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WASHINGTON--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--McDermott Will & Emery today became one of the first international law firms to locate its office on Capitol Hill as it officially opened the doors of its new buildingat 500 North Capitol Street. Moving from its prior address downtown to its newhome near Union Station, the Firm became the primary occupant of the new aMcDermott Buildinga at the corner of North Capitol Street and E Street, N.W.

"We believe we are on the cusp of a natural evolution as major law firms and large corporations take a closer look at their local real estate investments. McDermott is bullish onthe growth of Capitol Hill as a business district,an important shift weexpect to play out over the coming years."

The new 229,112 square-foot aMcDermott Buildinga will be home to over 400 D.C.-based lawyers and staff as well as other business and retail outlets. It strategically places McDermott lawyers within steps of the U.S. Congress, the Supreme Court, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission Annex, the Tax Court, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Thurgood Marshall Judicial Center Complex, the Library of Congress and Union Station.

The new building also represents one of the largest private sector real estate projects completed in Washington this year. As part of the opening, James C. Dinegar, CAE, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, will join McDermott officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Earlier this year, the McDermott Building was named by the Washington Business Journal as the winner of its aUrban Office Lease Award.a

aIt is a real pleasure to see all our hard work come to fruition with what is now one of the premier addresses on Capitol Hill,a said Bobby R. Burchfield, co-partner-in-charge of McDermottas Washington, office. aA project of this scale and magnitude could not have been accomplished without exceptional teamwork. We thank everyone who has been involved in planning this relocation over the past couple of years. Their dedication to this project has allowed our vision for the future of McDermott in Washington to finally come to life.a

Originally built in 1966, the building has been completely redesigned and redeveloped to meet the current and future needs of McDermott. Building upgrades include state-of-the-art technology, such as new mechanical and electrical systems, elevators, and an entirely new, glass faade. Built to meet the U.S. Green Building Councilas LEED Gold standards for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, the space features abundant natural light, Energy Star-rated equipment and appliances, new furniture with recycled components, and locally sourced building materials. The office also offers a top-floor conference center, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Capitol Hill, an on-site parking garage and prominent exterior signage to reinforce the McDermott brand.

aWith this move, McDermott becomes one of the first international law firms to be based on Capitol Hill,a said Paul Thompson, co-partner-in-charge of McDermottas Washington office. aWe believe we are on the cusp of a natural evolution as major law firms and large corporations take a closer look at their local real estate investments. McDermott is bullish onthe growth of Capitol Hill as a business district,an important shift weexpect to play out over the coming years.a

Since its opening in 1978 with two lawyers, McDermottas Washington, D.C., office has become a broad ranging practice comprising 209 attorneys. Originally known for representing clients before government agencies, congressional committees, the executive branch, the legislative branch, and before federal and state courts, McDermottas Washington, D.C. lawyers now advise clients on matters ranging from corporate mergers and acquisitions to intellectual property litigation and protection, regulatory issues, employee benefits, white collar and securities defense, tax and other areas. The Firm services clients in a broad spectrum of industries that include among others, multinational corporations, government and political institutions, environmental agencies, international organizations and high technology companies.

Guiding the complete renovation was Boston Properties Executive Vice President Raymond Ritchie, who in partnership with Clark Enterprises, first saw that the site had potential beyond its original construction. McDermott Will & Emery LLP was represented by Lois Zambo and Steve London of Studley, a global real estate advisory firm. Boston Properties and Clark Enterprises were represented by Art Santry, Phillip Thomas, Zeke Dodson and Kerri Mulligan-Salih of Cassidy Turley. The Clark Construction Group performed the base building renovation as well as the tenant improvements and Gensler was the architect for both phases of the project.

About McDermott Will & Emery

McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Numbering more than 1,100 lawyers, we have offices in Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Dsseldorf, Frankfurt, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Milan, Munich, New York, Orange County, Paris, Rome, Seoul, Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. Extending our reach further into Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai.

[ www.mwe.com ]

2012 McDermott Will & Emery LLP. McDermott Will & Emery conducts its practice through separate legal entities in each of the countries where it has offices. This communication may be considered attorney advertising. Previous results are not a guarantee of future outcome.