Rochester, New York, April 15, 2026 – Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, a full‑service business law firm with offices across New York, is pleased to announce that Nolan M. Hale and Rob Lee have joined the firm’s Corporate practice in the Buffalo office.
Hale focuses his practice on advising closely held businesses and not‑for‑profit organizations, providing practical, cost‑efficient legal guidance tailored to each client’s objectives. His experience spans a range of industries, with a concentration on buying and sell‑side mergers and acquisitions, where he works closely with business owners and management teams to structure transactions, manage risk, and advance deals efficiently.
In addition to his transactional practice, Hale advises not‑for‑profit organizations on corporate and transactional matters, including governance, structuring, and strategic initiatives. He regularly collaborates with boards and executive leadership to deliver clear, mission‑aligned guidance that supports both operational needs and long‑term goals.
Hale earned a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law and a B.S., cum laude, from the University at Buffalo..
Lee brings experience in corporate and business law, with a concentration on transactional matters and regulatory compliance. His practice focuses on advising clients on entity formation and structuring, as well as counseling on all aspects of a transaction, including drafting and negotiating complex agreements and conducting due diligence and compliance analysis.
Prior to joining Harter Secrest & Emery, Lee practiced in the Investment Funds group at Sidley Austin in New York, where he supported fund launches, negotiated agreements with large institutional investors, and conducted due diligence and compliance analysis for closed-end investment vehicles. He also gained experience as a summer associate at Sidley Austin, K&L Gates, and Blackstone. Before entering private practice, Lee served as an officer in the United States Army in various infantry assignments, including with the 82nd Airborne Division and the 4th Infantry Division, and is a veteran of the Afghanistan War.
Lee earned a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and a B.A., summa cum laude, from George Mason 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 including agriculture, financial services, food and beverage, health care, higher education, manufacturing, retail, and technology.
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®.