Harter Secrest & Emery LLP - Rochester, NY
Founded in 1894, Harter Secrest and Emery LLP is a premier business law firm headquartered in Rochester, New York, delivering nationally recognized counsel across corporate transactions, business litigation, labor and employment, intellectual property, and commercial real estate.
Over a Century of Excellence in Commercial and Corporate Law
For more than 130 years, Harter Secrest and Emery LLP has served as a cornerstone of legal counsel in upstate New York and across the country. Headquartered at Bausch and Lomb Place in downtown Rochester, the firm represents clients ranging from regional businesses and tech startups to Fortune 100 corporations, universities, and healthcare systems. Combining deep industry understanding with legal agility, the firm helps commercial clients navigate regulatory environments, execute major transactions, and resolve high-stakes disputes. When organizations need to retain an experienced corporate lawyer, Harter Secrest and Emery delivers proven advocacy.
Comprehensive Business and Enterprise Legal Services
With more than 120 attorneys practicing across diverse disciplines, Harter Secrest and Emery LLP provides broad transactional guidance and assertive dispute resolution:
- Business formation and corporate governance: Structuring joint ventures, organizing limited liability companies and corporations, advising executive boards, and facilitating private equity and venture capital financing.
- Mergers, acquisitions, and contract law: Guiding domestic and cross-border mergers, asset acquisitions, divestitures, shareholder agreements, and commercial vendor contracts.
- Business litigation and dispute resolution: Litigating complex commercial breach of contract matters, partnership dissolutions, securities claims, and antitrust disputes before state and federal courts.
- Labor and employment law: Defending corporate employers against workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment claims, and wage and hour compliance audits.
- Intellectual property and technology transactions: Protecting corporate assets through trademark registration, patent litigation, copyright enforcement, and trade secret protection.
- Commercial real estate and land use: Managing commercial property acquisitions, commercial leasing, municipal zoning approvals, public finance, and environmental compliance.
Recognized Leadership and Strategic Client Representation
Harter Secrest and Emery LLP stands out through its collaborative structure. Attorneys partner across departments without competing billing incentives, ensuring clients receive direct access to deep subject-matter experience. The firm consistently earns Tier 1 metropolitan rankings from Best Law Firms in corporate law, commercial litigation, employment law, and tax law, alongside top honors from Chambers USA and Super Lawyers. Whether negotiating an acquisition, managing executive compensation, or defending against a corporate lawsuit, businesses rely on the firm for practical and sophisticated legal solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do commercial clients engage Harter Secrest and Emery LLP"
Corporate decision-makers and business owners can contact the Rochester office by phone or submit an inquiry through the firm website. The firm evaluates prospective representation to clear any potential conflicts of interest and pairs you with the appropriate practice group leader.
What billing structures and payment methods does the firm utilize"
The firm offers professional billing arrangements tailored to commercial matters, primarily utilizing retainer fee agreements and hourly structures. Payments can be processed conveniently through an online portal, wire transfer, corporate checks, and major credit cards.
Does the firm maintain offices outside Rochester"
Yes, while headquartered in Rochester at 1600 Bausch and Lomb Place, Harter Secrest and Emery LLP operates fully staffed offices in Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City, enabling comprehensive representation across New York State.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Situated in the central business district of Downtown Rochester, overlooking the scenic Washington Square Park.
Building Location
This is the iconic 20-story Class A skyscraper known as Legacy Tower (formerly the Bausch & Lomb Building), featuring a post-modern granite facade and a glass-enclosed winter garden. It is located near Washington Square Park.
Parking Details
On-site underground parking is available at the Midtown Garage or the nearby Clinton Square surface lot, with some metered street spaces surrounding the block.
Public Transit
Served by Regional Transit Service Route 12 (South Clinton); nearest stop is at Clinton & Broad.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter Legacy Tower through the main entrance lobby, head to the elevator banks, and take the elevator to the 16th floor to find the offices of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP in Suite 1600.