The law firm, which provides legal services to educationalinstitutions, colleges, municipalities and local governments,signed a long-term lease to occupy nearly 19,000 sf. The firm willrelocate to 55 W. Monroe from its current location at 20 N. ClarkSt. in February 2009. Lombardia will begin occupying almost 2,000sf in the building in December in another long-term lease.

Nikki Krohn and Gary Kostecki, both with Jones Lang LaSalle,represented building owner LaSalle Investment Management in thetransaction. Ben Azulay and Laurence Elbaum, of Bradford Allen,represented the law firm, while Chris O'Leary with Grubb &Ellis represented Lombardia Capital. "We are very pleased thatthese two tenants have selected 55 W. Monroe for their officeneeds," Kostecki said.

The asking lease rate in the building ranges between $18 per sfand $22 per sf net. The 803,000-sf building was designed by HelmutJahn in 1981 and renovated in 2002 with work on the lobby, elevatorcabs and common corridors. Major tenants include FINRA, the lawfirm Ross, Dixon & Bell LLP, and consulting firm Alvarez &Marsal.