When Edward Harris and Henry Ives first went into practice together in 1856, their law firm was housed in a small office in downtown Rochester.  Over the next 150 years, the firm that still bears Harris’ name has grown to include close to 200 attorneys in offices throughout New York state, and is ranked by the National Law Journal as one of the country’s top 250 largest law firms.

As one of Rochester’s top law firms, Harris Beach is often called on to handle situations that demand significant resources.  But the firm is well-known for far more than its size.  Harris Beach attorneys are known for their ability to apply the perspective and creative solutions needed in today’s business environment.

They handle multi-million dollar business acquisitions and divestitures and serve as counsel to Fortune 500 companies in complex business litigation and intellectual property litigation.  Harris Beach attorneys also guide health systems through regulatory changes, represent public and private organizations in labor and employment issues and construct Initial Public Offering plans so the region’s high-tech firms can take their place on the trading board.  Harris Beach attorneys also help educational institutions in all matters relating to their operations, employees, and students.  Several of the firm’s practice group and industry team leaders are resident in the Rochester office, including Appellate Litigation & Advocacy, Business & Commercial Litigation, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Financial Institutions, Intellectual Property Law, and Public Finance & Economic Development.

Harris Beach representatives volunteer for dozens of the region’s nonprofit and professional organizations and many contribute their experience to corporate and community boards of directors.  As a firm, Harris Beach also supports a number of community cultural and arts groups and youth education and sports programs.