CHICAGO (August 8, 2024) – Savills led the market search and negotiations that resulted in the long-term renewal and expansion of Am Law 100 firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP. The national firm will expand its footprint by 30% at One North Wacker to 96,000 square feet and will occupy floors 42 through 45 in the Irvine Company’s trophy tower. The entire process was managed by Savills Vice Chairmen John Goodman and Eric Feinberg and Managing Directors Brandon Nasatir and Isabel (Preskill) Schwartz.

“Barnes & Thornburg has grown its practice organically, and Chicago is now the firm’s second-largest office following its Indianapolis office,” said Goodman. “The decision to remain at One North Wacker, where the firm has resided for over 20 years, was supported by the ability to expand contiguously and leverage existing quality-built conditions. The expansion will accommodate significant growth among attorneys and business professionals and offer a new amenity and conferencing center within the firm’s premises. The high quality of the building combined with its stable ownership, stellar views, and unparalleled location makes this an exceptional home for Barnes & Thornburg to continue to grow its robust practice.”

“Law firms continue to be a bright spot in Chicago, with the legal sector accounting for nearly 20% of all new leases in the downtown office market,” added Nasatir. “Barnes & Thornburg is unique in being the only firm over 75,000 square feet to grow in downtown Chicago in the last 24 months. This lease represents the largest law firm transaction in the market thus far this year. Barnes & Thornburg has a strong culture, and this expansion highlights their commitment to the office and belief in the importance of in-person collaboration.”

“We have sustained organic growth since the Chicago office opened its doors over 30 years ago, with a current attorney headcount of 135,” said Michael A. Carrillo, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office. “During that time, we have remained committed to attracting new talent and offering a convivial space for our clients, community partners, attorneys, and business professionals. One North Wacker has allowed us to do just that, and we look forward to the offerings our latest expansion will provide.”

“Expanding our office locations is not just about growing our physical presence; it is about extending our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and providing exceptional legal service,” added Andrew J. Detherage, firm managing partner. “Each new location and office expansion represents a strategic step toward achieving our long-term vision and creating additional opportunities to serve our clients and communities.”

Ideally situated on the corner of Wacker Drive and Madison Street, One North Wacker contains over 1,400,000 square feet of Class A office space. The building is a short walk to public transportation and train stations and amenities include a meeting and events center, fitness facility, and food and beverage options.

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit online at www.btlaw.com.