Law Firm Arnold & Porter to Expand, Move Office to Seattle’s One Union Square

Why this matters

Arnold & Porter’s rapid expansion in Seattle’s downtown office market signals a nuanced shift in institutional office demand amid broader sector uncertainty. The firm’s decision to more than double its footprint within a year of entering the market suggests confidence in Seattle’s office fundamentals and the city’s appeal as a regional legal hub. This move underscores a selective rebound in leasing activity by high-profile tenants willing to commit to prime, trophy assets despite persistent questions about office utilization and hybrid work models. From a capital-markets perspective, such leasing activity in a major West Coast market provides a counterpoint to narratives of widespread flight from office space. It may encourage institutional landlords and investors to maintain or increase exposure to well-located, high-quality office assets that can attract and retain blue-chip tenants. Moreover, the choice of a prominent tower’s upper floors reflects ongoing tenant preference for prestige and amenity-rich environments, which remain key to underwriting office valuations and leasing velocity. While not indicative of a broad market recovery, Arnold & Porter’s expansion highlights pockets of resilience and tenant-driven demand that could influence capital allocation decisions and underwriting assumptions in the office sector going forward.

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