A&O Shearman partners with BNP Paribas 3 Step IT for smarter device management

Global law firm A&O Shearman has partnered with BNP Paribas 3 Step IT to overhaul its device management approach, signing a Technology Lifecycle agreement to lease and manage its fleet of iPhones through a more efficient and sustainable model.

The agreement, finalised in Spain, marks a shift in how A&O Shearman equips its staff with mobile technology. Moving away from traditional purchasing, the firm is now using BNP Paribas 3 Step IT’s leasing and lifecycle services to ensure seamless access to up-to-date Apple devices, improve cost control, and simplify administration.

According to Sebastian Kroha, Head of IT at A&O Shearman, the decision to work with BNP Paribas 3 Step IT has delivered both operational and strategic benefits.

The law firm has adopted the provider’s IT Care+ service, a protection plan that offers device coverage and simplified incident resolution. Kroha noted that the service’s digital portal is intuitive, helping the firm respond quickly when devices are lost or damaged.

“It’s a one-stop solution that makes life easier for us. When something happens to our devices, we know we have a reliable, fast solution in place.”

In addition, the Asset IQ platform has played a pivotal role in modernizing how A&O Shearman tracks and manages its leased devices. Prior to implementation, inventory and cost tracking were handled manually. Now, the IT team has centralised visibility over all leased equipment, financial data, and renewal schedules — streamlining what was previously a time-consuming process.

The partnership also aligns with A&O Shearman’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities. Through BNP Paribas 3 Step IT’s refurbishment and reuse model, the firm returns devices at the end of their lifecycle, reducing electronic waste and supporting sustainability objectives.