JLL and international property group Grosvenor have completed a significant office leasing transaction with global law firm White & Case LLP at 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. The deal centers on a large block of space in the downtown office building located on one of the capital’s most prominent corridors.
According to the parties, White & Case will lease approximately 196,000 square feet across 12 floors at the property. The firm’s commitment represents about 94 percent of the building’s total office space, effectively positioning White & Case as the primary office tenant in the asset. The agreement is described as a landmark lease for both the tenant and ownership.
JLL served as the tenant representative in the negotiation, with Bobby Blair and Greg McCavera advising White & Case. On the ownership side, Grosvenor was represented by Cushman & Wakefield, whose team included John Skolnik and Michael Katcher. The firms worked across the table to structure and finalize the long-term occupancy arrangement under what they characterize as a demanding real estate environment.
Bobby Blair of JLL noted that, in the current market, transactions of this scale require a high level of collaboration and dedication from all parties involved. His comments underscore the complexity and effort associated with securing nearly full-building commitments in today’s office leasing landscape, particularly for large professional services users.
White & Case emphasized that this lease reflects both its enduring presence and future ambitions in the nation’s capital. Office Executive Partner Hansel Pham stated that the firm is reaffirming its long-term commitment to Washington, D.C., citing strong client demand and continued investment in its people. He added that the firm’s Washington, D.C. office is critical to its platform and that the relocation to 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW signals confidence in the opportunities ahead for the firm in the region.
The combination of a globally recognized law firm, institutional ownership, and major brokerage representation highlights the ongoing importance of large-scale, centrally located office assets for legal and professional services tenants in Washington, D.C. While specific lease economics were not disclosed, the near full-building occupancy by a single tenant marks a notable outcome for this property.
