Hartwell & Crane is a boutique firm for businesses and individuals facing the moments that don't allow for mistakes — quietly, thoroughly, and on your side.
We take fewer matters so we can give each one the attention it deserves.
Formation, financing, and acquisitions — from term sheet to close.
Commercial disputes handled with discretion and a clear-eyed view of risk.
Counsel for both founders and executives across the hard conversations.
Wills, trusts, and succession planning that hold up.
Acquisitions, leasing, and development from contract to keys.
Protecting and licensing the work that makes a business worth something.
No billable surprises, no jargon — just a steady hand through a moment that matters.
We listen first, assess the situation honestly, and tell you where you really stand.
A written plan, a clear fee arrangement, and the partner who'll actually handle your matter.
Thorough preparation and measured advocacy — quietly, and entirely on your side.
We push for the outcome that protects you, and keep you informed at every step.
You work with the person whose name is on the door.
Founding Partner
Corporate & M&A · 25 yrs
Partner
Litigation · 22 yrs
Partner
Employment · 16 yrs
Counsel
Private clients · 18 yrs
“They told me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to. That honesty is exactly why I've sent them every matter since — including the acquisition that mattered most.”
Never. Before any work begins, you get a written engagement letter with the fee arrangement spelled out — fixed, capped, or hourly with an estimate — and the partner responsible. If a matter grows beyond that scope, we tell you before the meter runs, not after.
We run a conflicts check before the first substantive conversation, which is why we ask you not to share sensitive details until we've confirmed we're clear to act. If there's a conflict, we say so immediately and, where we can, point you to counsel we'd trust with it ourselves.
The partner whose name is on the door does the work. We take fewer matters on purpose so that the person you meet in the consultation is the person preparing your documents and standing up for you — not a rotating cast of juniors billing to learn.
Communications with us are protected by attorney–client privilege from the first consultation. Documents and messages in the client portal are encrypted, access is limited to your matter team, and nothing about your engagement is shared without your instruction.
Tell us, in broad strokes, what you're facing. We'll respond within one business day.
Hours