1. Law Firm Perspective
Global 2013
Diverging global markets
present opportunities and
challenges for law firms
in 2014
Positive economic news has increased in recent months across many of
the developed economies including the U.S., U.K., part of the Eurozone
and Japan, fuelling increased optimism for 2014 and 2015. However,
emerging market growth has decelerated, notably in China and Latin
America, providing firms with stability in their core business, but greater
uncertainty in high-growth areas.
With global growth prospects volatile and continuing to diverge, law firms
will encounter diverging market conditions across the globe over the
next 12 months. That split in leverage, though, will begin to coalesce in
the latter part of 2014 and early 2015 when law firms are projected to
encounter tighter real estate markets, resulting in heightened landlord
confidence and decreased leverage in lease negotiations.

2. Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 3
Jones Lang LaSalle Law Firm Group
In the slowly-recovering economic environment we encounter,
decision makers tasked with management responsibility for global,
national or regional law firms increasingly find themselves in the real
estate business as a matter of sound firm management. The amount
of time required to deal with portfolios in multiple offices in different
cities and / or countries has increased and has become ever more
complex with critical events arising on a regular basis. These events
are nearly always contextual; accordingly, they require a
deep understanding of local market conditions for proper evaluation
and action.
With over 1,000 offices in 70 countries worldwide, the Jones Lang
LaSalle Law Firm Group has the scope and platform to proactively
anticipate those issues and events and advise you on how to
navigate the path forward regardless of the market environment or
local geography your firm is embedded in.
...
Nearly 70.0 percent of law firm
cities we report on project rents
to grow in 2014 and even more
slide into that majority as 2015
approaches. However, 2014
market conditions appear more
favourable when looking at
the law firm hubs of New York,
Washington, Los Angeles, Paris,
Sydney, Hong Kong, London and
Chicago with just the latter three
projected to shift into landlordfriendly territory next year.
The Jones Lang LaSalle Law Firm Group concentrates on developing
occupancy strategies, executing transactions and providing related
occupancy services to our law firm clients, locally, nationally and
globally. The team deeply values the importance of providing
timely, accurate and relevant market information and research to
our law firm clients that enable them to efficiently manage their real
estate in such a way as to generate maximum productivity, while
mitigating cost.
Accordingly, we are proud to present the seventh annual issue of
our global market perspective. This annual perspective provides
information on 30+ major markets across the United States, Canada,
Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The report details
market and real estate trends for law firms around the globe, with
the goal of assisting you and your firm in navigating the increasinglychanging global marketplace.
We trust you will find this information useful and solicit your feedback
if there are areas you would like to see expanded in the future.

3. Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 3
Jones Lang LaSalle Law Firm Group
In the slowly-recovering economic environment we encounter,
decision makers tasked with management responsibility for global,
national or regional law firms increasingly find themselves in the real
estate business as a matter of sound firm management. The amount
of time required to deal with portfolios in multiple offices in different
cities and / or countries has increased and has become ever more
complex with critical events arising on a regular basis. These events
are nearly always contextual; accordingly, they require a
deep understanding of local market conditions for proper evaluation
and action.
With over 1,000 offices in 70 countries worldwide, the Jones Lang
LaSalle Law Firm Group has the scope and platform to proactively
anticipate those issues and events and advise you on how to
navigate the path forward regardless of the market environment or
local geography your firm is embedded in.
...
Nearly 70.0 percent of law firm
cities we report on project rents
to grow in 2014 and even more
slide into that majority as 2015
approaches. However, 2014
market conditions appear more
favourable when looking at
the law firm hubs of New York,
Washington, Los Angeles, Paris,
Sydney, Hong Kong, London and
Chicago with just the latter three
projected to shift into landlordfriendly territory next year.
The Jones Lang LaSalle Law Firm Group concentrates on developing
occupancy strategies, executing transactions and providing related
occupancy services to our law firm clients, locally, nationally and
globally. The team deeply values the importance of providing
timely, accurate and relevant market information and research to
our law firm clients that enable them to efficiently manage their real
estate in such a way as to generate maximum productivity, while
mitigating cost.
Accordingly, we are proud to present the seventh annual issue of
our global market perspective. This annual perspective provides
information on 30+ major markets across the United States, Canada,
Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The report details
market and real estate trends for law firms around the globe, with
the goal of assisting you and your firm in navigating the increasinglychanging global marketplace.
We trust you will find this information useful and solicit your feedback
if there are areas you would like to see expanded in the future.

4. Jones Lang LaSalle
4 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
In this report
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 5
Law Firm Global Perspective
Jones Lang LaSalle Law Firm Group
3
In this report
4
Amsterdam
35
Law Firm Global Perspective
5
Brussels
36
Global law firm trends
7
Dubai & Abu Dhabi
37
Law firm market map
8
Germany
38
Global office property clock
9
London City
40
Americas
10
Madrid
41
Atlanta
11
Milan
42
Boston
12
Moscow
43
Chicago
13
Paris
44
Dallas
14
Warsaw
45
Houston
15
Contacts
46
Los Angeles
16
Miami
17
New York
18
Philadelphia
19
San Francisco
20
Washington, DC
21
Calgary
22
Montréal
23
Toronto
24
Vancouver
25
A
sia Pacific
26
Beijing
27
Hong Kong
28
Melbourne
29
Shanghai
30
Singapore
31
Sydney
32
Tokyo
33
EMEA
34
2013 has been another year of change in the broader economic
operating environment in which international law firms operate. In
recent months, positive economic news has increased across major
law firm markets including the U.S., U.K. and even the Eurozone,
fuelling increased optimism for 2014 and 2015 growth prospects
in these markets. However, as the U.S., U.K. and Japan witness
more positive economic developments, expectations for growth in
emerging markets have been downgraded this year, most notably
in China and Latin America. With global growth prospects volatile
and continuing to diverge, law firms will continue to be challenged
to adapt both business and real estate strategies to meet the
requirements of such a rapidly changing global environment.
Law firms continue to face a low growth environment
While more positive economic signs have emerged in some law firm
markets, the outlook for most law firms has remained more muted
driven by fairly flat conditions across most practice areas, which,
when combined with fee compression, creates a slow-growth
environment. Although some markets (such as London and key
German markets in EMEA, Northern California, Texas and Calgary in
North America and South Korea in Asia) have seen international law
firms growing and headcounts increasing, many law firms continue to
rightsize their operations.
For U.S. firms the revenue levels of the AmLaw 100 grew by just 2.8
percent in 2012 after growth rates of 4.7 percent and 5.9 percent
in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The recent revenue gains appear
even more moderate when comparing them to the 11.0 percent
annual growth in revenues from 2001 to 2007 for AmLaw 100 firms.
As revenue growth slowed, so did profits per partner with just 66 of
the AmLaw 100 firms demonstrating increased profitability. Globallyfocused firms with diverse practice groups have fared best and have
been able to reinvest into the business, attracting specialty practice
groups and boutique shops that further enhance the firm’s offerings
and geographic scope.
As challenges for law firms persist across the business environment,
they have also arisen in many real estate markets of importance for
law firms.
After nearly seven years of enhanced leverage for tenants in the
U.S., firms encounter a more challenging market ahead in 2014
and 2015. A flight to quality has diminished the amount of Trophy
and Class A options, spaces that most international and domestic
law firms usually flock to. In that segment of the market, blocks of
spaces, of all sizes, have shrunk from 12 months ago. This decrease
in available space has pushed rents up across the board nationally
by nearly 3.0 percent year-over-year in the U.S. Fortunately for firms,
the greatest opportunity for extended leverage over the next 12 to 18
months sits in markets where firms have the largest presence: New
York, Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles. For different reasons,
these markets have been more challenged economically and remain
behind rather than ahead of the overall U.S. recovery.
Across the major Canadian markets, law firms will experience
more favourable conditions than they likely will in the U.S. over the
next several years. The development cycle across key markets
such as Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver is fairly robust, providing
firms options in those new developments, but also in the secondgeneration options left behind by other firms. As a result of supply
dynamics moving with law firms over the next 24 to 36 months, we
expect rents to peak as well.
In Europe, real estate market conditions are diverging. The supply
of available prime office stock in the City of London is diminishing
and law firms face the potential for rental increases and diminishing
incentives due to a number of large lettings and diminishing supply
in Grade A buildings. In Germany, too, law firms may face more
landlord-favourable conditions over the next 24 months in select
locations including Munich and Frankfurt.
Other European markets however offer greater opportunities for law
firms to take advantage of more tenant-favourable conditions and
improve the quality of their real estate or reduce costs. In Milan,
Paris, Brussels, Madrid and Warsaw, real estate market conditions
will be in favour of law firms in 2014.
In Asia Pacific, office leasing activity has reduced in many markets
mirroring greater uncertainty in economic growth trajectories. In the
regional hubs of Singapore and Hong Kong, rental conditions have
been softer in 2013 with rent declines seen in Hong Kong in the first
half of 2013. Market conditions will turn more toward landlords in
both markets as we move into 2014. For law firms focused on Beijing
and Tokyo, rents are likely to rise in both going into 2014, whereas
Sydney, Melbourne and Shanghai will offer more favourable real
estate market conditions ahead.
Global clients drive law firm expansion into emerging markets
Despite some tapering of growth prospects in large emerging
markets such as China, India and Brazil, international law firms are
continuing to look to emerging markets for future growth potential.
Driven largely by the global expansion of their clients, emerging
markets including Africa have been on the agenda for a growing
number of firms. In Africa, corporate growth is being driven by
financial services, consumer goods, telecoms, infrastructure, energy
and natural resource industries and is creating growing business
opportunities for law firms. Routes to entry in Africa vary with firms
such as Clifford Chance, Norton Rose and Allen & Overy opening
offices in the past two years, while others including Linklaters and
Eversheds have formed partnerships with local players. Acquisition
is another favoured route and the June tie-up between Norton Rose
and Fulbright & Jaworski will provide Norton Rose with deeper
coverage in Africa through existing Fulbright & Jaworski offices.
Entry into new and emerging markets creates a range of challenges
for law firms looking to open offices. Access to reliable property data

