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wo prominent law firms, Willkie Farr & Gallagher and Quarles & Brady, are making significant changes to their office space in downtown Chicago as part of a coordinated expansion effort. Willkie Farr is nearly doubling its office footprint at 300 North LaSalle Street by subleasing two floors from Quarles & Brady. The firm's expansion totals 50,000 square feet, bringing its occupancy in the River North building to 105,000 square feet.

    Willkie Farr's Midwest Chairman Craig Martin explained that the firm has outgrown its previous space due to rapid growth, with its headcount increasing from 24 attorneys to about 100. Quarles & Brady, on the other hand, is moving to John Buck Company's 155 North Wacker building, where it will occupy 56,000 square feet.

    The moves come as Chicago office landlords face record vacancy rates driven by remote work trends. However, Class A office buildings like 300 North LaSalle and 155 North Wacker have fared better than lower-tier counterparts. Irvine Company is investing $30 million in renovations for its debt-free 300 North LaSalle building, which has recently attracted new tenants including Winston & Strawn and Crowell & Moring.