Fit Out Cost Guide 2025 | Legal Sector

Importance of IT to support security and compliance: Law firms have unique security requirements to ensure legal compliance and maintain client trust. This is why two-thirds of firms expect to increase IT security investments in the near future. 1 Robust technology infrastructure is critical to safeguarding case and document management systems from cybersecurity threats. High quality remains a high value: Law firms value high quality office design as a reflection of status and culture, as well as a strategy for recruitment and retention. Recently, law firms have capitalized on the softer market to secure the best (and often newest) office space in the market. In 2024, the average starting rent for new law firm leases in major U.S. markets 2 was 10% higher than in 2023. Beyond rent, law firms also prioritize high-end buildouts, with premium materials, finishes, furniture and A/V equipment driving costs. On average, the base shell fit out for law firms is typically 16% more expensive than those of other tenants. This premium is driven largely by a 25% higher cost for doors, frames and hardware, followed by 20% more for millwork, drywall, acoustics, carpentry and general finishes.

1 Cushman & Wakefield 2024 Bright Insight: The National Legal Sector Benchmark Survey 2 Major law firm markets include: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

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