KEY TAKEAWAYS: Baker Donelson signs long-term lease for 40,000 square feet at One Canal Place Firm will relocate from Place St. Charles in fall 2026 Lease increases tower occupancy to about 75%   Baker Donelson, one of the largest law firms in the country, has signed a long-term lease t o relocate its New Orleans office to One Canal Place. Beginning in fall 2026, the firm will occupy approximately 40,000 square feet across the top two floors of the 32-story Class A office tower.The move marks the firm’s departure from Place St. Charles, where Baker Donelson has operated since 2004. The national AmLaw 200 firm has more than 700 attorneys and public policy advisors across more than 20 offices in 12 states and Washington, D.C. Its New Orleans office includes nearly 60 attorneys and more than 100 total employees. Noah Kressler “Being at the top of an iconic office building like One Canal Place is ideal for the next phase of Baker Donelson’s story in New Orleans,” said Noah Kressler, managing shareholder of the Baker Donelson New Orleans office. “We’re committed to a large and long-term presence here that includes continuing to grow with the leading talent in the legal industry.” Managed by Corporate Realty, One Canal Place was 68.78% leased as of the company’s Q3 2025 office occupancy and absorption survey. Baker Donelson’s lease will increase occupancy to approximately 75.2% once the firm takes possession. “One Canal Place is one of the state’s premier office spaces and is in a prime location with the best New Orleans has to offer. That was clearly important to Baker Donelson as they look to build on the incredible momentum they are experiencing,” said Andrea A. Huseman, leasing and brokerage specialist at Corporate Realty. “We share Baker Donelson’s commitment to New Orleans and are excited to help them build upon their momentum as well as thrilled to welcome such a respected national law firm as a tenant.” Baker Donelson’s new office will be designed by integrated design firm ASD|SKY and will emphasize natural light and panoramic views from the tower’s upper floors. Plans include collaborative common areas and additional attorney offices to accommodate anticipated growth. “Our new home in One Canal Place means our people will be in a vibrant, highly desirable area of our city and will have access to some of the best amenities and views available in this market,” Kressler added. “Our team is truly excited about this move, and we look forward to continuing our growth and success in a space that reflects the future of our Firm and our city.” Greg McCavera, Ella Adkins and Greg Riera of JLL advised Baker Donelson on the transaction. “JLL is honored to have worked alongside the Baker Donelson team to locate this exciting new office space on the top floors of One Canal Place,” said Greg McCavera, vice chairman of JLL. “The new space at One Canal Place will allow the Firm to implement an efficient and modern office design with the ability to accommodate the Firm’s growth in New Orleans.” ...read more read less