Is a low overhead in your NYC shared office really worth the troubles of having to follow rules that do not benefit your firm?
Office spaces come in a variety of options, but subleasing a space in someone else’s office is one of the most common types of office situations. This is true, especially if a small firm is in dire need of a physical space.
The standard commercial lease is not only daunting, but it is a huge commitment. For the solo attorney or small firm, it may be out of reach in terms of financing. Larger firms have more capability to take over a standard lease for various reasons: they are making enough money and they may have a need for the space.
T
his does not mean that the small firm or solo won’t eventually need a bigger space as the practice grows, but for immediate needs, a standard lease may not be feasible.
Even if your NYC sublet office space is cheap at first, there may be unexpected occurrences that end up making it more expensive than what it should be to sublet the space.
You don’t have time for nonsensical rules.
Your own office space means you have free reign to make whatever rules you want for your firm. This sense of freedom is very rewarding because it means the space is yours to manage. This is a common feature with shared office providers and only a few rules based in common sense exist so respect is given to other tenants.
Law firms that feel the need to sublet a space often do not want to be doing so. Their rules in place may not fit the needs of your firm and some of these rules can be very outlandish and peculiar. Some seen in the industry are:
-You must have cherry wood furnishings purchased from Room and Board.
-The cost of paper is split between all lawyers whether you use the copy machine or not.
-You can use the conference room any time you want, unless your landlord’s firm needs it; then you’re on your own.
Wacky rules are just that. Wacky. They do not benefit you in any way and wouldn’t make a big enough difference if they didn’t exist. However, the element of no rules is also common and this will hurt you indefinitely.
No rules mean even greater havoc.
No rules means you cannot complain if your suitemates are disruptive or even hamper your business practices throughout the day. For some, no rules is a dream come true, but it’s typically the ones who are disruptive that find this appealing. For those who need to conduct business it may be their worst nightmare.
