Global architecture, engineering and construction firm M Moser Associates has been appointed to lead the strategic transformation of Cleary Gottlieb’s 472,192 sq ft New York headquarters at One Liberty Plaza. The multi-year initiative, scheduled for completion in 2028, marks a milestone in Cleary’s global real estate strategy and continues M Moser’s portfolio-wide partnership supporting the firm’s offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Cologne and London.

Following an extensive master planning and creative strategy exercise led by M Moser, the firm elected to remain at its landmark Lower Manhattan address. The decision follows M Moser’s detailed evaluation of multiple tower locations across downtown New York, balancing spatial, programmatic and operational criteria with long-term goals for quality, community and client experience.

A workplace transformation rooted in people, performance and place 

Cleary Gottlieb’s new headquarters will balance focused legal practice with collaboration, mentorship and connection. Shared office models, flexible collaboration zones and a vertically connected workplace anchored by a 10-floor interconnecting stair will create a more inclusive, people centered environment to strengthen interaction across teams and levels.

The transformation also reflects the firm’s commitment to the Lower Manhattan community it has long called home. By reinvesting in One Liberty Plaza, the company reinforces its presence in the neighborhood while elevating the workplace experience for both employees and clients through hospitality-driven amenities and enhanced service environments.

“Cleary’s New York headquarters represents both a legacy and a future vision,” said Grant Christofely, Director – Strategy & Transformation, M Moser Associates. “Our shared goal is to evolve the workplace to reflect the firm’s global stature while advancing flexibility, sustainability and connection across every level.”

Health, sustainability and long-term performance are central to the design. Guided by the firm’s Climate Action Plan and membership in the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, the headquarters will prioritize energy efficiency, healthy indoor environments and high-performance building systems targeting LEED Gold or higher.

A new blueprint for the modern legal workplace 

Through this multi-year collaboration, M Moser is supporting Cleary Gottlieb as a transformation partner bringing together strategy, design, engineering and delivery to help shape a workplace that strengthens human connection, enhances everyday experience and positions the firm for the next generation of legal practice.