Major law firm signs long-term lease in Atlanta

By Gertha Coffee

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

One of Atlanta’s largest law firms, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, has renewed a lease for 240,906 square feet until 2020.

“As a result of the numerous retailers, restaurants and businesses in the area, Midtown’s activity makes the corner of 10th and Peachtree an excellent choice for our location in Atlanta,” managing partner Mark Wasserman said in a statement Wednesday. “999 Peachtree is also enhancing its location with progressive green initiatives and ambitious renovation plans.”

The firm signed its original lease with 999 Peachtree in 1988. 999 Peachtree is a 28-story development owned by Atlanta-based real estate investment firm Jamestown Properties. It is managed by Cousins Properties, also based in Atlanta.

Jamestown spokesman Michael Phillips said the building is undergoing extensive renovations and upgrades, in addition to its green initiatives.

A 10-year lease extension is a big deal in a recession that has seen metro Atlanta’s office market reach a 20 percent vacancy rate. Firms are generally seeking short-term extensions and concessions.

Phillips said Jamestown “protected expansion space” for Sutherland.

Sutherland handles legal matters throughout the nation and worldwide and has offices in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, New York and Washington D.C., according to its Web site.