5. Jones Lang LaSalle
4 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
In this report
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 5
Law Firm Global Perspective
Jones Lang LaSalle Law Firm Group
3
In this report
4
Amsterdam
35
Law Firm Global Perspective
5
Brussels
36
Global law firm trends
7
Dubai & Abu Dhabi
37
Law firm market map
8
Germany
38
Global office property clock
9
London City
40
Americas
10
Madrid
41
Atlanta
11
Milan
42
Boston
12
Moscow
43
Chicago
13
Paris
44
Dallas
14
Warsaw
45
Houston
15
Contacts
46
Los Angeles
16
Miami
17
New York
18
Philadelphia
19
San Francisco
20
Washington, DC
21
Calgary
22
Montréal
23
Toronto
24
Vancouver
25
A
sia Pacific
26
Beijing
27
Hong Kong
28
Melbourne
29
Shanghai
30
Singapore
31
Sydney
32
Tokyo
33
EMEA
34
2013 has been another year of change in the broader economic
operating environment in which international law firms operate. In
recent months, positive economic news has increased across major
law firm markets including the U.S., U.K. and even the Eurozone,
fuelling increased optimism for 2014 and 2015 growth prospects
in these markets. However, as the U.S., U.K. and Japan witness
more positive economic developments, expectations for growth in
emerging markets have been downgraded this year, most notably
in China and Latin America. With global growth prospects volatile
and continuing to diverge, law firms will continue to be challenged
to adapt both business and real estate strategies to meet the
requirements of such a rapidly changing global environment.
Law firms continue to face a low growth environment
While more positive economic signs have emerged in some law firm
markets, the outlook for most law firms has remained more muted
driven by fairly flat conditions across most practice areas, which,
when combined with fee compression, creates a slow-growth
environment. Although some markets (such as London and key
German markets in EMEA, Northern California, Texas and Calgary in
North America and South Korea in Asia) have seen international law
firms growing and headcounts increasing, many law firms continue to
rightsize their operations.
For U.S. firms the revenue levels of the AmLaw 100 grew by just 2.8
percent in 2012 after growth rates of 4.7 percent and 5.9 percent
in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The recent revenue gains appear
even more moderate when comparing them to the 11.0 percent
annual growth in revenues from 2001 to 2007 for AmLaw 100 firms.
As revenue growth slowed, so did profits per partner with just 66 of
the AmLaw 100 firms demonstrating increased profitability. Globallyfocused firms with diverse practice groups have fared best and have
been able to reinvest into the business, attracting specialty practice
groups and boutique shops that further enhance the firm’s offerings
and geographic scope.
As challenges for law firms persist across the business environment,
they have also arisen in many real estate markets of importance for
law firms.
After nearly seven years of enhanced leverage for tenants in the
U.S., firms encounter a more challenging market ahead in 2014
and 2015. A flight to quality has diminished the amount of Trophy
and Class A options, spaces that most international and domestic
law firms usually flock to. In that segment of the market, blocks of
spaces, of all sizes, have shrunk from 12 months ago. This decrease
in available space has pushed rents up across the board nationally
by nearly 3.0 percent year-over-year in the U.S. Fortunately for firms,
the greatest opportunity for extended leverage over the next 12 to 18
months sits in markets where firms have the largest presence: New
York, Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles. For different reasons,
these markets have been more challenged economically and remain
behind rather than ahead of the overall U.S. recovery.
Across the major Canadian markets, law firms will experience
more favourable conditions than they likely will in the U.S. over the
next several years. The development cycle across key markets
such as Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver is fairly robust, providing
firms options in those new developments, but also in the secondgeneration options left behind by other firms. As a result of supply
dynamics moving with law firms over the next 24 to 36 months, we
expect rents to peak as well.
In Europe, real estate market conditions are diverging. The supply
of available prime office stock in the City of London is diminishing
and law firms face the potential for rental increases and diminishing
incentives due to a number of large lettings and diminishing supply
in Grade A buildings. In Germany, too, law firms may face more
landlord-favourable conditions over the next 24 months in select
locations including Munich and Frankfurt.
Other European markets however offer greater opportunities for law
firms to take advantage of more tenant-favourable conditions and
improve the quality of their real estate or reduce costs. In Milan,
Paris, Brussels, Madrid and Warsaw, real estate market conditions
will be in favour of law firms in 2014.
In Asia Pacific, office leasing activity has reduced in many markets
mirroring greater uncertainty in economic growth trajectories. In the
regional hubs of Singapore and Hong Kong, rental conditions have
been softer in 2013 with rent declines seen in Hong Kong in the first
half of 2013. Market conditions will turn more toward landlords in
both markets as we move into 2014. For law firms focused on Beijing
and Tokyo, rents are likely to rise in both going into 2014, whereas
Sydney, Melbourne and Shanghai will offer more favourable real
estate market conditions ahead.
Global clients drive law firm expansion into emerging markets
Despite some tapering of growth prospects in large emerging
markets such as China, India and Brazil, international law firms are
continuing to look to emerging markets for future growth potential.
Driven largely by the global expansion of their clients, emerging
markets including Africa have been on the agenda for a growing
number of firms. In Africa, corporate growth is being driven by
financial services, consumer goods, telecoms, infrastructure, energy
and natural resource industries and is creating growing business
opportunities for law firms. Routes to entry in Africa vary with firms
such as Clifford Chance, Norton Rose and Allen & Overy opening
offices in the past two years, while others including Linklaters and
Eversheds have formed partnerships with local players. Acquisition
is another favoured route and the June tie-up between Norton Rose
and Fulbright & Jaworski will provide Norton Rose with deeper
coverage in Africa through existing Fulbright & Jaworski offices.
Entry into new and emerging markets creates a range of challenges
for law firms looking to open offices. Access to reliable property data

6. 6 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
is key in an opaque market and working with partners who have a
deep understanding of the market is also important.
Strategic updates from law firms indicate this growth is set to
continue with Clifford Chance announcing plans to consider its
options in other key regional hubs including Egypt, Nigeria and
South Africa and Norton Rose recently outlining intentions to extend
its network to African jurisdictions such as Angola, Egypt, Kenya,
Mozambique and Nigeria amid the firm’s fast global expansion.
Another opportunity for law firms revolves around space utilization.
Law firms are facing the continuing challenge of balancing increasing
client expectations and client desire to drive down costs. As a result,
many law firms remain focused on managing the cost of their real
estate portfolio more effectively and maximising operating efficiency.
Jones Lang LaSalle
Firms that embrace modern layouts and enhanced efficiency
measures have the opportunity to shrink real estate occupancy
by more than 15.0 percent, providing an opportunity to cap cost
structures in a still-challenging business climate. In today’s real
estate market, evolving demographics are encouraging greater
collaboration among colleagues and new patterns for how and
where we work. This shift has not just affected law firms, but banks,
consulting firms, technology companies and really any office tenant
across the globe. The focus on workplace optimisation will remain
a key priority for law firms as they implement global real estate
strategies into 2014 and beyond. As has been the case in the past,
U.S. firms will continue to lag their London counterparts in moving to
even more aggressive utilization tactics, but they are gradually over
time adapting some of these proactive measures.
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 7
Global law firm trends
...meaning leverage is moving
away from law firms.
$
67%
of global markets
polled expect rents to increase in 2014...
At the same time, concessions provided to law firms paint more of a blurred picture:
concessions
stable
concessions
decreasing
44%
concessions
increasing
33%
Of global markets polled,
overall, law firm
demand is stable
23%
23%
increase
14%
60%
Tenant-favourable
markets waning...
decrease
stable
20
13
of law firms
polled are
focused on
using space
more efficiently
%
45
66%
2014
26%
tenant-favourable
2015
8%

