Commercial Lease Lawyers for Growing Businesses and Property Owners
Leasing commercial property isn’t just about square footage; it’s a strategic commitment that can shape your bottom line for years. At Next Era Legal, we guide companies through the negotiation and review of commercial leases with a sharp focus on growth, liability, and operational flexibility.
Whether you’re signing your first office lease, expanding into a retail location, or managing multiple tenant properties, our commercial lease lawyers deliver legal clarity rooted in business strategy. We serve clients in Chicago, San Diego, Detroit, Los Angeles, and across the country.
Commercial Leases Are Business Deals With Legal Consequences
Too many tenants and landlords approach leases as routine paperwork. But the truth is, one poorly negotiated lease clause can cost you tens of thousands in hidden fees, repairs, or inflexibility. A strong lease doesn’t just protect your legal rights; it supports your financial health, risk tolerance, and future plans.
We represent both tenants and landlords in commercial lease matters, offering forward-thinking legal insight with practical business sense.
We Help Clients Avoid These Common Pitfalls:
- Being locked into long-term leases with no exit
- Overpaying for repairs, taxes, or common area maintenance
- Losing leverage in renewal or expansion negotiations
- Inadvertently violating use restrictions or zoning
- Facing lawsuits over vague lease terms or missed deadlines
Lease Services Built for Business Owners and Property Investors
Whether you’re a startup tenant or a property owner managing a growing portfolio, our team provides tailored lease services based on your objectives, space type, and leverage in negotiation.
Lease Drafting & Negotiation
We help draft, revise, and negotiate lease agreements that match your risk profile, operational needs, and growth potential.
- Initial lease drafting for property owners and landlords
- Lease negotiation and redlining for tenants
- Letters of intent and term sheets
- Long-term, short-term, and option-based leases
- Custom clauses for buildouts, signage, or exclusivity
Lease Review for Tenants
Before you sign, we break down every provision and flag the risks that matter to your specific business.
- Responsibility for repairs and maintenance
- Rent escalations and operating expenses
- Assignment and subleasing rights
- Default and termination penalties
- Personal guarantees and liability issues
Our reviews go beyond legal boilerplate; we help you understand how each clause could affect your business operations and future growth.
Landlord Representation
For commercial landlords, we ensure lease language is clear, enforceable, and designed to support asset value while minimizing liability.
- Lease templates for office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use spaces
- CAM (common area maintenance) language and pass-through cost structuring
- Rent acceleration clauses
- Subordination and estoppel documentation
Who We Represent
We work with a wide range of business types and property owners, including:
- Retailers and restaurant groups expanding regionally
- Tech startups leasing shared or flexible office space
- Landlords managing industrial or mixed-use buildings
- Franchisees opening new locations
- Healthcare providers and clinic operators
- Commercial real estate investors building multi-tenant portfolios
Whether you’re a growing business securing your next location or a landlord looking to protect your property, our commercial lease lawyers are ready to help.
Why Businesses Trust Next Era Legal
We’re not just real estate lawyers; we’re strategic legal partners for businesses that want their leases to support their long-term vision.
Here’s What Sets Us Apart:
- Business-Aligned Counsel – We don’t just analyze legal risks, we advise on how lease terms impact your bottom line and growth plans.
- Real Estate Experience in Four Markets – Our offices in Chicago, San Diego, Detroit, and Los Angeles give us deep insight into regional leasing standards, costs, and tenant/landlord dynamics.
- Scalable Legal Support – From single-location tenants to multi-property landlords, we offer flexible counsel designed to grow with your business.
- Responsive and Practical – We move at the pace of business, giving you direct answers and clear paths forward.
Types of Commercial Leases We Handle
Our team regularly works with a wide variety of lease formats, property types, and industries.
Property Types
- Office space (traditional, co-working, and executive suites)
- Retail storefronts and shopping center units
- Industrial and warehouse spaces
- Medical and healthcare facilities
- Mixed-use and live-work developments
- Creative and production studio leases
Lease Structures
- Gross and modified gross leases
- Triple net (NNN) leases
- Percentage rent leases for retail tenants
- Ground leases and land use agreements
- Subleases and assignments
- Renewal, option, and expansion agreements
Each lease format comes with its own complexities. We ensure you understand the implications and opportunities in every document.
What to Expect During a Lease Review or Negotiation
Every business has different priorities. That’s why our lease process is centered around strategy and communication.
Step 1: Initial Strategy Session
We start with a conversation to understand:
- Your business model and operational requirements
- The property type and use
- Any upcoming growth, renovation, or expansion plans
- Your negotiating leverage and timing constraints
Step 2: Lease Analysis or Drafting
We review or draft the lease agreement in detail, identifying:
- Risk areas based on your business’s exposure
- Hidden costs or pass-throughs
- Gaps in default or dispute language
- Clauses that limit operational flexibility
- Opportunities to negotiate favorable terms
Step 3: Redlining and Negotiation
We mark up the lease, propose revisions, and negotiate directly with the opposing party or their counsel. Our goal is to align the lease with your long-term goals, not just get it signed.
Step 4: Finalization and Ongoing Support
Once your lease is signed, we will remain available to help with:
- Lease addendums
- Renegotiations at renewal
- Expansion, subleasing, or early termination issues
Serving Clients in Key Business Hubs
We support businesses and property owners in major markets where real estate is fast-moving and stakes are high.
Chicago
From high-rise office leases to industrial flex space, we advise Chicago-based tenants and landlords with a focus on legal risk and real estate strategy in the Midwest’s most competitive market.
San Diego
In Southern California’s complex regulatory environment, we help tenants and landlords navigate commercial real estate agreements with precision, particularly in the biotech, health, and retail sectors.
Detroit
Our Detroit office works with both legacy businesses and startups, securing creative spaces, industrial properties, and revitalized real estate in Michigan’s resurging economy.
Los Angeles
From creative studios to high-traffic retail corridors, our LA commercial lease lawyers offer real-world legal advice for a dynamic and often landlord-favored market.
When to Call a Commercial Lease Lawyer
If you’re reviewing, negotiating, or disputing a commercial lease, don’t wait until you’re locked into a costly mistake. Contact a commercial lease lawyer if:
- You’ve been presented with a lease and need a risk review
- You’re negotiating renewal, termination, or expansion terms
- You’re a landlord and want to ensure enforceable and clear lease terms
- You’re preparing to sublease or assign your space
- A dispute has arisen regarding rent, repairs, or occupancy
- You want a second opinion on an LOI or draft lease before signing
Even a short consultation can help avoid years of legal or financial headaches.
Let’s Make Your Lease Work for You, Not Against You
At Next Era Legal, our commercial lease lawyers help clients avoid costly missteps and secure lease terms that match their vision. Whether you’re opening your first location or managing a portfolio of properties, we bring the legal insight and market knowledge you need to move forward confidently.
Schedule a Lease Strategy Session
Let’s review your lease and align it with your operational goals.
Download Our Commercial Leasing Guide
Looking for a checklist or tip sheet? Download one of our resources for business tenants or property owners.
Have a lease you’re unsure about?
Call Next Era Legal before you sign. A 30-minute call can save you months of stress and thousands in risk.