By Lora Munson
Michael Best is a full-service national law firm with more than 400 legal professionals serving clients across 17 offices nationwide. Founded in 1848, the firm has built a reputation for excellence in areas ranging from intellectual property and corporate transactions to labor and employment, energy and government relations. When Michael Best set out to consolidate its two Utah offices into one unified space in downtown Salt Lake City, they weren’t simply looking for a new address. They were looking for an environment that would bring their team together, reflect the caliber of their practice and set the stage for continued growth. Our team had the privilege of partnering with Michael Best to identify and secure a headquarters that would do exactly that.
Located in the LEED Gold, Class A building of 650 Main, their new home is in one of the sleekest buildings in downtown Salt Lake. Within walking distance to an abundance of restaurants, hotels, parks, courthouses and public transportation, their office is in a prime location for both their clients and their team. The building itself has incredible amenities including a social courtyard complete with a bocce court and a fire pit, an indoor/outdoor fitness center, an on-site restaurant and a high-tech conference center. It’s the kind of environment that promotes balance and well-being throughout the workday.
Upon arriving at Michael Best’s office on the sixth floor, visitors are greeted by a reception area that immediately sets the tone. The firm’s logo is displayed against a sweeping wall of light natural stone, flanked by rich emerald green velvet lounge chairs, a marble-topped coffee table and a sleek leather divan. Floor-to-ceiling glass floods the entry with natural light and frames views of the downtown cityscape and mountains beyond. The effect is polished yet welcoming, signaling sophistication without a hint of stuffiness.
Step deeper into the suite and you’ll discover one of the space’s most striking features: a hospitality-inspired living room anchored by a show-stopping linear fireplace. Framed by fluted wood paneling and flanked by dramatic book-matched marble, the fireplace wall feels more like a luxury hotel lobby than a traditional law office. Sculptural navy seating, a warm oak coffee table and a vintage-inspired patchwork rug add layers of texture, while a butler’s pantry tucked just beyond provides a convenient setup for entertaining clients and hosting firm events. Adjacent seating areas offer panoramic valley views through expansive glass and direct access to a private outdoor terrace, perfect for stepping into the fresh air between meetings.
The firm’s boardroom is built for high-stakes collaboration. A generous conference table lined with cognac leather executive chairs seats the full leadership team, while floor-to-ceiling windows showcase sweeping views of the Wasatch Mountains. A warm wood accent wall provides a refined backdrop for abstract artwork in deep tones of indigo, charcoal and forest green, grounding the room with gravitas and creativity. It’s the kind of room where important decisions are made, and where clients feel the confidence of the firm’s more than 175-year legacy.
Functionally, the space is designed around how attorneys actually work. Private offices feature glass walls with mountain views, sit-stand desks, integrated video conferencing and built-in seating for impromptu conversations, balancing focused work with the accessibility that fosters mentorship and teamwork. Open workstations are equally thoughtful, set against rich green accent walls and softened by planters that bring life and warmth to the workspace. Glass-front offices throughout the suite maintain transparency and ensure natural light reaches every corner.
When it’s time to recharge, the team gathers in a sleek, modern kitchen that doubles as the social heart of the office. Dark cabinetry, a generous stone-topped island with bar-height seating, pendant lighting and a glass-front beverage cooler create an inviting atmosphere for shared meals, casual conversations and organic connection. The space supports daily use and client entertaining alike, flowing seamlessly into the lounge areas.
Perhaps the most enviable feature of Michael Best’s new home is the expansive outdoor terrace. A lush green lawn, landscaped planting beds, and multiple seating and dining areas create a rooftop retreat with panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. Whether used for a quick break, an al fresco lunch or an evening firm gathering, the terrace brings a quality of life to the workday that is rare in any office, let alone a law firm.
Michael Best’s new downtown Salt Lake City office positions the firm to attract top legal talent, deepen relationships with clients and grow with confidence in one of the country’s most dynamic markets. By consolidating into a single, purpose-built suite at 650 Main, Michael Best has created a long-term home that is as strategic as it is stunning. More than just a beautiful office, the space reflects who Michael Best is today: a firm built on collaboration, excellence and over 175 years of trusted partnership, which makes this one of the Spaces We Love!
