Matthew A. Eldred, Anna S.M. McCarthy, Michael N. Vranjes, and Kristin F. Zimar Elected to the Firm’s Partnership
Rochester, New York, January 2, 2026 – Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, a full-service business law firm with offices throughout New York, is pleased to announce that Matthew A. Eldred, Anna S.M. McCarthy, Michael N. Vranjes, and Kristin F. Zimar have been elected to the firm’s partnership:
“Matt, Anna, Mike, and Kristin have earned the trust of their clients through exceptional skills and unwavering commitment,” said Craig S. Wittlin, Managing Partner at Harter Secrest & Emery. “They are valued colleagues and respected attorneys whose insight and leadership will continue to drive success for those we serve.”
Eldred is a seasoned energy, transactional, and land use attorney whose practice spans energy development and permitting; environmental due diligence, permitting, and compliance, SEQRA matters, and municipal law. He regularly advises municipalities, landowners, and businesses on all phases of energy development, from utility-scale generation to transmission project siting and data center development, and he maintains a regular practice supporting and leading buy- and sell-side acquisitions and transactions across a variety of industries. With a foundation in corporate law and early experience as a land surveyor, Eldred brings a uniquely practical, strategic business-focused perspective to navigating highly technical environmental and energy issues. Eldred earned a B.S. with honors from SUNY Alfred, and a J.D., magna cum laude, from University of Buffalo School of Law.
McCarthy advises employers on the full spectrum of labor and employment matters, offering clear, steady guidance through complex workplace challenges. She counsels clients on policy development, union relations, wage and hour compliance, personnel decisions, discrimination and harassment claims, DEI compliance, and employment contract disputes, and she also supports clients in navigating employment issues arising from mergers and acquisitions. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, McCarthy represents clients in employment-related lawsuits and before administrative agencies and is skilled in both conducting and advising on workplace investigations. She also assists organizations in developing affirmative action programs and meeting federal and state regulatory requirements. McCarthy earned a B. A. from Wellesley College and a J.D., cum laude from University of Buffalo School of Law.
Vranjes is an Intellectual Property attorney who brings clients a rare blend of technical fluency and legal insight. With a background in aerospace and mechanical engineering, he focuses his practice on patent prosecution and the protection of innovations across mechanical, biomedical, optical, software, and electrical technologies. Vranjes works closely with inventors to guide complex patent applications through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He also provides counsel to clients in other areas of intellectual property, including trademark, copyright, litigation, and licensing matters. Vranjes earned a dual B.S. with honors from University at Buffalo, and a J.D. from University at Buffalo School of Law.
Zimar is a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex commercial real estate transactions, bringing deep experience in acquisitions and, dispositions, financing, commercial leasing, and due diligence for mergers and acquisitions. She is also well-versed in guiding not-for-profit and religious corporations through required regulatory approvals for real estate transfers. With a background that includes significant commercial litigation experience, Zimar offers clients a well-rounded perspective that supports sound, strategic decision-making. Zimar earned a B.S. with honors from the State University of New York at Albany and a J.D. summa cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law.
About Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is a full-service business law firm with attorneys throughout New York representing clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions. With offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City, New York, the firm and its attorneys are consistently recognized by the industry’s leading law firm and attorney ranking programs, including Chambers and Partners, Best Law Firms® and The Best Lawyers in America®.