It’s always possible that Sidley Austin just really loves its existing office space and doesn’t want the hassle of moving. After all who wants the headache of having to thank all those movers? Not Sidley, that’s for damn sure. But after a rumored search for a new home, the decision to remain in their existing offices is an enticing invitation to read some tea leaves.
Sidley is staying in its 575,000 square foot space at 1 S. Dearborn St. As Crain’s reports, the deal locks down Sidley as the building’s primary tenant for an unspecified number of years to come.
In a statement from the firm:
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“We have renewed our lease at One South Dearborn after conducting a thorough evaluation of our space needs,” Larry Barden, Sidley Austin Management Committee chair, said in the statement from Hines. “Staying in this prime Chicago Loop location makes sense for us from a business connectivity standpoint. With a few design renovations to leverage unused space for collaborative areas and maximize the amount of natural light, our modern, efficient workspace will allow us to continue to attract and retain talented professionals.”
So one interpretation of this could be that Sidley isn’t expecting a massive expansion in headcount any time soon. That’s probably not a revelation given the stagnant nature of the legal market, but here’s concrete proof that firms aren’t giddy about making big, bold changes right now.
Hopefully Sidley attorneys are happy with their current home.
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Joe Patrice is an editor at Above the Law and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. Feel free to email any tips, questions, or comments. Follow him on Twitter if you’re interested in law, politics, and a healthy dose of college sports news.