7. 6 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
is key in an opaque market and working with partners who have a
deep understanding of the market is also important.
Strategic updates from law firms indicate this growth is set to
continue with Clifford Chance announcing plans to consider its
options in other key regional hubs including Egypt, Nigeria and
South Africa and Norton Rose recently outlining intentions to extend
its network to African jurisdictions such as Angola, Egypt, Kenya,
Mozambique and Nigeria amid the firm’s fast global expansion.
Another opportunity for law firms revolves around space utilization.
Law firms are facing the continuing challenge of balancing increasing
client expectations and client desire to drive down costs. As a result,
many law firms remain focused on managing the cost of their real
estate portfolio more effectively and maximising operating efficiency.
Jones Lang LaSalle
Firms that embrace modern layouts and enhanced efficiency
measures have the opportunity to shrink real estate occupancy
by more than 15.0 percent, providing an opportunity to cap cost
structures in a still-challenging business climate. In today’s real
estate market, evolving demographics are encouraging greater
collaboration among colleagues and new patterns for how and
where we work. This shift has not just affected law firms, but banks,
consulting firms, technology companies and really any office tenant
across the globe. The focus on workplace optimisation will remain
a key priority for law firms as they implement global real estate
strategies into 2014 and beyond. As has been the case in the past,
U.S. firms will continue to lag their London counterparts in moving to
even more aggressive utilization tactics, but they are gradually over
time adapting some of these proactive measures.
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 7
Global law firm trends
...meaning leverage is moving
away from law firms.
$
67%
of global markets
polled expect rents to increase in 2014...
At the same time, concessions provided to law firms paint more of a blurred picture:
concessions
stable
concessions
decreasing
44%
concessions
increasing
33%
Of global markets polled,
overall, law firm
demand is stable
23%
23%
increase
14%
60%
Tenant-favourable
markets waning...
decrease
stable
13
%
45
of law firms
polled are
focused on
using space
more efficiently
20
66%
2014
26%
tenant-favourable
2015
8%

8. Jones Lang LaSalle
8 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Law firm market map
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 9
Global office property clock
Amsterdam
Vancouver
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Toronto Montreal
Calgary
Chicago
Boston
Philadelphia New York
Washington DC
Dallas
Houston
Amsterdam Germany
London City
Paris Brussels Warsaw
Milan
Berlin, Hamburg, Moscow
Beijing
Madrid
Atlanta
Miami
Montréal
Calgary
Vancouver
Cologne, Stuttgart, Toronto
Mosow
Shanghai
Dubai &
Abu Dhabi
Munich
Tokyo
Houston, San Francisco
Hong Kong
Rental growth
slowing
Rents
falling
Rental growth
accelerating
Rents
bottoming out
Milan
Dallas, Düsseldorf
Singapore
Frankfurt
London
Beijing, Melbourne
Warsaw
Sydney
Boston
Tokyo
Melbourne
Dubai, New York
Los Angeles, Miami
Atlanta, Philadelphia, Shanghai
Abu Dubai
Sydney
Washington, DC
Madrid
Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Singapore
Americas
Asia Pacific
EMEA
The clock diagram illustrates where Jones Lang LaSalle estimates
each prime office market is within its individual rental cycle as of
October 2013.
Markets move around the clock at different speeds and directions.
The diagram is a convenient method of comparing the relative
position of markets in their rental cycle. Their position is not
necessarily representative of investment or development market
prospects. Their position refers to prime face rental values. Markets
with a step pattern of rental growth do not tend to follow conventional
cycles and are likely to move between the hours of 9 and 12 o’clock
only, with 9 o’clock representing a jump in rental levels following a
period of stability.

9. Jones Lang LaSalle
8 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Law firm market map
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 9
Global office property clock
Amsterdam
Vancouver
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Toronto Montreal
Calgary
Chicago
Boston
Philadelphia New York
Washington DC
Dallas
Houston
Amsterdam Germany
London City
Paris Brussels Warsaw
Milan
Berlin, Hamburg, Moscow
Beijing
Madrid
Atlanta
Miami
Montréal, Paris
Calgary
Vancouver
Cologne, Stuttgart, Toronto
Mosow
Shanghai
Dubai &
Abu Dhabi
Munich
Tokyo
Houston, San Francisco
Hong Kong
Rental growth
slowing
Rents
falling
Rental growth
accelerating
Rents
bottoming out
Milan
Dallas, Düsseldorf
Singapore
Frankfurt
London
Beijing, Melbourne
Warsaw
Sydney
Boston
Tokyo
Melbourne
Dubai, New York
Los Angeles, Miami
Atlanta, Philadelphia, Shanghai
Abu Dubai
Sydney
Washington, DC
Madrid
Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Singapore
Americas
Asia Pacific
EMEA
The clock diagram illustrates where Jones Lang LaSalle estimates
each prime office market is within its individual rental cycle as of
October 2013.
Markets move around the clock at different speeds and directions.
The diagram is a convenient method of comparing the relative
position of markets in their rental cycle. Their position is not
necessarily representative of investment or development market
prospects. Their position refers to prime face rental values. Markets
with a step pattern of rental growth do not tend to follow conventional
cycles and are likely to move between the hours of 9 and 12 o’clock
only, with 9 o’clock representing a jump in rental levels following a
period of stability.

10. Jones Lang LaSalle
10 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 11
Atlanta
Americas
Locational preference: Atlanta’s largest and most venerable law firms are located in the Central Business District
along the Peachtree corridor in A-plus tower space. The Midtown submarket houses the largest concentration of legal tenants, although
some firms remain Downtown for convenient access to the city’s courthouses and government agencies. To the north, Buckhead’s
financial district has also attracted some of Atlanta’s most visible firms; however, few big blocks of contiguous premium space remain in
Buckhead that can accommodate significant requirements, whereas Midtown still has plenty of options.
11.2% 2.0%
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Law firm activity has been relatively quiet for the last 24 months after several
years on the immediate heels of the recession, in which some of the city’s biggest
firms committed to relocating or renewing existing space. Currently, there are no
big firms in the market on par with what was seen in 2010 and 2011. Activity in
the traditional law firm submarkets has been muted, if only because most of the
biggest firms have already made their real estate plays. Two years ago, large
firms were giving back significant amounts of space, a trend which has since
stabilized since most of the activity has stemmed from mid-sized and small firms.
21
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
5
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Bryan Cave
1201 West Peachtree Street
152,383 s.f.
Renewal
Hunton & Williams
600 Peachtree Street
45,707 s.f.
Renewal
For those who are in the market for space, conditions are starting to tighten.
Firms seeking premium high-floor Trophy space in Buckhead will find their
options extremely limited due to lack of big block space. Midtown offers more
flexibility and, additionally, has proven to be the go-to submarket for the greatest
concentration of law firms over the last 15 years.
Johnson & Freedman
1587 Northeast Expressway
50,000 s.f.
Renewal
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Fish & Richardson
25,000
Foltz Martin
20,000
Need?
OUTLOOK
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
$29.80
3.6%
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Class A annual escalation
13.1%
3.6%
26.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$50.00/$25.00
12/3
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• Particularly in Buckhead, there is limited availability of large contiguous blocks
of premium space in the Trophy towers.
• Pricing has begun to tighten in both Buckhead and Midtown and landlords have
tightened their fists on concessions.
Opportunities for law firms
• Dissolutions and sublease dispositions have created additional space options
for tenants.
• Competition in the marketplace is limited by a finite number of near-term
lease expirations.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable marke

11. Jones Lang LaSalle
10 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 11
Atlanta
Americas
Locational preference: Atlanta’s largest and most venerable law firms are located in the Central Business District
along the Peachtree corridor in A-plus tower space. The Midtown submarket houses the largest concentration of legal tenants, although
some firms remain Downtown for convenient access to the city’s courthouses and government agencies. To the north, Buckhead’s
financial district has also attracted some of Atlanta’s most visible firms; however, few big blocks of contiguous premium space remain in
Buckhead that can accommodate significant requirements, whereas Midtown still has plenty of options.
11.2% 2.0%
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Law firm activity has been relatively quiet for the last 24 months after several
years on the immediate heels of the recession, in which some of the city’s biggest
firms committed to relocating or renewing existing space. Currently, there are no
big firms in the market on par with what was seen in 2010 and 2011. Activity in
the traditional law firm submarkets has been muted, if only because most of the
biggest firms have already made their real estate plays. Two years ago, large
firms were giving back significant amounts of space, a trend which has since
stabilized since most of the activity has stemmed from mid-sized and small firms.
21
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
5
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Bryan Cave
1201 West Peachtree Street
152,383 s.f.
Renewal
Hunton & Williams
600 Peachtree Street
45,707 s.f.
Renewal
For those who are in the market for space, conditions are starting to tighten.
Firms seeking premium high-floor Trophy space in Buckhead will find their
options extremely limited due to lack of big block space. Midtown offers more
flexibility and, additionally, has proven to be the go-to submarket for the greatest
concentration of law firms over the last 15 years.
Johnson & Freedman
1587 Northeast Expressway
50,000 s.f.
Renewal
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Fish & Richardson
25,000
Foltz Martin
20,000
Need?
OUTLOOK
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
$29.80
3.6%
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Class A annual escalation
13.1%
3.6%
26.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$50.00/$25.00
12/3
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• Particularly in Buckhead, there is limited availability of large contiguous blocks
of premium space in the Trophy towers.
• Pricing has begun to tighten in both Buckhead and Midtown and landlords have
tightened their fists on concessions.
Opportunities for law firms
• Dissolutions and sublease dispositions have created additional space options
for tenants.
• Competition in the marketplace is limited by a finite number of near-term
lease expirations.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market

