As Seen in Law360: Law Firm Office Leasing Signals Push to Compete in Miami

How Law Firms Are Rethinking Office Space in Miami’s Evolving Legal Market

Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine has unveiled a newly redesigned office space, reaffirming its long-standing presence in downtown Miami while embracing a more modern, collaborative workplace. The firm’s updated footprint reflects a broader shift across the legal industry, as firms rethink how office environments support client service and team dynamics in a hybrid era.

A recent report from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) highlights this trend. Over the past year, approximately 70% of law firm lease transactions in the Miami market were renewals, signaling that firms are not abandoning office space—but rather refining it. Moves, expansions, and new market entrants make up the remainder, reflecting both sustained demand and continued growth in the region.

A Market Driven by Growth and Competition

Miami’s rise as a business hub continues to attract major companies, including Citadel LLC, which relocated its global headquarters to Brickell in 2022. As a result, law firms are increasingly positioning themselves near clients and key industries, reinforcing Miami’s role as a competitive legal market.

At the same time, rising rents and limited availability—particularly in high-demand areas like Brickell—are prompting firms to think strategically about how they use space. Rather than simply expanding, many are “right-sizing” their offices, focusing on efficiency while maintaining a strong in-person presence.

Designing for a Hybrid Future

For many firms, the shift is not just about square footage—it is about function. Offices are being redesigned to reflect how attorneys and staff work today, with an emphasis on collaboration, flexibility, and technology.

At Kluger Kaplan, this approach guided the firm’s recent office redesign. The firm relocated within its longtime downtown building, taking approximately 17,700 square feet—down from its previous footprint—to create a more modern and efficient workspace.

“We were looking for a more modern space in this climate, where we don’t have folks coming into the office every single day,” said shareholder Josh Rubens. “When they are here, we want to have a more collaborative environment.”

The redesigned office includes expanded conference areas, videoconferencing capabilities for remote hearings and mediations, and shared spaces designed to foster interaction among attorneys and staff. The goal is to create an environment that enhances both productivity and connection when teams are in person.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

While many firms are exploring new locations, Kluger Kaplan chose to remain in its downtown Miami building—where it has been based for decades. Proximity to the courthouse and longstanding ties to the area were key considerations, demonstrating that modernization does not require abandoning established foundations.

“Maybe we’re just nostalgic, but we have been in the same building for about 30 years,” Rubens noted. “We really wanted to stay in the same building as long as we could build out a new modern office.”

This balance—honoring tradition while adapting to change—is increasingly common across the legal industry.

A Broader Shift in Legal Workplaces

Across Miami, law firms are navigating similar decisions. Some are moving to new submarkets to improve commute times and quality of life, while others are doubling down on central business districts to remain close to clients and courts. In each case, the focus is the same: creating spaces that align with evolving work patterns and support long-term growth.

As the legal landscape continues to shift, one thing is clear—office space remains a critical part of law firm strategy. Today, success is defined less by size and more by how effectively that space serves the people who use it.

Read more via Law360.