Rochester, New York, April 3, 2026–Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, a full-service business law firm with offices throughout New York, is pleased to announce that Diana R. Clarkson has joined the firm as a partner in the Corporate and Transactional practice in the Rochester office. Clarkson, who began her career at Harter Secrest & Emery, returns to the firm after practicing for nearly three years at Akerman, an Am Law 100 firm.
“Diana is an exceptionally talented transactional tax lawyer, and we are delighted to welcome her back,” said Harter Secrest & Emery Managing Partner Craig S. Wittlin. “Her sophisticated understanding of complex tax issues across a broad spectrum of transactional matters adds significant value to deals of any size.”
Clarkson advises companies and business owners on the federal and state implications of complex corporate transactions, including entity structuring, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, tax-free spin-offs, and debt restructuring. Drawing on deep tax law experience, Clarkson helps clients implement practical, tax-efficient planning strategies to support business transactions, whether involving new ownership or generational transitions.
In addition, Clarkson counsels employers on a wide range of business tax matters, with a focus on employment tax issues and related tax consequences, and regularly addresses complex multistate tax matters involving sales tax, real estate transfer taxes, municipal taxes, and state income tax considerations.
Clarkson has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®. She currently serves as chair of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, where she has been a board member since 2020. She earned a J.D. from The College of William and Mary School of Law and a B.S.E. from Princeton University.
Recipient of the highest ranking by Chambers USA, and nationally ranked by Best Law Firms®, the Harter Secrest & Emery Corporate practice group provides private and public companies with comprehensive counseling and assistance on day-to-day legal, operational, and regulatory matters, and on significant milestones in a company’s lifecycle such as seed and venture financing, acquisitions and mergers, strategic planning, and leadership transitions. The firm works with companies of all sizes—from entrepreneurs and start-ups to Fortune 100 multinational and nonprofit organizations in a variety of industries.