12. Jones Lang LaSalle
12 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Boston
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 13
Chicago
Locational preference: The city’s premier law firms occupy space in the most prestigious office towers in Boston’s
Locational preference: Most of Chicago’s largest law firm tenants are located in the West Loop and Central Loop
17.6% 8.4%
17.6% 13.8%
Back Bay, Financial and Seaport Districts.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Law practices in Boston have begun to turn the corner as evidenced by the
positive employment growth over the past year. The city of Boston is experiencing
growth in the intellectual property law practice, spurred by the area’s rise in
the high-tech and life sciences fields. As a result, the Seaport District, dubbed
the Innovation District of Boston and home to a growing number of high-tech
start-ups and pharmaceutical giant Vertex, has attracted law firms from within
and outside Boston looking to maximize proximity to potential clients. The area
also presents build-to-suit opportunities as restacking current spaces has proven
costly and inefficient. For instance, Finnegan announced its move to the Seaport
in 2012 following Vertex’s move; Concord, MA-based Hamilton Brook will open a
Seaport branch looking to compete in the IP space; and Goodwin Procter signed
a build-to-suit lease to occupy 360,000 square feet at Fan Pier, downsizing from
415,000 square feet in Financial District.
Due to the rightsizing trend, however, Boston law firms are not increasing their
footprints in the same proportion to the numbers of their employees as they used
to. Advanced mobile technology, cost cutting measures and open-space work
environment are examples of factors leading to fewer square feet per employee
across law firms. Some have eliminated the needs for support roles in high-cost
spaces altogether, choosing to establish a centralized support offices elsewhere
or outsource to third-party business services companies.
28
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
33
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
submarkets and a few are in the River North. The Central Loop is also home to the largest share of the market’s small and mediumsized firms. The East Loop is still a viable option for firms looking for space at competitive rates. There are an abundance of large blocks
available with views of Grant Park or Lake Michigan.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
For the first time since 2009, a new office tower is under construction in
downtown Chicago and two local law firms have already announced plans to
relocate to the prime Class A tower. McDermott Will has signed a lease for
225,000 square feet at the new West Loop development, called River Point.
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Goodwin Procter
2 Harbor Shore Drive
360,000 s.f.
Relocation
54
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
As in many markets across the U.S., Chicago law firms are increasingly cautious
and efficient with their space by shifting to single-sized offices, adding interior
offices and reducing their footprint by restructuring their leases or subleasing a
portion of their current space. Of the top 25 Chicago law firms, 15 have either
downsized or sublet space in the past few years. A recent example of this is the
55,000-square-foot sublease of Locke Lord’s space at 111 S Wacker Drive by
Harris Associates.
Todd & Weld
One Federal Street
25,000 s.f.
Relocation
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Choate
250,000
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
McDermott
444 W Lake Street
225,000 s.f.
Relocation
With the market for high-end, high-rise Trophy space tightening, firms seeking
such space are seeing fewer landlord concessions, while others in the market for
standard Class A and B space still have leverage. Once River Point is delivered,
though, the market for Trophy blocks is expected to loosen slightly, particularly if a
second new building commences.
Skadden
500 Boylston Street
48,000 s.f.
Relocation
38
Dentons
233 S Wacker Drive
204,705 s.f.
Relocation (in building)
Lewis Brisbois
550 W Adams Street
54,782 s.f.
Renewal w/ expansion
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Seyfarth Shaw
200,000
$1.00
Class A annual escalation
20.0%
10.0%
30.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$50.00/$30.00
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Holland & Knight
100,000
30,000
Freeborn & Peters
90,000
OUTLOOK
$50.67
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
30,000
Sherin & Lodgen
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
Pierce Atwood
4/2
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
Challenges for law firms
• Rising rents prompt large users to seek alternative spaces outside the
established submarkets of the Back Bay and the Financial District.
• Average-sized users compete with high-tech firms for spaces within the 10,000
to 30,000-square-foot range.
• Concession packages are becoming less attractive as free rent and tenant
improvement allowances are decreasing.
Opportunities for law firms
• Options exist for build-to-suit opportunity and brand new spaces throughout
the Seaport District and downtown.
• Low and mid-rise options present cost-reducing solutions to small, growing
law firms.
• Lease expirations from major corporate firms provide options on large blocks
over the next two years.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market
OUTLOOK
$36.41
2.5%
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Class A annual escalation
21.4%
5.0%
35.5%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$57.00/$28.00
9/5
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• The market for high-end, high-rise Trophy space is still tight so firms are facing
more landlord favourable conditions.
• As the number of large-block spaces decline, firms in need of 100,000 square
feet or more have fewer options.
Opportunities for law firms
• Smaller and emerging firms have more opportunities for good deals.
• Cost-saving solutions that firms are making could allow for more future growth,
which would drive greater real estate needs in the future.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market

13. Jones Lang LaSalle
12 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Boston
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 13
Chicago
Locational preference: The city’s premier law firms occupy space in the most prestigious office towers in Boston’s
Locational preference: Most of Chicago’s largest law firm tenants are located in the West Loop and Central Loop
17.6% 8.4%
17.6% 13.8%
Back Bay, Financial and Seaport Districts.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Law practices in Boston have begun to turn the corner as evidenced by the
positive employment growth over the past year. The city of Boston is experiencing
growth in the intellectual property law practice, spurred by the area’s rise in
the high-tech and life sciences fields. As a result, the Seaport District, dubbed
the Innovation District of Boston and home to a growing number of high-tech
start-ups and pharmaceutical giant Vertex, has attracted law firms from within
and outside Boston looking to maximize proximity to potential clients. The area
also presents build-to-suit opportunities as restacking current spaces has proven
costly and inefficient. For instance, Finnegan announced its move to the Seaport
in 2012 following Vertex’s move; Concord, MA-based Hamilton Brook will open a
Seaport branch looking to compete in the IP space; and Goodwin Procter signed
a build-to-suit lease to occupy 360,000 square feet at Fan Pier, downsizing from
415,000 square feet in Financial District.
Due to the rightsizing trend, however, Boston law firms are not increasing their
footprints in the same proportion to the numbers of their employees as they used
to. Advanced mobile technology, cost cutting measures and open-space work
environment are examples of factors leading to fewer square feet per employee
across law firms. Some have eliminated the needs for support roles in high-cost
spaces altogether, choosing to establish a centralized support offices elsewhere
or outsource to third-party business services companies.
28
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
33
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
submarkets and a few are in the River North. The Central Loop is also home to the largest share of the market’s small and mediumsized firms. The East Loop is still a viable option for firms looking for space at competitive rates. There are an abundance of large blocks
available with views of Grant Park or Lake Michigan.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
For the first time since 2009, a new office tower is under construction in
downtown Chicago and two local law firms have already announced plans to
relocate to the prime Class A tower. McDermott Will has signed a lease for
225,000 square feet at the new West Loop development, called River Point.
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Goodwin Procter
2 Harbor Shore Drive
360,000 s.f.
Relocation
54
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
As in many markets across the U.S., Chicago law firms are increasingly cautious
and efficient with their space by shifting to single-sized offices, adding interior
offices and reducing their footprint by restructuring their leases or subleasing a
portion of their current space. Of the top 25 Chicago law firms, 15 have either
downsized or sublet space in the past few years. A recent example of this is the
55,000-square-foot sublease of Locke Lord’s space at 111 S Wacker Drive by
Harris Associates.
Todd & Weld
One Federal Street
25,000 s.f.
Relocation
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Choate
250,000
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
McDermott
444 W Lake Street
225,000 s.f.
Relocation
With the market for high-end, high-rise Trophy space tightening, firms seeking
such space are seeing fewer landlord concessions, while others in the market for
standard Class A and B space still have leverage. Once River Point is delivered,
though, the market for Trophy blocks is expected to loosen slightly, particularly if a
second new building commences.
Skadden
500 Boylston Street
48,000 s.f.
Relocation
38
Dentons
233 S Wacker Drive
204,705 s.f.
Relocation (in building)
Lewis Brisbois
550 W Adams Street
54,782 s.f.
Renewal w/ expansion
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Seyfarth Shaw
200,000
$1.00
Class A annual escalation
20.0%
10.0%
30.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$50.00/$30.00
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Holland & Knight
100,000
30,000
Freeborn & Peters
90,000
OUTLOOK
$50.67
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
30,000
Sherin & Lodgen
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
Pierce Atwood
4/2
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
Challenges for law firms
• Rising rents prompt large users to seek alternative spaces outside the
established submarkets of the Back Bay and the Financial District.
• Average-sized users compete with high-tech firms for spaces within the 10,000
to 30,000-square-foot range.
• Concession packages are becoming less attractive as free rent and tenant
improvement allowances are decreasing.
Opportunities for law firms
• Options exist for build-to-suit opportunity and brand new spaces throughout
the Seaport District and downtown.
• Low and mid-rise options present cost-reducing solutions to small, growing
law firms.
• Lease expirations from major corporate firms provide options on large blocks
over the next two years.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market
OUTLOOK
$36.41
2.5%
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Class A annual escalation
21.4%
5.0%
35.5%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$57.00/$28.00
9/5
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• The market for high-end, high-rise Trophy space is still tight so firms are facing
more landlord favourable conditions.
• As the number of large-block spaces decline, firms in need of 100,000 square
feet or more have fewer options.
Opportunities for law firms
• Smaller and emerging firms have more opportunities for good deals.
• Cost-saving solutions that firms are making could allow for more future growth,
which would drive greater real estate needs in the future.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market

