Top 5 Office Leasing Mistakes Law Firms Make – And How to Avoid Them

When it comes to leasing office space, law firms have specific needs that go far beyond square footage. Yet, time and time again, even well-established firms fall into the same traps — locking into inflexible terms, underestimating parking needs, or missing opportunities to offset build-out costs. These oversights often stem from relying on landlord agents or signing boilerplate agreements without expert advocacy on the tenant’s side.

At Mazirow Commercial, we’ve represented law firms across the San Fernando Valley and greater Southern California for decades. We understand the industry’s nuances — and we know exactly where leasing pitfalls hide.

Below, we break down the five most common office leasing mistakes law firms make — and how to avoid them with the right strategy and representation.

1. Neglecting Future Growth in Lease Terms

Law firms often approach office leasing with a “what fits now” mindset — selecting a space based on current headcount and workflow needs. While this may seem practical in the short term, it’s one of the most common (and costly) missteps firms make.

The legal industry isn’t static. Whether it’s onboarding new associates, merging with another practice, or expanding into a new area of law, growth can happen quickly. And without flexibility baked into your lease, that growth can turn into an expensive headache. You might face the high cost of breaking a lease early, or worse, find yourself stuck in a space that no longer supports your firm’s operations.

Landlords aren’t always eager to offer flexibility — unless you know what to ask for. That’s where a skilled tenant representative comes in.

The Fix:
Savvy law firms negotiate lease terms that include options to expand, contract, or sublease. Common tools include:

• Expansion clauses – first rights to adjacent space when it becomes available.
• Termination options – the ability to exit early under certain conditions (often with a fee).
• Right of first refusal (ROFR) – priority on leasing new space in the building before it’s offered to others.
• Flexible layout planning – choosing modular build-outs that accommodate future changes.

These clauses offer protection and breathing room — giving your firm space to grow without locking you into a rigid, five- or ten-year commitment that no longer serves your needs.

📌 At Mazirow, we’ve negotiated expansion rights and early-exit options for law firms who outgrew their spaces years ahead of schedule. Planning for change now can prevent costly disruptions later.

2. Not Negotiating Enough Parking for Staff and Clients

Parking often seems like a secondary concern during office lease negotiations — until it becomes a daily frustration. For law firms, especially those in car-dependent areas like the San Fernando Valley, inadequate parking can quickly become a serious operational issue.

Attorneys, paralegals, admin staff, and clients all need consistent, convenient access. A lack of designated spaces can lead to staff tardiness, client complaints, and even security concerns if off-site lots or street parking become the norm. Many firms don’t realize until it’s too late that parking isn’t always bundled into the lease — and even when it is, the cost and number of stalls can vary widely.

We’ve seen this mistake cost firms tens of thousands of dollars.

The Fix:
Parking should be a priority in lease discussions, not an afterthought. Key strategies include:

• Calculating exact needs up front – staff count + client traffic + overflow buffer.
• Negotiating for reserved or designated parking spaces – especially in multi-tenant buildings.
• Pushing for bundled parking costs – rather than per-stall pricing, which can quickly add up.
• Exploring validation or guest parking arrangements – for high client volume days or depositions.
• Securing future flexibility – the ability to add more spaces if your team grows.

Don’t just ask “Is parking available?” — ask how much, where, how it’s priced, and what your firm truly needs to run smoothly.

📌 Mazirow saved one client more than $80,000 in parking costs over their lease by renegotiating their allocation and pricing. We uncover hidden costs most tenants don’t realize exist.

3. Overlooking Build-Out and Tenant Improvement (TI) Opportunities

A well-designed office can boost productivity, reflect your firm’s professionalism, and support specialized workflows — but it doesn’t have to come out of your pocket. Too often, law firms assume they need to budget for renovations, upgrades, or customizations on their own. The result? Missed opportunities and unnecessary expenses.

Landlords commonly offer a Tenant Improvement (TI) Allowance, which is a pool of funds used to customize the space — from private offices to reception areas to conference rooms. But these dollars are not automatic. If you don’t ask for them — or negotiate effectively — you could leave thousands on the table.

