Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that it has relocated its Houston office to the Bank of America Tower, a 35-story, 780,000 sq. ft. Class A office tower in Downtown Houston. The Firm, which first opened its doors in Houston 25 years ago, signed a 16.5 year lease and moved into its new space earlier this month. Baker McKenzie's previous Houston office was in the TC Energy Center.
Established in 1997, the Houston office consists of a diverse group of attorneys who advise clients from various industries in a wide range of areas of law, including Transactional, Litigation & Government Enforcement and International Arbitration, and Tax Planning and Tax Controversy. As an integral part of the Firm's regional and global strategy, the Houston practitioners serve as counsel to some of the world’s largest multinational companies.
"We have an exceptional team in Houston, combining an understanding of the local market with the perspective of a global law firm," said Bobby Albaral, Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie's Texas offices, "We are so pleased to move into our new space and continue growing our team in Houston and Dallas as we help our clients meet their business challenges and succeed, at home and around the world."
“Baker McKenzie recognized that upgrading amenities and using space in new ways would be important to furthering its lateral recruiting and overall growth plan,” said CBRE Executive Vice President of Advisory & Transaction Services Jon Lee who represented Baker McKenzie. “The new space at Bank of America Tower will play a key role in promoting the Firm’s reputation as a global industry leader with a cutting-edge workplace and premier office address in a brand-new building.”
"We are investing in new workplace amenities and technologies to equip our professionals with the tools needed to successfully advise clients in today’s rapidly evolving economy and workplace environment,” added Jonathan Martin, a Houston-based partner and member of Baker McKenzie's Texas office management team. “The new space is consistent with the Firm's recognition of the importance of the Houston market and clients, and we look forward to welcoming clients, employees, recruits, peers and other friends to our new office space.”
CBRE’s Kristen Rabel and Parker Duffie represented the landlord, Boston-based Beacon Capital Partners.
Completed in 2019 and designed by Gensler, Bank of America Tower is located at 800 Capitol Street in the heart of Downtown Houston’s CBD Skyline District. The property offers modern design, state-of-the art amenities and superior access to Houston’s underground pedestrian tunnel system, Theatre District, and the city’s best hotels, restaurants, and parks. Building amenities include a food hall, fitness center, conference center, and outdoor terrace. It offers the largest floorplates in downtown Houston (31,000 sq. ft.), with 10’ floor-to-ceiling glass, and up to eight column-free corner offices per floor.
According to CBRE’s most recent Houston Office Market Figures, Houston office leasing activity increased by 21.5 percent quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2022. New leases and expansions accounted for 67 percent of transaction volume as an increasing number of office tenants are opting to relocate to new space instead of renewing in place.