Trial lawyers for Texans since 1994
Two former prosecutors started Hartwell & Crane with one rule: take fewer cases, and prepare every one of them for trial. Thirty-two years later, that rule still runs the firm.
- Founded in Dallas
- 1994
- Attorneys, 6 practice areas
- 14
- Offices across Texas
- 4
Recognized by peers and the bench
How the firm started
“We take fewer cases so we can try every one of them as if it were our only one.”
In 1994, Eleanor Hartwell and Marcus Crane left the Dallas County District Attorney's Office with a shared frustration: too many people were facing the most important moment of their lives with a lawyer who had never seen the inside of a courtroom.
They opened a two-room office on Commerce Street and built the firm around trial work. Every case was prepared as if it would be decided by a jury, because insurers and prosecutors offer fair outcomes to lawyers they know will go the distance.
The firm has grown to 14 attorneys and four offices, but the model has not changed. We take on a limited number of cases, a named partner leads every matter, and clients have a direct line to the lawyer handling their case.
- A partner on every case. A named partner leads your matter from start to finish.
- Trial-ready from day one. We hire experts and build the record early.
- Clear updates. You will always know where your case stands.
Four commitments we make to every client
These shape how we staff and prepare every case.
Preparation wins
We investigate early, hire the right experts and build every file to be tried in front of a jury.
Honest advice
If your case is weak, we tell you. If we can't help, we will refer you to someone who can.
Direct access
You get your attorney's direct number, and calls are returned the same business day.
Steady communication
You hear from us at every stage, and we explain each decision before it is made.
Three decades, one approach
- 1994
Founded in Dallas
Two former prosecutors open a two-room office on Commerce Street.
- 2003
Houston office
The firm expands to the Gulf Coast to serve trucking and industrial injury clients.
- 2011
Austin office
Employment and business litigation teams open in Central Texas.
- 2018
Fort Worth office
A dedicated trial team for Tarrant County and the western Metroplex.
- 2026
$1B+ recovered
Lifetime recoveries for clients pass one billion dollars.
The people who will stand beside you
Giving back to the communities we serve
Every attorney at the firm commits at least 50 hours a year to pro bono work, and the firm supports legal aid across Texas.
- 2,400+Pro bono hours last year
- 120Veterans helped through free legal clinics
- $250KDonated to Texas legal aid since 2015
- 12Law school scholarships funded
Ready to talk to a partner?
Everything you share is confidential, and we will tell you where you stand.