Case Study: Friedland & Associates: A Strategic Relocation for Law Office Growth in Lower Manhattan

13 December, 2024 / Bobby Samuels
Modern law office with glass walls and people working at desks.

After making a name for themselves across Florida with 15 thriving offices, Friedland & Associates had their sights set on the Big Apple- specifically Lower Manhattan. While their temporary coworking space on the 46th floor of 140 Broadway served as a temporary solution, the team began outgrowing it. Soon, they were bursting at the seams and needed a proper law office that matched their reputation as heavy hitters in personal injury law. But time was of the essence, and they needed it fast. The pressure was on to find the right space and make a smooth transition before their temporary setup became too cramped.

Friedland & Associates’s Objectives and Goals

With Lee Friedland at the helm, what started as a modest law practice has blossomed into one of the most respected names in personal injury law. Opening an office in New York City wouldn’t just be another pin on the map – it would be a statement-making move that would let them help even more people get the justice they deserve, no matter which side of the state line their accident happened on.

The relocation to Lower Manhattan had multiple objectives:

  • Optimizing Operations: Moving from a coworking space to a dedicated office would enhance operational efficiency, provide room for the firm’s growing team, and—most importantly—ensure privacy and security for sensitive information, both digital and physical documents.
  • Strategic Expansion: Establishing a presence in a prime location to access a broader client base and increase visibility.
  • Professional Representation: A dedicated office space would reflect the firm’s excellence and prestige while providing a more satisfying environment for personnel.
  • Timely Execution: To minimize disruption, the firm needed to complete the transition ASAP.

The Search for the Right Space

Finding the right office space for a rapidly expanding law firm demanded more than just scanning listings – it required a deep understanding of how a legal practice operates and evolves. We needed to balance immediate functionality with future growth potential, while ensuring the space reflected the firm’s professional image and culture.

Defining Success

Working closely with the firm, we developed a clear picture of their ideal space. They envisioned an office that would not only accommodate their current team but also provide room for expansion. The space needed to project professionalism while offering practical amenities for both staff and clients.

From Search to Selection

Our search led us through the heart of Lower Manhattan’s business district. We explored several promising properties across the area, including spaces at 45 Broadway, 32 Broadway, 55 Broadway, 15 Maiden Lane, and 299 Broadway. After careful evaluation, Suite #1502 at 50 Broad Street emerged as the obvious winner. This 4,533-square-foot corner office suite was move-in ready, requiring only minor customization with Pergo flooring to match the firm’s vision.

The space delivered everything on the firm’s wishlist: eight private offices providing quiet, focused workspaces for the legal team, a fully equipped wet pantry for staff convenience, an impressive conference room for client meetings and team collaborations, and a modern exposed ceiling design that added character while maintaining professionalism.

From Coworking to Corner Office: Friedland Law’s Rapid-Fire Solution and Lease

When you’re running a growing law firm, time waits for no one – and neither do office space needs. That was the reality Friedland & Associates faced as they found themselves elbow-to-elbow in their coworking space, desperately needing room to spread their wings. Their path from cramped quarters to a perfect new home showcases how even lawyers sometimes need to move at startup speed:

  • 3-Week Sprint: What started with a hopeful property tour on October 14th transformed into a whirlwind three-week adventure of finding their firm’s future home.
  • Eyes on the Prize: Rather than getting bogged down in analysis paralysis, the firm kept its feet moving and its minds clear, turning what could have been months of deliberation into a masterclass in efficient decision-making.
  • Perfect Fit Found: Sometimes, when you know, you know. The team struck gold with a space that wasn’t just adequate for today but perfect for tomorrow – offering that delicate balance of growth potential and immediate comfort their practice needed.
  • Seven-Year Lease: The search culminated in a seven-year lease signing on November 5th – a bold commitment that transformed their three-week sprint into a long-term victory. In less time than it takes some firms to schedule a partner meeting, Friedland & Associates had secured its future.

Key Takeaways: A Successful Law Office Search

Friedland & Associates finally found their new home at 50 Broad Street – and honestly, it couldn’t have worked out better. The space gives their growing team room to breathe while putting them right where they need to be in Lower Manhattan. It’s exactly the kind of professional upgrade they were looking for.

What makes this move particularly interesting is its timing. We’re seeing more and more personal injury lawyers and smaller firms break away to do their own thing, all hunting for the right office space. And while finding decent office space in Manhattan is never easy (especially these days), Friedland & Associates shows that with the right approach and a clear idea of what you need, you can still make it happen.

 

Bobby Samuels
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bobby Samuels Guest Contributor For years, Bobby worked in the music and sports industries, where he successfully exited after starting and selling a boxing website. However, after being offered stock options at an overseas tech firm, a fascination for finance ignited the next phases of his professional career. After acquiring a Master's in Finance from Harvard University, in which he achieved a 3.87 GPA and Dean’s List Honors, he soon transitioned into a career in strategic communications and investor relations, where he honed his expertise in commercial real estate, among other sectors, serving an elite clientele that includes CEOs, global investment firms, and top publications.

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