"We are extremely pleased with the way our National Group is going," says Richards, who accepts an industry mindset that firms such as his have to capably assist clients on a worldwide scale. The difference, he says, is that RBJ is not beholden to a single network. "We certainly have respect for our competitors--and in fact we often wind up using them if it makes sense--but we want the best people for each assignment, and they are not always going to be in the same office," says Richards. "Our only goal is pleasing the client, and that means finding the right people to make that happen no matter what."

The latest series of deals boasts a powerful lineup of four firms operating internationally, including Forrester Research, OneBeacon Insurance Co., Sapient and Yankee Group Research. More than 150,000 sf of space was committed in the 14 leases, the bulk of them brokered on behalf of Canton-based One Beacon. Those transactions accounted for 84,000 sf in such markets as California, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota and New York.

Also taking a substantial amount of space was Sapient. The global services company committed to 35,000 sf in two leases in Arlington, VA, and another in San Francisco. Cambridge-based Forrester leased more than 16,000 sf in two deals, with the research company taking space in Dallas and in a Paris submarket. Another technology research firm, Yankee Group, also established a presence overseas, subleasing an entire floor in London. Besides Richards, RBJ team members negotiating the leases were Kristin Connelly, director of national accounts; and VP Richard Bradbury.