Transforming high-stakes legal challenges into clear strategies through four decades of experience, insight, and an uncompromising commitment to client outcomes.

New York · London · Hong Kong

Precision.
Integrity.
Exceptional
Outcomes.

Serving clients since 1984

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Transactions
Closed
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Client
Retention
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Years of
Excellence
Begin Your Matter
Trusted by
Fortune 100 Companies Sovereign Wealth Funds Global Private Equity Firms Public Corporations Family Offices
About the Firm

Our dedicated legal team delivers results that matter — with clarity, precision, and complete transparency.

Founded in 1984 by James Hartwell and Victoria Voss, we have grown from a boutique Manhattan practice into one of the most respected names in corporate and transactional law. Every client engages directly with the partners who lead their matter — not a team of associates working in the background.

  • Expert legal guidance at the partner level
  • Proven track record across 40+ years
  • Transparent, direct communication — always
  • Available around the clock for active matters
Speak with a Lawyer
Legal consultation
Signing documents
$80B+
In Closed
Transactions
What We Do

Practice Areas

We concentrate our practice where the stakes are highest and the margin for error is zero.

01

Corporate M&A

Over $80 billion in transactions across four decades, representing boards, acquirers, and targets.

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02

Securities & Capital Markets

IPOs, secondary offerings, and SEC enforcement defense — from first filing to final close.

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03

Private Equity

Sponsors, portfolio companies, and investors in fund formation, leveraged buyouts, and exits.

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04

Complex Litigation

When negotiation ends, we go to court. Our trial team has never lost a case we should have won.

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How We Work

Our Structured Approach

1

Detailed Case Analysis

We begin by listening carefully — mapping your matter, identifying the key risks, and aligning on your objectives before a single strategy is formed.

2

Strategic Planning

Our partners build a clear roadmap tailored to your specific situation — anticipating opposition, protecting your interests, and defining what success looks like.

3

Expert Representation

We act on your behalf with rigorous documentation, disciplined advocacy, and consistent communication at every stage of the process.

4

Resolution & Support

Once your matter closes, we remain available. Many of our client relationships span decades — because trust, once earned, is worth protecting.

Our Expert Legal Team

Experienced Attorneys
Ready to Support You

Our partners bring deep expertise, strong values, and reliable guidance through every step of your matter.

James R. Hartwell
Managing Partner

James R. Hartwell

Over 200 transformative M&A transactions across four decades. James leads the firm's corporate practice with the authority of someone who has seen every kind of deal — and closed them.

Victoria Voss
Senior Partner — Corporate

Victoria Voss

New York's foremost authority on securities law. Victoria has guided 60+ public offerings and served as independent counsel to the boards of three Fortune 50 companies.

Daniel Mercer
Partner — Litigation

Daniel Mercer

Former federal prosecutor. 22 years of trial experience. Daniel has never lost a case he should have won — and he intends to keep it that way.

Client Voices

What Our Clients Say

"

James Hartwell closed a $4.2 billion cross-border acquisition for us in less time than our previous counsel spent on the term sheet. When a deal threatens to fall apart at 2am, this is the firm you want in your corner.

Richard Alderton Chief Executive Officer, Alderton Capital Group
"

Victoria Voss guided our IPO with a calm, methodical mastery I have not seen anywhere else. She anticipated every SEC question before it was asked. We went to market oversubscribed by 4x — exactly as planned.

Sarah Okafor Chief Financial Officer, Meridian Technologies Inc.
Get in Touch

Every great outcome
starts with a
conversation.

New York Office
350 Park Avenue, 28th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Direct
+1 (212) 555-0190
Email
inquiries@hartwellvoss.com
Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm ET
Available 24/7 for active matters