The Fix:
Tenant improvement dollars are negotiable, and a key part of structuring a favorable lease. Law firms should:

• Determine build-out needs early – especially for private offices, soundproofing, or secure file storage.
• Negotiate for a competitive TI allowance – based on current construction costs in the market.
• Include flexibility – like converting unused TI funds into free rent or parking credits.
• Request landlord-provided construction management or select your own vendors (with approval).
• Include detailed build-out timelines to avoid project delays.

Whether you’re doing a full build-out or a light refresh, those improvements should be part of the lease negotiation — not an afterthought.

📌 Mazirow helped a client repurpose $375,000 in unused TI funds into rent credits — directly reducing their operating costs. We handle everything from negotiation to construction oversight.

4. Ignoring Lease Audits and Operating Expense Reconciliation

Most law firms review their lease agreement closely at signing — but once they’re settled in, they rarely look back. That’s a costly oversight.

Commercial leases often include operating expenses (OPEX), like maintenance, insurance, taxes, and common area costs, passed through to tenants. These charges are typically reconciled annually by the landlord, and many tenants simply accept the reconciliation statement as-is. The problem? These statements often contain errors, unjustified increases, or costs not allowed under the lease terms.

Over time, this “set it and forget it” approach can lead to thousands of dollars in overpayments — money that could be better spent on your team or your clients.

The Fix:
Law firms should treat lease reconciliation like they treat a client invoice — verify everything. Best practices include:

• Reviewing OPEX statements annually – don’t assume they’re accurate.
• Comparing charges against lease terms – many landlords include items they shouldn’t.
• Requesting supporting documentation – especially for large or unusual increases.
• Hiring a professional to audit charges – uncover hidden fees or misallocated costs.
• Tracking lease-critical dates – like base year resets or caps on increases.

With the right support, you can catch errors early — and in some cases, reclaim overpaid amounts.

📌 At Mazirow, our lease administration services catch billing errors, ensure compliance with agreed-upon terms, and keep our clients from overpaying. One client recovered thousands from misallocated charges — just by letting us take a closer look.

5. Accepting Unfavorable Renewal Terms

Renewals can feel like a formality — you’re already in the space, it’s convenient, and the landlord sends over a new lease… so you sign it. But this “auto-renew” mindset can lead to inflated rent, missed negotiation opportunities, and even being forced out if the landlord has other plans.

Many law firms wait too long to engage in renewal discussions, assuming they have leverage because they’re an existing tenant. Unfortunately, landlords know that relocating is costly and disruptive — especially for professional service firms — and may use that to push higher rates or less favorable terms. If you’re not proactive, you may find yourself with fewer options and rising costs.

The Fix:
Treat lease renewals with the same strategic rigor as a new lease. Key steps include:

• Initiating renewal negotiations 9–12 months in advance – this gives time to explore options.
• Benchmarking current market rates – don’t assume the landlord’s offer is competitive.
• Requesting tenant incentives – even on renewals, landlords may offer rent abatement or improvements.
• Negotiating rent caps and escalation limits – to avoid sudden increases.
• Exploring alternative spaces – even if you plan to stay, this strengthens your leverage.

Approaching renewals with informed leverage can save your firm thousands — or even secure a better space altogether.

📌 We begin tracking critical dates the moment your lease is signed. That’s how Mazirow secures better terms, earlier — and often avoids costly last-minute decisions.

Don’t Leave Your Lease to Chance

Your lease shouldn’t be a burden — it should be a strategic asset that supports your practice. From flexible terms to cost savings to operational support, the right lease can help your firm thrive.

At Mazirow Commercial, we specialize in tenant-only representation. That means we work exclusively for you — never the landlord. Whether you’re negotiating your first lease or planning a renewal, we advocate for your firm’s best interests every step of the way.

Let’s Talk

Ready to negotiate your next lease with confidence? Schedule a free consultation with Mazirow Commercial today and discover how we help law firms like yours secure space that fits — and saves.