**Law Firms Face Rising Office Fit-Out Costs, According to CBRE Report**
Law firms continue to be among the most active office occupiers across the U.S. and Canada, but they are also experiencing a significant rise in the costs of outfitting their office spaces. According to a new report from CBRE’s Law Firm Practice Group in collaboration with Turner & Townsend, the average cost to fit out a law office space has increased by 7% in 2025. This surpasses the cost increases seen in the previous two years, with fit-out costs rising 5% in 2024 and 6% in 2023.
The report, which examines law office fit-out costs across 24 markets in the U.S. and Canada, highlights notable year-over-year cost increases. Cities such as Washington, D.C., and San Francisco saw the largest jumps at 15%, while markets like Austin, Miami, and Vancouver experienced more modest increases of around 5%.
Several key factors are driving the surge in costs. Labor shortages in certain regions, elevated prices for construction materials due to tariffs, and a shift toward higher-end office design elements are all contributing. Law firms are increasingly incorporating more glass, premium materials, and upscale amenities—including cafes and tech-equipped conference rooms—into their office environments.
“Even firms that are reducing their office footprints still have prioritized these types of spaces and amenities,” said Shane Sweeney of Turner & Townsend, a majority-owned subsidiary of CBRE. “For some, a smaller, more efficient space in a well-located, top-quality building with great amenities is the ideal outcome.”
Despite the rising expenses, firms appear committed to investing in modern, flexible spaces that align with evolving workplace expectations.
