Fit Story
Finding the Best Fit for a Fast-Growing Law Firm
CLIENT PROFILE
- Trial law firm defending healthcare clients, product manufacturers, and companies with complex commercial litigation
- New business on a high growth trajectory
- Headquartered in Chicago
PERFECT FIT CRITERIA
- Room to grow
- Ability to recruit and retain top talent
- Location close to court
The Challenge
Smith Blake Hill (SBH) retained Bespoke to find its first office space in Chicago’s Central Business District. The ideal location had to offer flexibility to accommodate the company’s projected rapid growth and necessary professional atmosphere. SBH realized that its image directly impacted its ability to recruit and retain the industry’s top talent.
The Solution
We identified several suitable buildings that had new spec suites or existing spaces with higher-end conditions in place. We focused on near plug-and-play opportunities within blocks of the courthouse. The best fit was a property on Clark Street – right across the street from the courthouse – that delivered the upmarket professional image our client was seeking and the flexibility to grow. All this at a price that made sense for an up-and-coming law firm.
The Outcome
In addition to finding SBH’s new space, we also negotiated a below-market rental rate in an extremely tight marketplace. The deal included a concession package featuring changes to a pre-built spec space, coupled with a seven-month rental abatement package, and a $5 per square footage moving allowance. These concessions offset all soft costs including new furniture, fixtures, and equipment from vendors provided through our strategic partnerships.
“The deal included a concession package featuring changes to a pre-built spec space, coupled with a seven-month rental abatement package, and a $5 per square footage moving allowance.”