14. Jones Lang LaSalle
14 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Dallas
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 15
Houston
Locational preference: The majority of law firms (78.0 percent) are located within the downtown area (the Dallas CBD
Locational preference: Houston law firms are found mostly in the CBD submarket. They are concentrated in Class A
16.4% 4.9%
16.0% 2.2%
& Uptown), with the next largest concentrations in Central Expressway, LBJ and Far North Dallas. The larger law firms are concentrated
in the AA and Trophy properties of the Dallas CBD and Uptown. Their movement will parallel any new, high-end development delivered in
these submarkets. Both the CBD’s and Uptown’s latest spec developments are significantly occupied by law firms.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Tight market conditions are beginning to drive the latest office construction
cycle in Dallas’ Downtown. While law firms alone do not typically kick-off new
construction, they are significant tenants in AA and Trophy assets in the CBD and
Uptown areas. Timing looks optimum for new construction because a great deal
of churn is taking shape as leases expire at a number of major law firms over the
next four years.
This pattern occurred in the last cycle when Thompson & Knight (One Arts Plaza),
Koons Fuller (Park Seventeen) and Patton Boggs (2000 McKinney) all took
substantial blocks in the newest offerings. Halls’ Arts District project will be the
next office building to break ground. Although KPMG is the lead tenant, Jackson
Walker has a deal in the works for up to a 100,000-square-foot block.
Effective rents on these new projects are significantly higher (typically about 30.0
percent) than average existing Class A rates. To balance these costs, law firms
are optimizing their space. Some large firms with leases expiring near-term are
reducing their requirements by 40.0 percent. A few regional-scale firms, however,
have bucked the higher rents, opting for more economical, existing downtown
Class A space.
27
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
20
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
buildings with some of the most expensive rental rates in the city. Because of the lack of vacancy downtown, if law firms were to move they
would consider moving to Midtown, Greenway Plaza and Galleria submarkets into new and proposed buildings with high-end finishes.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
The Houston office market continues to grow, largely in part due to the impact of
the strength of the energy sector on the local economy. For this reason, tenants,
especially energy-related law firms, are drawn to Houston, making space options
scarcer. In the CBD, the vacancy rate for Class A space is currently at 9.2
percent, supporting evidence for the reality that large blocks are tough to piece
together. As a result of this, when looking at law firm activity, most firms have
been forced to renew their leases rather than relocate to new space. Similarly,
even in renewal negotiations, landlords currently have the upper hand in the
market and are able to increase asking rates across the board. Expect this to be
the case for the next several quarters until the market supply can meet the needs
of high-end tenants.
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Hartline Dacus
6688 N Central Expressway
36,603 s.f.
Renewal
Jim Adler & Associates
2711 N Haskell Avenue
28,162 s.f.
Relocation
In addition to the above mid-sized deals that closed in 2013, several
high-profile law firm leases were completed in the latter part of 2012
including leases by Jones Day and Akin Gump for 133,187 s.f. and
104,277 s.f., respectively, as well as mid-sized leases finalized by
Munsch Hardt (78,524 s.f.) Baron Budd (47,077 s.f.).
27
45
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
BakerHostetler
811 Main Street
75,737 s.f.
Relocation
Linn Thurber
3555 Timmons Lane
30,637 s.f.
Renewal
Strasburger
909 Fannin
28,226 s.f.
Expansion
While options for Class A space downtown are very limited, there are a number of
proposed buildings and new projects that could potentially draw some of the law
firms away from the CBD. These include BLVD Place in The Galleria, Kirby Grove
in Greenway Plaza and CityCentre Five in The Energy Corridor.
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Locke Lord
160,000
Gardere
Gardere
110,000
Akin Gump
75,000
80,000
FosterQuan
21,572
Jackson Walker
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
OUTLOOK
$24.31
2.5%
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Class A annual escalation
30.0%
12.0%
40.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$45.00/$10.00
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
12/6
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
• The market has shifted from strongly tenant-favourable to neutral of late;
effective rates are rising, especially in Uptown.
• Limited new construction over the next couple years will force law firms
with near-term lease expirations to renew in place or consider secondgeneration space.
• Financing constraints for new development limits construction levels below
historic norm.
Opportunities for law firms
• Full floor tenants or smaller continue to have a plethora of options.
• One or two new construction projects may begin construction (could deliver in
the next 24 to 30 months).
• Increase in institutional ownership in CBD makes existing properties more
attractive to law firms.
2013
OUTLOOK
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
Challenges for law firms
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market
$39.20
$0.50
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
100,000
Class A annual escalation
5.0%
4.0%
20.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$50.00/$35.00
4/2
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• CBD vacancy is currently very low, making it difficult to expand or relocate to
large blocks in Class A buildings.
• With limited availability, rents will continue to increase, especially in A+ buildings.
• Firms must be willing to commit to longer leases than they may desire in order to
gain a more competitive rent on space.
Opportunities for law firms
• West Houston development remains strong, offering an alternative to the
inner-loop locations and access to a growing number of energy firms in
that area.
• With development of the Grand Parkway, future projects are being proposed
farther outside of CBD, which could mean a cheaper cost for firms looking to
move outward.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market

15. Jones Lang LaSalle
14 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Dallas
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 15
Houston
Locational preference: The majority of law firms (78.0 percent) are located within the downtown area (the Dallas CBD
Locational preference: Houston law firms are found mostly in the CBD submarket. They are concentrated in Class A
16.4% 4.9%
16.0% 2.2%
& Uptown), with the next largest concentrations in Central Expressway, LBJ and Far North Dallas. The larger law firms are concentrated
in the AA and Trophy properties of the Dallas CBD and Uptown. Their movement will parallel any new, high-end development delivered in
these submarkets. Both the CBD’s and Uptown’s latest spec developments are significantly occupied by law firms.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Tight market conditions are beginning to drive the latest office construction
cycle in Dallas’ Downtown. While law firms alone do not typically kick-off new
construction, they are significant tenants in AA and Trophy assets in the CBD and
Uptown areas. Timing looks optimum for new construction because a great deal
of churn is taking shape as leases expire at a number of major law firms over the
next four years.
This pattern occurred in the last cycle when Thompson & Knight (One Arts Plaza),
Koons Fuller (Park Seventeen) and Patton Boggs (2000 McKinney) all took
substantial blocks in the newest offerings. Halls’ Arts District project will be the
next office building to break ground. Although KPMG is the lead tenant, Jackson
Walker has a deal in the works for up to a 100,000-square-foot block.
Effective rents on these new projects are significantly higher (typically about 30.0
percent) than average existing Class A rates. To balance these costs, law firms
are optimizing their space. Some large firms with leases expiring near-term are
reducing their requirements by 40.0 percent. A few regional-scale firms, however,
have bucked the higher rents, opting for more economical, existing downtown
Class A space.
27
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
20
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
buildings with some of the most expensive rental rates in the city. Because of the lack of vacancy downtown, if law firms were to move they
would consider moving to Midtown, Greenway Plaza and Galleria submarkets into new and proposed buildings with high-end finishes.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
The Houston office market continues to grow, largely in part due to the impact of
the strength of the energy sector on the local economy. For this reason, tenants,
especially energy-related law firms, are drawn to Houston, making space options
scarcer. In the CBD, the vacancy rate for Class A space is currently at 9.2
percent, supporting evidence for the reality that large blocks are tough to piece
together. As a result of this, when looking at law firm activity, most firms have
been forced to renew their leases rather than relocate to new space. Similarly,
even in renewal negotiations, landlords currently have the upper hand in the
market and are able to increase asking rates across the board. Expect this to be
the case for the next several quarters until the market supply can meet the needs
of high-end tenants.
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Hartline Dacus
6688 N Central Expressway
36,603 s.f.
Renewal
Jim Adler & Associates
2711 N Haskell Avenue
28,162 s.f.
Relocation
In addition to the above mid-sized deals that closed in 2013, several
high-profile law firm leases were completed in the latter part of 2012
including leases by Jones Day and Akin Gump for 133,187 s.f. and
104,277 s.f., respectively, as well as mid-sized leases finalized by
Munsch Hardt (78,524 s.f.) Baron Budd (47,077 s.f.).
27
45
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
BakerHostetler
811 Main Street
75,737 s.f.
Relocation
Linn Thurber
3555 Timmons Lane
30,637 s.f.
Renewal
Strasburger
909 Fannin
28,226 s.f.
Expansion
While options for Class A space downtown are very limited, there are a number of
proposed buildings and new projects that could potentially draw some of the law
firms away from the CBD. These include BLVD Place in The Galleria, Kirby Grove
in Greenway Plaza and CityCentre Five in The Energy Corridor.
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Locke Lord
160,000
Gardere
Gardere
110,000
Akin Gump
75,000
80,000
FosterQuan
21,572
Jackson Walker
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
OUTLOOK
$24.31
2.5%
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Class A annual escalation
30.0%
12.0%
40.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$45.00/$10.00
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
12/6
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
• The market has shifted from strongly tenant-favourable to neutral of late;
effective rates are rising, especially in Uptown.
• Limited new construction over the next couple years will force law firms
with near-term lease expirations to renew in place or consider secondgeneration space.
• Financing constraints for new development limits construction levels below
historic norm.
Opportunities for law firms
• Full floor tenants or smaller continue to have a plethora of options.
• One or two new construction projects may begin construction (could deliver in
the next 24 to 30 months).
• Increase in institutional ownership in CBD makes existing properties more
attractive to law firms.
2013
OUTLOOK
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
Challenges for law firms
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market
$39.20
$0.50
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
100,000
Class A annual escalation
5.0%
4.0%
20.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$50.00/$35.00
4/2
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• CBD vacancy is currently very low, making it difficult to expand or relocate to
large blocks in Class A buildings.
• With limited availability, rents will continue to increase, especially in A+ buildings.
• Firms must be willing to commit to longer leases than they may desire in order to
gain a more competitive rent on space.
Opportunities for law firms
• West Houston development remains strong, offering an alternative to the
inner-loop locations and access to a growing number of energy firms in
that area.
• With development of the Grand Parkway, future projects are being proposed
farther outside of CBD, which could mean a cheaper cost for firms looking to
move outward.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market

