Benesch’s continued growth in San Francisco was featured in a Law360 article, "Office Snapshot: Benesch's Growing San Francisco Home," highlighting the firm’s expansion into an additional floor at its 100 Pine Street office. The move marks a nearly 70% increase in space from the firm’s original footprint.
Located on the 30th and 31st floors in San Francisco’s Financial District, the office offers panoramic views of the city and Embarcadero waterfront. “The views are really what takes the cake,” said San Francisco Partner-in-Charge Stephanie Sheridan. “It's really a beautiful space, and I think it makes it easier to want to be in the office when you get off the elevator and you see a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge.”
The new space includes 30 additional offices and several conference rooms. Stephanie also shared that she is working with local artists to decorate the office with original artwork by Bay Area residents.
While many nonlocal firms are consolidating in the Bay Area, Stephanie noted that Benesch is continuing to invest in growth. She and other firm leaders view in-person collaboration as the ideal model for practicing law and believe the expanded office space supports that approach and gives attorneys added incentive to work in person.
“Our philosophy is that we want people to be in the office," Stephanie said. “Post–COVID, I'm hearing from managing partners at other firms that they're struggling to get people to come into the office. I personally think that for litigators and training people who want to be trial lawyers, you have to be with each other in person.”
Since Stephanie became managing partner, the San Francisco team has tripled in size and grown from 8 to 26 attorneys. Key areas of focus include corporate, intellectual property, litigation, and retail and e-commerce. The team now comprises 14 partners, two of counsel, eight associates, two practice attorneys, and one paralegal. The newest addition to the team is Partner Christopher Stretch, who joined from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.
Looking ahead, Benesch has no plans to slow down. “We're looking to hire more people and continue growing and expanding further, not just stopping with this floor we expanded into,” Stephanie said.
Read the full article here.