Global law firm Baker McKenzie has expanded its Manhattan footprint by adding roughly 16,200 square feet to its existing lease at 10 Bryant Park in Midtown, bringing its total occupancy to 122,000 square feet at the Property & Building Corporation-owned tower at 452 Fifth Avenue.
The firm previously occupied 105,803 square feet at the building. Baker McKenzie provides legal, tax, and regulatory advisory services to multinational corporations and maintains a significant New York presence as part of its global operations.
The expansion signals confidence in Midtown's office market despite ongoing headwinds affecting law firm real estate decisions. Major law firms have been consolidating space or relocating to newer buildings with modern amenities in recent years. Baker McKenzie's choice to stay and grow at 10 Bryant Park suggests the firm views the location as strategically valuable for client access and talent retention.
Specific lease terms and pricing were not disclosed. However, the deal represents a win for PBC, which has worked to retain tenants at the aging building during a period when Midtown office landlords face significant pressure from reduced return-to-office mandates and subdued demand for traditional workspace.
For tenants in the building, Baker McKenzie's expansion demonstrates that anchor corporate tenants continue to find value in trophy Midtown addresses, even as overall demand for office space remains soft. The move also reflects Baker McKenzie's growth trajectory and commitment to its New York operations, where the firm handles substantial client work across corporate, finance, and litigation practices.
The deal provides clarity on tenant retention at 10 Bryant Park, a 645,000-square-foot building that competes with newer office towers offering state-of-the-art facilities and flexible lease terms. Baker McKenzie's decision to expand rather than downsize or relocate gives PBC stability and suggests the landlord can continue marketing available