16. Jones Lang LaSalle
16 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Los Angeles
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 17
Miami
Locational preference: Los Angeles law firms are concentrated in the Downtown CBD near the courthouses.
Locational preference: Miami’s CBD is comprised of two submarkets, Brickell and Downtown. The majority (57.3
21.9% 21.0%
21.0% 19.5%
Specialized practice groups catering to entertainment and media companies are located close to their clients on the Westside in the
Century City submarket. Moving ahead, some law firm tenants will elect to be closer to tech and entertainment clients and thus will migrate
to more non-traditional low rises in Santa Monica and Playa Vista.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
We continue to see Los Angeles law firms playing musical chairs with a market
driven by cost-saving opportunities. Los Angeles remains a tenant-favourable
market and owners have been offering generous rents and concessions to attract
larger tenants. Blank and Rome relocated within Century City from Watt Plaza to
the Century Park Towers. Additionally, CohnReznick consolidated their Westside
operations, combining their Brentwood and Century City offices and moving into
the Towers.
41
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
Bowman and Brooke
970 West 190th Street
36,703 s.f.
Relocation
Blank Rome
2029 Century Park East
25,723 s.f.
Relocation
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
250,000
Nixon Peabody
4.0%
Class A annual escalation
4.4%
20.5%
37.3%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$55.00/$37.00
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
50,000
OUTLOOK
$41.99
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
75,000
White & Case
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
10/10
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
National law firms establishing a Miami foothold are strengthening and
underscored by new-to-market users and acquisitions/mergers/new law firm
formations. What is different is the relatively high ratio and swelling presence of
AmLaw 200 firms. A variety of demand factors is at play fueled by the significant
and rewarding opportunity for capturing international business, especially from
Latin America.
• CBD Class A ownership consolidation is leading to sizable market share likely to
lead to high rents.
• Increasing residential rents in the CBD are making it more expensive for new
associates to locate close to work.
• CBD and Century City parking remain some of the most expensive in the Los
Angeles market.
Opportunities for law firms
• Large near-term Westside lease expiration creating short-term leverage for
law firms looking at early renewals.
• Concession packages have increased to all-time highs.
• Robust media and entertainment sector performance, coupled with new
technology entrants from Silicon Valley, are creating opportunities for
specialized practice groups.
2014
2015
2016
2017
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market
$40.46
3.0%
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
20
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Fowler White Burnett
1395 Brickell Avenue
30,000 s.f.
Renewal with contraction
Weil
1395 Brickell Avenue
24,000 s.f.
Renewal
Gunster
600 Brickell Avenue
21,000 s.f.
Relocation
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Shutts & Bowen
80,000
White & Case
60,000
GrayRobinson
35,000
OUTLOOK
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
Challenges for law firms
2013
6
Size still matters and tenant-favourable conditions persist for the crème of the
crop users who can choose premium space from new construction as well
as second-generation options. Downsizing of office space needs does not
necessarily mean downsizing of staff. Rightsizing or efficiencies due to space
design and rapidly changing technology have allowed more space for more
employees. Most core and new business law practice areas here are either stable
or growing.
Barnes & Thornburg
2049 Century Park E
25,273 s.f.
Relocation
Sidley Austin
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Over the last two years, mega deals (40,000 square feet plus) throughout Miami
reveal a diversified office base with the majority of companies preferring suburban
settings. Among the largest law firms, however, the urban core remains the
location of choice as the CBD captured all of the leases within this size category.
Florida’s top five law firms each have a CBD Trophy address. Congregating
among like users, all but one of this year’s top law firm transactions were either
CBD renewals or relocations from within the CBD.
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
We also witnessed a few new entrants to the Los Angeles market. Barnes and
Thornburg signed a new lease at 2049 Century Park East. The firm has been
adding headcount nationwide and chose to expand its presence in Southern
California by opening an office in Century City at 2049 Century Park East.
Philadelphia-based Pepper Hamilton also opened a new office in the Los Angeles
CBD at 350 S Grand Avenue.
The Century City and Downtown Los Angeles markets have high vacancy and a
large number of available blocks of space. Changing ownership partners in both
markets will infuse cash to fund improvements as well renewed competition for
top-tier tenants in the market.
69
percent of Class A law firm users) occupy space within the Downtown sector of the urban core. Law firm requirements presently comprise
over 420,000 square feet throughout Miami. Of this, nearly 384,000 square feet or 90.0 percent are designated for the CBD.
Class A annual escalation
10.0%
4.5%
25.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$55.00/$55.00
7/7
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• Contiguous Trophy space with prime views is limited.
• Concessions continue to whittle down for both new and renewal activity.
Opportunities for law firms
• While pricing is shifting, overall levels remain favourable and are on par with
rents nearly seven years ago.
• Tenant improvement allowance offers, particularly for the newest buildings,
remain high, compared to historic norms.
• New assets/upgrades from existing product offer greater efficiencies,
upgraded finishes and increased amenities.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market

17. Jones Lang LaSalle
16 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
Los Angeles
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 17
Miami
Locational preference: Los Angeles law firms are concentrated in the Downtown CBD near the courthouses.
Locational preference: Miami’s CBD is comprised of two submarkets, Brickell and Downtown. The majority (57.3
21.9% 21.0%
21.0% 19.5%
Specialized practice groups catering to entertainment and media companies are located close to their clients on the Westside in the
Century City submarket. Moving ahead, some law firm tenants will elect to be closer to tech and entertainment clients and thus will migrate
to more non-traditional low rises in Santa Monica and Playa Vista.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
We continue to see Los Angeles law firms playing musical chairs with a market
driven by cost-saving opportunities. Los Angeles remains a tenant-favourable
market and owners have been offering generous rents and concessions to attract
larger tenants. Blank and Rome relocated within Century City from Watt Plaza to
the Century Park Towers. Additionally, CohnReznick consolidated their Westside
operations, combining their Brentwood and Century City offices and moving into
the Towers.
41
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
Bowman and Brooke
970 West 190th Street
36,703 s.f.
Relocation
Blank Rome
2029 Century Park East
25,723 s.f.
Relocation
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
250,000
Nixon Peabody
4.0%
Class A annual escalation
4.4%
20.5%
37.3%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$55.00/$37.00
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
50,000
OUTLOOK
$41.99
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
75,000
White & Case
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
10/10
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
National law firms establishing a Miami foothold are strengthening and
underscored by new-to-market users and acquisitions/mergers/new law firm
formations. What is different is the relatively high ratio and swelling presence of
AmLaw 200 firms. A variety of demand factors is at play fueled by the significant
and rewarding opportunity for capturing international business, especially from
Latin America.
• CBD Class A ownership consolidation is leading to sizable market share likely to
lead to high rents.
• Increasing residential rents in the CBD are making it more expensive for new
associates to locate close to work.
• CBD and Century City parking remain some of the most expensive in the Los
Angeles market.
Opportunities for law firms
• Large near-term Westside lease expiration creating short-term leverage for
law firms looking at early renewals.
• Concession packages have increased to all-time highs.
• Robust media and entertainment sector performance, coupled with new
technology entrants from Silicon Valley, are creating opportunities for
specialized practice groups.
2014
2015
2016
2017
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market
$40.46
3.0%
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
20
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Fowler White Burnett
1395 Brickell Avenue
30,000 s.f.
Renewal with contraction
Weil
1395 Brickell Avenue
24,000 s.f.
Renewal
Gunster
600 Brickell Avenue
21,000 s.f.
Relocation
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Shutts & Bowen
80,000
White & Case
60,000
GrayRobinson
35,000
OUTLOOK
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
Challenges for law firms
2013
6
Size still matters and tenant-favourable conditions persist for the crème of the
crop users who can choose premium space from new construction as well
as second-generation options. Downsizing of office space needs does not
necessarily mean downsizing of staff. Rightsizing or efficiencies due to space
design and rapidly changing technology have allowed more space for more
employees. Most core and new business law practice areas here are either stable
or growing.
Barnes & Thornburg
2049 Century Park E
25,273 s.f.
Relocation
Sidley Austin
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Over the last two years, mega deals (40,000 square feet plus) throughout Miami
reveal a diversified office base with the majority of companies preferring suburban
settings. Among the largest law firms, however, the urban core remains the
location of choice as the CBD captured all of the leases within this size category.
Florida’s top five law firms each have a CBD Trophy address. Congregating
among like users, all but one of this year’s top law firm transactions were either
CBD renewals or relocations from within the CBD.
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
We also witnessed a few new entrants to the Los Angeles market. Barnes and
Thornburg signed a new lease at 2049 Century Park East. The firm has been
adding headcount nationwide and chose to expand its presence in Southern
California by opening an office in Century City at 2049 Century Park East.
Philadelphia-based Pepper Hamilton also opened a new office in the Los Angeles
CBD at 350 S Grand Avenue.
The Century City and Downtown Los Angeles markets have high vacancy and a
large number of available blocks of space. Changing ownership partners in both
markets will infuse cash to fund improvements as well renewed competition for
top-tier tenants in the market.
69
percent of Class A law firm users) occupy space within the Downtown sector of the urban core. Law firm requirements presently comprise
over 420,000 square feet throughout Miami. Of this, nearly 384,000 square feet or 90.0 percent are designated for the CBD.
Class A annual escalation
10.0%
4.5%
25.0%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$55.00/$55.00
7/7
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• Contiguous Trophy space with prime views is limited.
• Concessions continue to whittle down for both new and renewal activity.
Opportunities for law firms
• While pricing is shifting, overall levels remain favourable and are on par with
rents nearly seven years ago.
• Tenant improvement allowance offers, particularly for the newest buildings,
remain high, compared to historic norms.
• New assets/upgrades from existing product offer greater efficiencies,
upgraded finishes and increased amenities.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market

