Established 1987 · New York
Counsel you can
count on.
For nearly four decades, Hartwell & Partners has guided individuals, families, and businesses through their most consequential legal matters — with clarity, discretion, and resolve.
Established 1987 · New York
For nearly four decades, Hartwell & Partners has guided individuals, families, and businesses through their most consequential legal matters — with clarity, discretion, and resolve.
What We Do
We bring deep experience across a broad range of legal disciplines, ensuring our clients receive authoritative counsel at every stage.
Entity formation, mergers & acquisitions, shareholder agreements, and ongoing corporate governance for businesses of every size.
Residential and commercial transactions, lease negotiations, title disputes, and development agreements across New York and beyond.
Divorce, custody, support, and prenuptial agreements handled with sensitivity and the firm advocacy your family deserves.
Wills, trusts, probate administration, and comprehensive wealth transfer strategies to protect what you've built for the people you love.
Breach of contract, business torts, partnership disputes, and injunctive relief. We litigate with precision and settle when it counts.
Wrongful termination, discrimination, wage & hour claims, and employment contracts — for both employees and employers.
Why Hartwell
We don't take every case. We take the right ones — and when we do, we commit fully. Our attorneys are accessible, direct, and relentless in the pursuit of the best possible outcome for each client.
Every client works directly with a partner. No hand-offs to junior associates on matters that require experienced judgment.
We tell clients what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. That honesty has earned us relationships that last decades.
Our track record across litigation and negotiation reflects a firm that prepares thoroughly, acts decisively, and delivers.
Our Attorneys
Founding Partner
Corporate Law · Commercial Litigation
Richard founded the firm in 1987 after a decade at Davis Polk & Wardwell. Over his career he has led over 200 complex commercial transactions and tried more than 80 jury cases to verdict. He is ranked Band 1 in Corporate Litigation by Chambers USA.
Partner
Family Law · Estate Planning
Elena joined the firm in 2002 and became partner in 2009. She is widely regarded as one of New York's foremost family law practitioners, known for her precision in complex asset division and her ability to guide clients through difficult circumstances with clarity and composure.
Partner
Real Estate · Employment Law
David leads the firm's real estate and employment practices. He has closed over $4 billion in commercial real estate transactions and represents both Fortune 500 employers and senior executives in high-stakes employment disputes throughout the state and federal courts.
Client Testimonials
“
Richard Hartwell handled our company's acquisition with a level of precision and strategic thinking I had not encountered before. He anticipated every complication and resolved them before they became problems. I would not use anyone else.
— CEO, Midtown Private Equity Firm
“
Elena guided me through a very difficult divorce with remarkable professionalism. She was direct, thorough, and fought hard for an outcome that protected my children's future. I am deeply grateful.
— Client, Family Law Matter
“
David Kim navigated a complex wrongful termination matter with skill and relentless preparation. The result exceeded my expectations. Hartwell & Partners are the real thing.
— Senior Executive, Financial Services
Get in Touch
Initial consultations are confidential and carry no obligation. We will assess your matter honestly and advise you on the best path forward — regardless of whether that path involves our firm.
Complete the form and a member of our team will respond within one business day.