Independent since 1998.
Hartley & Webb is a firm of 26 people on Harcourt Row, a few minutes' walk from the Inns of Court. We have stayed small on purpose, so that clients always deal with an experienced lawyer.
Big-firm quality, without the chain of command.
Eleanor Hartley left a City firm in 1998 with one belief: owner-managed businesses deserve the same standard of advice as large companies, from someone who answers the phone.
James Webb joined two years later to build the employment practice. Today the firm acts for around 600 businesses and families each year, many of whom have been with us for more than a decade.
We are still independent, still on Harcourt Row, and still answer every call within one working day.
How we work.
Three promises we put in writing to every client.
- You know the price
- A fixed fee or a clear estimate before we start, and we tell you before anything changes. No surprise invoices.
- You know who's in charge
- A named partner is responsible for every matter, and you have their direct line.
- You hear back quickly
- Every call and email returned by the end of the next working day, even if only to say when we'll have the answer.
- You understand the advice
- Plain English, clear options, and a recommendation. We tell you what we would do in your position.
Our story so far.
- 1998
Founded on Harcourt Row
Eleanor Hartley opens a two-person commercial practice.
- 2000
Employment team
James Webb joins and the firm becomes Hartley & Webb.
- 2011
Property and private client
Priya Raman builds the property team; wills and probate follow two years later.
- 2026
Twenty-six people
Still one office, still independent.
Talk it through with a solicitor, free.
A 20-minute call to understand where you stand, what it might cost and what to do next. No obligation.