18. Jones Lang LaSalle
18 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
New York
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 19
Philadelphia
Locational preference: Firms gravitate to newer Trophy/A buildings within the Columbus Circle, Grand Central, Plaza
Locational preference: The majority of Philadelphia’s law firms are located in the CBD’s Market Street West submarket.
11.4% 12.5%
20.2% 8.7%
District and Times Square in Midtown and the Financial District Downtown. Though large blocks of Class A space are becoming available
Downtown at a significant discount to comparable Midtown space, most firms have remained in the Grand Central and Plaza Districts. The
westward migration appears to have slowed down, until large blocks of Class A space in the under-construction Hudson Yards begin to hit
the market in 2015 and beyond.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Stagnant employment growth in legal services, increased consolidation and
improving space efficiencies, have resulted in overall negative absorption for the
industry. In June, the New York-based law firm Weil Gotshal announced that it
would eliminate 60 salaried attorneys and 110 staff as the result of diminished
demand for high-end legal services. The firm is just one of the many that have
announced either layoffs or scaled-back recruiting efforts.
125
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
1.6%
Class A annual escalation
15.0%
13.4%
20.1%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$56.00/$27.00
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
7/4
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Following the highest volume of large law firm transactions in more than 15 years
in 2012, renewals by Pepper Hamilton and Drinker Biddle in the first half of 2013
finalized near-term, large firm rollover, shifting demand to mid-sized firms in the
Philadelphia CBD. Amidst no available Trophy blocks larger than 100,000 square
feet and rents 25.0 percent below replacement cost rents, both firms opted to
renew: Pepper Hamilton renewed in place and Drinker Biddle will reduce its
footprint by 25.0 percent. While law firms continue to look at increasing space
efficiency, less than 20.0 percent of transactions entailed rightsizing—a cross
sector shift exhibited in 2013 deal flow thus far.
Simpson Thacher
425 Lexington Avenue
595,799 s.f.
Renewal
Patterson Belknap
1133 Avenue of the Americas
198,000 s.f.
Renewal
Baker Botts
30 Rockefeller Plaza
104,161 s.f.
Renewal
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
While alternatives exist across desirable Trophy and Class A assets, growing
competition from mid-sized legal and financial services tenants will drive the
decline of quality blocks, a catalyst for decreased tenant leverage and future
Market Street West rent growth. Pond LeHocky, Hangley Aronchick and Weber
Gallagher—all between 30,000 and 60,000 square feet—are currently in the
market for space. These users additionally face competition from new users to
the market: Law firms Gordon & Rees and Carroll McNulty secured new offices
between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet at Trophy assets.
23
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
16
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Pepper Hamilton
Two Logan Square
268,000 s.f.
Renewal
Drinker Biddle
One Logan Square
155,000 s.f.
Renewal with contraction
Akin Gump
Two Commerce Square
18,000 s.f.
Renewal with expansion
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Weil Gotshal
500,000
Pond LeHocky
60,000
Jones Day
400,000
Hangley Aronchick
40,000
White & Case
400,000
Weber Gallagher
33,000
OUTLOOK
$74.26
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
As in the past, many law firms are opting to stay in place to avert significant
relocation costs. Equally important, landlords have been reluctant to risk downtime and re-tenanting expenditures in a flat market. Simpson Thacher renewed
for nearly 600,000 square feet at 425 Lexington Avenue in the largest law firm
lease of the year. Of the top four law firm lease transactions year-to-date, all
were renewals. When firms haves chosen to move in recent years, many have
migrated to the west side of Midtown—for more efficient, large block availabilities
in new construction—and in some cases downtown for higher-quality space at a
discount to comparable spaces in Midtown.
Over the next year, mergers and acquisitions could further erode the industry’s
total footprint. Growth—where it exists—has been in small to medium-sized
firms, non-New York-based firms and those specializing in the legal needs of
technology and media companies. These law firms have different space needs
than Manhattan’s more traditional firms with many opting for value spaces in less
conventional buildings or locations outside Midtown’s Trophy inventory.
96
This location provides easy access to abundant amenities and immediate proximity to the city’s concentration of professional services
companies. Despite upward rental pressure at Trophy product and limited availability of contiguous blocks, Market Street West will remain
the core location for law firms.
Challenges for law firms
• Value options will become limited as demand from other industries, including
technology and media, increases.
• Rents in top-tier Trophy buildings have increased as demand from hedge funds,
private equity and wealth management expands.
• Limited new construction on the east side of Midtown could force some firms to
move outside of traditional submarkets.
Opportunities for law firms
• Landlords are eager to avoid the risk of down-time and cost of re-tenanting in
a flat market.
• New construction in the Far West Side and Downtown will increase
viable options.
• The potential rezoning of the area surrounding Grand Central Terminal
and Park Avenue would provide for new development in a law firmconcentrated submarket.
2013
OUTLOOK
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market
$27.43
$0.50
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Class A annual escalation
20.3%
10.0%
11.4%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$40.00/$25.00
6/4
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• Stabilized Trophy and Class A landlords are pushing rents for quality
availabilities.
• Competition is growing for mid-sized quality blocks of space, between 25,000
and 50,000 square feet.
• Inbound demand is spurring increased competition for space.
Opportunities for law firms
• Pending large tenant leasing decisions could increase Trophy availability,
softening concessions in the short term.
• Repositioned Class A assets will bring new alternatives to market.
• Availabilities for small-sized law firms, less than 10,000 square feet,
remain abundant.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market

