Elsberg Baker & Maruri PLLC Inks 40,000 Sq. Ft. Lease at Empire State Building
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. has officially announced a new lease agreement with leading litigation firm Elsberg Baker & Maruri PLLC. The agreement covers a substantial 39,237 square feet at the legendary Empire State Building in New York City, with the law firm securing occupancy of one full floor and an additional partial floor in what is arguably the most iconic commercial skyscraper in the world.
The move marks a significant milestone for Elsberg Baker & Maruri PLLC, reflecting both the firm’s continued growth and its forward-looking vision for national and global operations. This latest expansion into the heart of Manhattan’s Midtown South business district reinforces the firm’s standing within the legal community and positions it to better serve its ever-expanding client base.
A Milestone for the Firm
“Elsberg Baker & Maruri is thrilled to move into the iconic Empire State Building,” said Josette Winograd, Chief Executive Officer of the firm. “Our client base, case load, and internal team have all grown exponentially over the past few years. As we continue on this upward trajectory, our new space will serve as the central hub of our global legal operations. The Empire State Building’s prestige, advanced infrastructure, and unparalleled amenities make it the perfect home for our firm’s next chapter.”
The firm’s decision to lease this premium space underscores a broader trend among top-tier law firms and financial institutions relocating or upgrading their headquarters to buildings that offer both prestige and modernized infrastructure. With its rich history, global recognition, and ESRT’s sustainability-driven improvements, the Empire State Building aligns with the brand image and operational standards of ambitious, high-performance firms like Elsberg Baker & Maruri.
State-of-the-Art Office Environment
The newly leased office space will not only serve as a command center for the firm’s litigation teams but also provide its staff with a modern, healthy, and amenity-rich work environment. The space was developed in collaboration with ESRT’s in-house architecture and project management team, who worked closely with the firm to customize the layout and design of the floors.
“Elsberg Baker & Maruri PLLC worked closely with ESRT’s expert in-house architecture and project management team to design, build, and furnish their ideal New York City office space with excellent views and natural light,” said Thomas P. Durels, Executive Vice President of Real Estate at Empire State Realty Trust. “We are pleased to welcome them to our prestigious tenant roster and look forward to seeing their continued success in their new home.”
The law firm’s new office will benefit from the building’s open floor plates, high ceilings, and abundant natural light—features designed to foster productivity, comfort, and collaboration. The views from the space span iconic cityscapes, reinforcing a sense of place and connection to the firm’s New York City roots.
Empire State Building: Where Legacy Meets Innovation
The Empire State Building, which once stood as the tallest building in the world, is no longer just a landmark—it’s also a model of commercial innovation. Empire State Realty Trust has invested significantly in transforming the building into a modern, energy-efficient workplace that meets the evolving needs of companies in the 21st century.
The building has undergone comprehensive modernization efforts, including the implementation of industry-leading indoor environmental quality (IEQ) measures, energy efficiency upgrades, and advanced sustainability protocols. ESRT’s leadership in environmental performance is evidenced by its ENERGY STAR certification and its pioneering use of carbon-free power.
Tenants of the building enjoy access to more than 65,000 square feet of amenity space, which includes:
- Eight on-site dining options, offering convenient access to a wide range of culinary experiences.
- A tenant-only fitness center, equipped with modern exercise equipment and wellness features.
- A conference center, suitable for both large-scale meetings and intimate strategy sessions.
- The Empire Lounge, a multifunctional amenity floor that includes:
- A 400-person all-hands space.
- Casual and formal seating zones.
- Private phone booths.
- A basketball and pickleball court.
- Two high-tech golf simulators known as “ESRTees.”
These amenities are designed to promote employee well-being, foster community among tenants, and provide flexible spaces for everything from recreation to client presentations.
The Lease Transaction and Representation
The lease negotiation process was supported by seasoned commercial real estate professionals. Brian Goldman, Nicholas Lucia, and Jason Perla of Newmark represented Elsberg Baker & Maruri PLLC throughout the transaction. On the landlord’s side, Jordan Berger of Empire State Realty Trust, along with Scott Klau, Erik Harris, and Neil Rubin, also of Newmark, acted on behalf of the property ownership.
The selection of Newmark as the brokerage partner on both sides of the transaction speaks to the firm’s strong positioning in the Manhattan office market and its reputation for managing high-value, high-visibility deals.
Reinforcing Midtown South’s Legal Sector Cluster
Midtown South has increasingly become a destination for law firms and finance professionals seeking proximity to transit, modern office infrastructure, and landmark locations. With Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, and multiple subway lines nearby, the Empire State Building offers unparalleled connectivity for employees and clients alike.
Elsberg Baker & Maruri’s relocation to the building strengthens the growing legal sector cluster in the area, bringing further prestige to the Empire State Building’s already impressive tenant roster, which includes a diverse mix of Fortune 500 companies, tech firms, creative agencies, and financial service providers.
A Strategic Step Toward the Future
The law firm’s move reflects more than a simple change of address—it represents a strategic step toward the future. With its new base in the Empire State Building, Elsberg Baker & Maruri PLLC is well-positioned to scale operations, recruit top legal talent, and serve high-stakes litigation clients on a global scale.
As firms continue to adapt to new hybrid work models and rising employee expectations, the choice of workspace will increasingly define a firm’s culture, productivity, and market competitiveness. In choosing the Empire State Building, Elsberg Baker & Maruri is making a bold statement about its aspirations, values, and confidence in the future.
