End-of-Term Trap: What Firms Should Know Before Their Leases Expire

Many law firms excel at structuring equipment leases at the start. But as expiration nears, even well-run programs can break down. That is when firms face unexpected auto-renewals, unreturned equipment fees, or rushed replacements.

These issues are avoidable, but only with proactive planning and full visibility across your leased assets.

The Cost of Late Action

Firms that wait until the last 30 or even 60 days often face:

• Auto-renewals at less favorable terms

• Last-minute decisions with limited vendor options

• Continued billing for unreturned or untracked equipment

• Fragmented refresh cycles that disrupt standardization

End-of-term confusion is more than a nuisance. It creates unnecessary costs and distracts legal and IT teams from high-value work.

Start the Conversation 6 to 12 Months Before Expiration

Strategic lease management requires forward planning. Key questions to ask include:

• Does the equipment still meet firm performance and compliance needs?

• Are there office moves or growth plans that impact equipment requirements?

• What return or renewal options are specified in the lease?

• Who is responsible for coordinating the next steps internally?

What a Leasing Partner Should Provide

Your leasing provider should offer more than financing. Expect:

• Proactive alerts on expiring leases

• Return guides and scheduling support

• Co-terminous lease options for easier planning

• A single point of contact for coordination and troubleshooting

How CoreTech Helps

We structure leasing programs to reduce end-of-term risk and administrative overhead. With centralized tracking and Core C.A.R.E. tools, we help legal IT teams stay on schedule and on budget. Reach out to info@coretechleasing.com to assess your lease end-of-term readiness.