Hemenway & Barnes LLP Profile

Firm Overview

Trustees, Advisors and Counselors at Law

Today's Hemenway & Barnes is the proud incarnation of a fiduciary custom that goes back to our founding in the 19th century and well before. That was when the region's prosperous sea captains, away from home for long periods, would often entrust lawyers to watch over their wealth and other assets, business affairs and families.

For over 150 years, New England's individuals and families of means, businesses both private and public, and nonprofit organizations, have sought our trusted counsel. Thanks to these loyal clients, often spanning several generations, the people at Hemenway & Barnes have earned a long-held reputation as premier trustees, advisors and attorneys.

We have been true to our purpose. Our clients and peers regard Hemenway & Barnes as a leading resource for the preservation and management of personal, business, family and financial assets and the sophisticated issues that naturally arise.

The Hemenway & Barnes Way

Many of our client relationships begin simply. Someone turns to us for help with an initial issue or need. Over time, this evolves into a close, trusted, long-term relationship.

While our clients vary in size and complexity, they share a common interest. They come to value the personal attention, unparalleled skill and legacy of trust for which we have become known.

Overview

Hemenway & Barnes is committed to the practice of law at the highest standards of quality and professionalism in a respectful, collegial climate. We are also a place that fosters personal and professional growth and meaningful community involvement.

We are proud to provide legal and fiduciary services to a diverse group of individuals, families, business clients and tax-exempt organizations. Our clients consistently bring us the most intellectually challenging assignments.

Hiring needs

There are many reasons why we’ve thrived over the past 150 years. Great people doing great work is a given. So is outstanding client service at a fair price.

Having consistently interesting work to do tends, however, to set us apart. So does our clients’ unlimited access to our partner-level people. Both of these qualities keep our lawyers and advisors happy and with us for most of their careers.

While our firm may have fewer openings for associates, our younger, associate-level professionals work with our senior people from the very beginning. Associates at Hemenway & Barnes get more responsibility earlier in their careers, better quality contact with clients, and the opportunity to increase the judgment all good lawyers and advisors strive to achieve.

Life-work

We work hard. But that’s not all we expect our people to do. We encourage balance among family, community and our profession.

As a result, many of our professionals and support staff serve in their respective hometown governments, sit on the boards of nonprofit organizations and are otherwise actively involved in their communities.