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Large Chicago Law Firms in Space Contraction Mode

Large law firms in Chicago continue to contract space requirements, as new workplace strategies allow for more efficiencies and provide firms the opportunity to attract new talent with more appealing and innovative layouts and designs, according to a report from CBRE. Law firms, especially those requiring 75,000 square feet or more, continue to increase efficiency by reducing square-footage per attorney when opportunities arise.

In the past 24 months in Chicago, roughly 70% of these large law firms have contracted their space when completing a lease transaction. Currently, the 25 largest law firms by square footage in Chicago average 800 square feet per attorney. As the downsizing trend continues, firms are aiming to achieve 550 to 650 square feet.

CBRE’s Todd Lippman says, “Law firms are continuing to drive for efficiency with their space, and we don’t see this trend changing anytime soon. As more law firms see the benefits of adopting new workplace strategies, both for financial and functional purposes, the square footage per attorney will continue to decrease and firms will be able to do more with less space.”

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Kaiser

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About Dennis Kaiser

Dennis Kaiser is Vice President of Public Relations and Communications for Connect Creative. Dennis is a communications leader with more than 40 years of experience including as a journalist and in corporate and agency marketing communications roles. He is responsible for Connect Creative’s agency client services and is involved in a range of initiatives ranging from public relations and content strategy, communications and message development, copywriting, media relations, social media and content marketing services. Prior to joining Connect Media in 2015, his most recent corporate communications roles involved leading a regional public relations effort across Southern California for CBRE, playing a key marketing role on JLL’s national retail team, and directing the global public relations effort at ValleyCrest (BrightView), the nation’s largest commercial landscape services company. He has worked on marketing communications assignments for such CRE companies as Blackstone/Equity Office, Carlyle, Caruso, Disney Resorts, GE Capital, Irvine Company, Hines, Howard Hughes Corp., Jeffries, Lennar, MGM, Marcus & Millichap, Prologis, Raleigh Studios, Simon, Starwood, Trammell Crow Company, Transamerica, UBS and Wynn Resorts. Dennis has also worked on communications and launch strategies for a number of consumer electronic, media and tech brands including SlingMedia, Channel Master, Deluxe Media Entertainment, BeIn Sports, EchoStar and Sprint. Dennis’s agency background included firms such as Off Madison Ave., Idea Hall and Macy + Associates. He has earned an outstanding reputation with organization leaders as a trusted advisor, strategic program implementer, consensus builder and exceptional collaborator. Dennis has developed and managed national communications programs for Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, both public and private. He’s successfully worked with journalists across the globe representing clients involved in major-breaking news stories, product launches, media tours, and company news announcements. Dennis has been involved in a host of charitable and community organizations including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, Boy Scouts, Chrysalis Foundation, Freedom For Life, HOLA, L.A.’s BEST, Reach Out and Read, Super Bowl Host Committee, and the Thunderbirds Charities.

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