New York law firms Debevoise & Plimpton and Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton see opportunity in San Francisco, which felt the impact of the pandemic as much as any other in the United States. While its effects linger, the firms—and others—see a comeback for the city and are investing resources to make sure they are a part of it.

Debevoise, in late October, signed a new 10-year lease in San Francisco at 650 California St., adding 15,829 square feet to its existing presence, bringing its office there to over 31,000. Cleary in recent months also expanded, signing an 11.5-year lease at the same location, for almost 24,000 square feet and taking up the entire 25th floor and part of the 24th. Cleary also subleases about 7,000 square feet on the 20th floor.