Hartman & Cole is a boutique Chicago firm guiding founders, families, and investors through business deals, estate plans, and the disputes that matter most — with the senior attention big firms reserve for their biggest clients.
We deliberately keep our caseload small so that a partner — not a junior associate — handles your matter from first call to final signature.
Formation, contracts, M&A, partnerships, and counsel for growing companies — from first hire to exit. We keep your business protected and your paperwork airtight.
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate. We help Illinois families protect what they've built and pass it on without conflict or surprise.
Commercial and residential closings, leasing, development, and disputes across Cook County and the greater Chicago area.
When negotiation fails, we litigate. Business disputes, breach of contract, and shareholder conflicts — argued with precision in state and federal court.
Marcus Hartman and Elena Cole left two of Chicago's largest firms in 2008 with a shared conviction: clients deserve to talk to the lawyer actually doing the work. Today we remain intentionally small — a senior team who knows your name, your business, and your goals.
Two seasoned partners, one shared standard of care.
Marcus represents founders and closely held companies through every stage of growth, from formation to acquisition. A former Big Law litigator, he brings courtroom experience to every negotiation. J.D., University of Chicago Law School.
Elena builds estate plans that protect families for generations and guides clients through complex real estate transactions. She is known for translating dense legal questions into clear, confident decisions. J.D., Northwestern Pritzker.
“Marcus handled the sale of my company with a calm I didn't have. He caught issues our last firm missed entirely. I wouldn't sign anything without him.”
“Elena rebuilt our family's estate plan and made a confusing process genuinely easy. She explained every document until we truly understood it. A rare lawyer.”
“A real partner answers the phone, every time. After a bad experience at a giant firm, Hartman & Cole felt like having lawyers who were actually on my side.”