Six weeks after Sandy hit New York, lower Manhattan law firms that remain out of their offices are hoping to return by next month but are confronting the possibility it could take much longer.

Harris Beach COO William Kedley said the firm’s initial lease of temporary space at 1290 Avenue of the Americas expires in early January, giving lawyers a few weeks to decide if the firm can return to 100 Wall St. If there’s not enough time, Kedley said the firm has the option to renew.