19. Jones Lang LaSalle
18 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
New York
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 19
Philadelphia
Locational preference: Firms gravitate to newer Trophy/A buildings within the Columbus Circle, Grand Central, Plaza
Locational preference: The majority of Philadelphia’s law firms are located in the CBD’s Market Street West submarket.
11.4% 12.5%
20.2% 8.7%
District and Times Square in Midtown and the Financial District Downtown. Though large blocks of Class A space are becoming available
Downtown at a significant discount to comparable Midtown space, most firms have remained in the Grand Central and Plaza Districts. The
westward migration appears to have slowed down, until large blocks of Class A space in the under-construction Hudson Yards begin to hit
the market in 2015 and beyond.
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Stagnant employment growth in legal services, increased consolidation and
improving space efficiencies, have resulted in overall negative absorption for the
industry. In June, the New York-based law firm Weil Gotshal announced that it
would eliminate 60 salaried attorneys and 110 staff as the result of diminished
demand for high-end legal services. The firm is just one of the many that have
announced either layoffs or scaled-back recruiting efforts.
125
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
1.6%
Class A annual escalation
15.0%
13.4%
20.1%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$56.00/$27.00
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
7/4
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Following the highest volume of large law firm transactions in more than 15 years
in 2012, renewals by Pepper Hamilton and Drinker Biddle in the first half of 2013
finalized near-term, large firm rollover, shifting demand to mid-sized firms in the
Philadelphia CBD. Amidst no available Trophy blocks larger than 100,000 square
feet and rents 25.0 percent below replacement cost rents, both firms opted to
renew: Pepper Hamilton renewed in place and Drinker Biddle will reduce its
footprint by 25.0 percent. While law firms continue to look at increasing space
efficiency, less than 20.0 percent of transactions entailed rightsizing—a cross
sector shift exhibited in 2013 deal flow thus far.
Simpson Thacher
425 Lexington Avenue
595,799 s.f.
Renewal
Patterson Belknap
1133 Avenue of the Americas
198,000 s.f.
Renewal
Baker Botts
30 Rockefeller Plaza
104,161 s.f.
Renewal
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
While alternatives exist across desirable Trophy and Class A assets, growing
competition from mid-sized legal and financial services tenants will drive the
decline of quality blocks, a catalyst for decreased tenant leverage and future
Market Street West rent growth. Pond LeHocky, Hangley Aronchick and Weber
Gallagher—all between 30,000 and 60,000 square feet—are currently in the
market for space. These users additionally face competition from new users to
the market: Law firms Gordon & Rees and Carroll McNulty secured new offices
between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet at Trophy assets.
23
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
16
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Pepper Hamilton
Two Logan Square
268,000 s.f.
Renewal
Drinker Biddle
One Logan Square
155,000 s.f.
Renewal with contraction
Akin Gump
Two Commerce Square
18,000 s.f.
Renewal with expansion
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Weil Gotshal
500,000
Pond LeHocky
60,000
Jones Day
400,000
Hangley Aronchick
40,000
White & Case
400,000
Weber Gallagher
33,000
OUTLOOK
$74.26
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
As in the past, many law firms are opting to stay in place to avert significant
relocation costs. Equally important, landlords have been reluctant to risk downtime and re-tenanting expenditures in a flat market. Simpson Thacher renewed
for nearly 600,000 square feet at 425 Lexington Avenue in the largest law firm
lease of the year. Of the top four law firm lease transactions year-to-date, all
were renewals. When firms haves chosen to move in recent years, many have
migrated to the west side of Midtown—for more efficient, large block availabilities
in new construction—and in some cases downtown for higher-quality space at a
discount to comparable spaces in Midtown.
Over the next year, mergers and acquisitions could further erode the industry’s
total footprint. Growth—where it exists—has been in small to medium-sized
firms, non-New York-based firms and those specializing in the legal needs of
technology and media companies. These law firms have different space needs
than Manhattan’s more traditional firms with many opting for value spaces in less
conventional buildings or locations outside Midtown’s Trophy inventory.
96
This location provides easy access to abundant amenities and immediate proximity to the city’s concentration of professional services
companies. Despite upward rental pressure at Trophy product and limited availability of contiguous blocks, Market Street West will remain
the core location for law firms.
Challenges for law firms
• Value options will become limited as demand from other industries, including
technology and media, increases.
• Rents in top-tier Trophy buildings have increased as demand from hedge funds,
private equity and wealth management expands.
• Limited new construction on the east side of Midtown could force some firms to
move outside of traditional submarkets.
Opportunities for law firms
• Landlords are eager to avoid the risk of down-time and cost of re-tenanting in
a flat market.
• New construction in the Far West Side and Downtown will increase
viable options.
• The potential rezoning of the area surrounding Grand Central Terminal
and Park Avenue would provide for new development in a law firmconcentrated submarket.
2013
OUTLOOK
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market
$27.43
$0.50
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Class A annual escalation
20.3%
10.0%
11.4%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$40.00/$25.00
6/4
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• Stabilized Trophy and Class A landlords are pushing rents for quality
availabilities.
• Competition is growing for mid-sized quality blocks of space, between 25,000
and 50,000 square feet.
• Inbound demand is spurring increased competition for space.
Opportunities for law firms
• Pending large tenant leasing decisions could increase Trophy availability,
softening concessions in the short term.
• Repositioned Class A assets will bring new alternatives to market.
• Availabilities for small-sized law firms, less than 10,000 square feet,
remain abundant.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market

20. Jones Lang LaSalle
20 Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013
San Francisco
Jones Lang LaSalle
Law Firm Perspective • Global • 2013 21
Washington, DC
Locational preference: The vast majority of law firms prefer to office in high-profile buildings concentrated in or
bordering the North Financial District, where there is a large concentration of premium Class A office product. Firms, especially within the
AmLaw 100, also prefer to be located on higher floors with quality view space.
6.9%
7.7%
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Activity among law firms has been greatly subdued over the past year,
conceivably one of the most stagnant periods in the last decade, as the legal
industry still recovers from declines experienced during the recession. Firms that
have managed to succeed, however, are those with strong ties to the thriving
technology industry and start-up community, such as Fenwick & West, Wilson
Sonsini, and Cooley. These firms, as well as other law firms that have remained
competitive, are some of the few maintaining their current footprints or expanding.
19
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
Washington, DC. New developments with efficient floorplates are also attractive to law firms. Given few large existing quality blocks of
space in the core, many AmLaw 100 firms are considering future developments with several of these options located in fringe locations of
the CBD and East End, increasingly the northern part of the CBD or the emerging Mount Vernon Triangle segment of the East End.
45.0% 4.4%
Percent of law firms comprising
active tenants in the market
Percent of Class A market
occupied by law firms
Washington, DC is one of the top global law markets, containing the second
highest number of lawyers in the country following New York. AmLaw 100 law
firms located within the District of Columbia recorded profit growth of 4.6 percent
year-over-year, primarily a reflection of firms’ ability to cut costs. In recent years,
some Washington, DC law firms have seen top-line revenues stagnate or decline
as fee compression has intensified. As a result, many law firms maintained
profit margins by becoming operationally leaner, trimming overhead and shifting
administrative functions to lower cost markets. In 2013, Pillsbury, Patton Boggs
and K&L Gates were three firms that moved forward with plans to cut local
payrolls and trim their downtown Washington, DC real estate holdings.
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Gordon & Rees
275 Battery Street
50,195 s.f.
Renewal
McKenna Long & Aldridge
1 Market Plaza, Spear Tower
42,288 s.f.
Sublease
While law firms still experience moderate leverage in the market due to a
significant amount of new supply coming online, the landlord community remains
bullish as a result of the flourishing technology industry. Though, despite a slight
rent premium for new construction, the capital expenditure involved in relocation
is a bitter pill many law firms are unwilling to swallow.
Although the shifting landscape of the market presents its own challenges, law
firms in San Francisco strive to enhance the quality and culture of their firms
through creating more efficient, collaborative and welcoming office space as they
look out over the next 10 to 20 years.
44
Locational preference: The majority of law firms are located in the CBD, East End and Capitol Hill submarkets of
91
Number of law firms occupying
greater than 50,000 s.f.
Number of AmLaw 100 firms with
offices locally
2013 LAW FIRM COMPLETED TRANSACTIONS
Arnold & Porter
601 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
375,000 s.f.
Relocation
Sidley Austin
1501 K Street, NW
289,000 s.f.
Renewal
The next wave of large law firm lease expirations is not set to occur for another
few years, as over 4.0 million square feet of leases are set to expire over a
24-month period between 2016 and 2017. Large firms such as Hogan Lovells,
Venable, Finnegan Henderson, Morgan Lewis and Steptoe & Johnson are
expected to enter the market well ahead of their lease expirations in those years,
evaluating both existing options and potential new developments.
Allen Matkins
3 Embarcadero Center
39,825 s.f.
Renewal
95
Pillsbury
1200 17th Street, NW
108,000 s.f.
Relocation
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
ACTIVE LAW FIRM REQUIREMENTS IN THE MARKET (s.f.)
Cooley
Steptoe & Johnson
150,000
260,000
Coblentz Patch Duffy
3.0%
Class A annual escalation
23.8%
5.0%
30.1%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$48.00/$25.00
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
80,000
60,000
Proskauer
75,000
OUTLOOK
$57.63
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Reed Smith
Fenwick & West
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
85,000
4/2
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
PRICING AND INCENTIVE AVERAGES
Challenges for law firms
• Law firms will continue to compete with high-growth technology tenants for large
blocks of space.
• With several large lease expirations coming over the next two to three years,
tenants will have to weigh their options as rents continue to rise.
• New supply slated to hit the market may prove cost-prohibitive for smaller firms.
• A surge of new development delivering to the market this year will bring
welcome relief to an otherwise supply-constrained market.
• As tech tenants compete over the hotly contested South of Market and South
Financial District submarkets, large blocks of space remain available in the
North Financial District.
2014
2015
$59.50
2.3%
Class A asking rent ($ p.s.f)
Class A annual escalation
24.8%
Opportunities for law firms
2013
OUTLOOK
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market
5.0%
32.2%
Premium for
Trophy space*
Discount for
negotiated rent*
Discount for
sublease space*
*rent difference from Class A average
$95.00/$70.00
10/5
TI allowance ($ p.s.f.)**
Free rent (months)**
**averages on 10-year new/renewal transactions
Challenges for law firms
• Quality existing blocks of space are dwindling and the under construction
pipeline is 75.0 percent preleased.
• Prime locations for new developments are largely unavailable, so relocations to
new construction may require being located farther off-Metro in a fringe location.
• Potential for rent increases exists once the current oversupply in the market
is reduced.
Opportunities for law firms
• Competition in the marketplace is low given a finite number of near-term lease
expirations and limited organic growth in the broader market.
• Concession packages remain at all-time highs and generous free rent
and tenant improvement allowances have driven net effective rents down
approximately 8.0 percent from their 2008 peak.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Tenant-favourable market
Neutral market
Landlord-favourable market