There has been a recent flourish of activity for firms in New York; NY-based and non-NY-based firms alike are growing and consequently are seeking new office spaces. Small to mid-size non-NY firms such as Duane Morris, Hodgson Russ, Seyfarth Shaw, and Covington & Burling all found new homes in NY last year. The trend has been that these firms in particular are moving to the West Side. Expanding NY firms have also sought new spaces; these firms do not have much of a preference between the East and Wide Side, as long as they remain in Midtown. Indeed location and efficiency rather than price are the main concerns of these firms. They wanted spaces accessible to clients and recruits, and they also wanted offices with newer features and that could be adaptable to fit their needs.
Source: www.law.com