Law Firm Leasing Rebounds Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

Savills report shows 10.7 million square feet of law firm office leasing in 2025, exceeding 2023 and 2024 figures.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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According to a new report from Savills, office leasing activity for law firms across the United States grew to 10.7 million square feet in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks. The legal sector accounted for 10.1% of all U.S. office leasing in 2025, more than doubling its share since 2018. The report found that 57.1% of the 2025 leasing activity was for firms choosing to remain in their current office space, while 39.1% was for office relocations.

Why it matters

The growth in law firm leasing activity signals a rebound in the legal sector's demand for office space, which had declined during the COVID-19 pandemic as many firms shifted to remote work. This trend suggests increased confidence in the long-term prospects of the legal industry and the importance of physical office space for collaboration, client engagement, and talent retention.

The details

The 10.7 million square feet of law firm leasing in 2025 represents a year-over-year increase from the 10.2 million square feet leased in 2024 and a significant jump from the 7.7 million square feet leased in 2023. Of the 2025 total, 57.1% was for firms renewing their current leases, while 39.1% was for office relocations. The legal sector's share of overall U.S. office leasing more than doubled, from 5% in 2018 to 10.1% in 2025.

  • In 2025, law firms leased 10.7 million square feet of office space across the United States.
  • In 2024, law firms leased 10.2 million square feet of office space.
  • In 2023, law firms leased 7.7 million square feet of office space.

The players

Savills

A global real estate services firm that conducted the research on law firm office leasing activity.

Tom Fulcher

Chair of the legal tenant practice group at Savills, who co-authored the report.

Anders Klein

Senior director of research at Savills, who co-authored the report.

Devon Munos

Senior vice president and head of research at Savills, who co-authored the report.

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What they’re saying

“The legal sector continues to stand out as a steady source of office demand, supported by firms' long-term planning and ongoing investment in workplace quality.”

— Tom Fulcher, Chair of the legal tenant practice group at Savills (Commercial Observer)

“In 2025, leasing activity remained active, with renewals leading overall transactions and expansions continuing to outpace downsizing. Even in a shifting market environment, law firms are demonstrating confidence in high-quality space that supports collaboration, client engagement and talent retention.”

— Tom Fulcher, Chair of the legal tenant practice group at Savills (Commercial Observer)

What’s next

The report suggests that law firms will continue to prioritize high-quality office space that supports their long-term business needs, even as the overall office market environment shifts.

The takeaway

The rebound in law firm office leasing activity signals a renewed confidence in the legal industry and the importance of physical workspaces for collaboration, client engagement, and talent retention, even as the broader office market adjusts to post-pandemic trends.