms: post-merger integration is not just about strategy and culture—it also depends on the basics working.
For some staff, however, the delay may be a welcome one, swapping a sweltering commute for remote work flexibility in the summer heat.
