The deal was worth $14 million, according to an industry source,and it starts Dec. 1, when the international law firm will occupyone-third of the 75,000-sf building, taking the entire fourth andpart of the third floors.

McDermott was represented by Michael Labelle, senior managingdirector, and Christina Skwat, associate director, in Studley's SanDiego office.The firm had been occupying about 15,000 sf in the LaJolla-UTC submarket, but "they need more space," Labelle says."They also moved to increase their visibility, to be closer totheir core group of clientele. Virtually every major firm in SanDiego has a presence in the Del Mar Heights Torrey Hills area."

The four-story class A office building McDermot moved into isowned by American assets. CB Richard Ellis senior vice presidentDick Balestri represented the landlord Pacific North Court HoldingsLP. Labelle declined to discuss the price of the lease, onlysaying, "They gave incentives." Balestri couldn't be immediatelyreached for comment.