WilmerHale Partners with Downtown Alliance and Sponsors Expansive Lower Manhattan Wi-Fi Network

To show its commitment to the Lower Manhattan community, the law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) has become an official sponsor of the Downtown Alliance and a co-presenting sponsor of the Downtown Alliance’s free Wi-Fi network.  Currently, there are more than a dozen hotspots below Chambers Street, covering 715,000 square feet—the rough equivalent of 17 football fields. 

“This summer, WilmerHale joins more than 350 companies that have relocated to Lower Manhattan since 2005,” said Elizabeth H. Berger, President of the Alliance for Downtown New York. “They have fast become an active member of the business community and a sustainability and technology leader, starting with the firm’s trendsetting ‘green lease’ at Silverstein Properties’ renowned 7 World Trade Center and now by sponsoring free Wi-Fi throughout Lower Manhattan.” 

In 2003, the Downtown Alliance pioneered the city’s most extensive free, public Wi-Fi initiative. In 2011, more than 230,000 devices connected to the Downtown Alliance network. In 2012, there was a 32% increase in connections from 2011, including almost 9,000 connections alone at the Plaza at 7 World Trade Center.

Downtown Alliance sponsored hot-spots are free for all users. Those using smartphones, laptops, and tablets with wireless capabilities can automatically connect to any of the Downtown Alliance’s wireless networks. When connecting this network, users must choose the network with “Downtown Alliance” in the title. For more information on Downtown Alliance free wireless locations, visit https://downtownny.com/programs/free-public-wifi.

WilmerHale has moved to new offices at 7 World Trade Center that provide more technologically advanced and collaborative space, and will further enhance its ability to provide clients with the highest quality services. The new offices are at the forefront of environmental sustainability initiatives and demonstrate the firm’s commitment to the City and the revitalized Lower Manhattan business district. WilmerHale is the first major law firm to move from Midtown to Downtown since 9/11.

“This cost- and energy-efficient building helps us control costs for our clients, while the important technological and workspace improvements enhance the quality of life for all of our colleagues. We are proud to be part of the growth of the Lower Manhattan business district,” said Susan Murley, Co-Managing Partner of WilmerHale.

WilmerHale’s lease, recognized by both Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and World Trade Center developer Larry A. Silverstein, made history as the first lease in the City to allow the tenant and the owner to benefit from energy efficient improvements while sharing in the costs to make the improvement attainable. The lease promotes enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability, and complements what the firm hopes will be a LEED Gold certification for its space—one of the few firms in the City to have that honor.