Law firm returns to downtown presence

It was a pretty big deal when Tampa law powerhouse Carlton Fields relocated from Harbour Island to Westshore in 2003. Now the firm is bringing part of its offices back downtown.

Colliers International says Carlton Fields signed a lease for 14,510 square feet at Wachovia Center (soon to be Wells Fargo Center) overlooking Garrison Channel. The firm had been a tenant across the channel at One Harbour Place since 1985 before becoming the first tenant of Corporate Center Three at International Plaza.

The extra downtown space is expected to compliment Carlton Fields' headquarters and handle its growth while striving to meet the needs of clients. The statewide firm, which also has an Atlanta office, recently added a major health care practice by adding nine attorneys from Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney.