Clearly the sector will--and is--being affected by thechallenging economy; one only has to look at the startlingdissolution of Heller Ehrman last month. Still, though,Washington-area firms are expected to remain busy, or at leastsolvent, thanks to the presence of the government and lobbyingindustry. Also as the federal government launches its multi-billionrescue plan for the financial system, Washington area firms cancount on picking up additional work.

The economy is shifting one trend, however: more law firms areexpected to remain put in the current buildings when their leasesrollover. Lease renewals, in fact, have characterized much of theleasing activity in the last few quarters. There are exceptions, ofcourse. Arent Fox plans to relocate its DC operations when itscurrent lease expires in 2012 to a new building under developmentacross the alley from where it now resides. Currently at WashingtonSquare--1050 Connecticut Ave.--Arent Fox will be moving to1000Connecticut Ave., where it will occupy 255,000-sf.