Benjamin Hartwell

Partner

Philadelphia (West), PA
D 215.836.1887
benjamin.hartwell@fmglaw.com

Education

Rutgers Law School, J.D., cum laude

University of Mount Union, B.A., cum laude

Overview

Benjamin Hartwell is a Partner at Freeman Mathis & Gary's Philadelphia office. Ben provides clients with tenacious, practical, and effective representation in civil litigation matters. His pragmatic approach to advocacy leads to results both in the courtroom and at the settlement table. He has successfully defended clients against claims involving alleged defects in household appliances and industrial equipment, negligence in bars, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, breaches of commercial agreements, and exposure to environmental toxins.

Prior to joining Freeman Mathis & Gary, Ben clerked for the Honorable Richard S. Hoffman of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division. During his time at Rutgers Law School, he was named Champion and Best Orator of the Honorable James Hunter III Moot Court Competition, presented with multiple Best Brief awards for his legal writing acumen, and appointed to serve as Lead Articles Editor for the Rutgers University Law Review.

Ben is a proud native of Cleveland, Ohio. In his free time, he enjoys traveling the world, cheering for (and usually being disappointed by) Cleveland’s sports teams, and, most importantly, spending time with his growing family.

Bar Admissions

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

The United States District Courts of Pennsylvania

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Publications & Engagements
  • “In Cautionary Tale to Nursing Homes, Superior Court Finds Arbitration Agreement Unconscionable.” Pennsylvania Bar News, Dec. 5, 2022.
  • “Pa. Jurisdiction Ruling is Good News for Out-Of-State Cos.” Law360, Jan. 2022.
  • “Supreme Court Declares Pa.’s ‘Consent by Registration’ Statute Unconstitutional,” Pennsylvania Bar Association Civil Litigation Update, Winter 2022.
  • “Supreme Court Opens Door for Enterprise Liability in Pa.,” Pennsylvania Bar Association Civil Litigation Update, Fall 2021.
  • “Ambiguous Verdict Concerning Vicarious Liability Construed by Superior Court to Bring Employer Over Joint and Several Threshold; Scope of Fair Share Act Considered.” Pennsylvania Bar Association Civil Litigation Update, Summer 2021.
  • “Online Marketplaces Dodge Strict Liability in Amazon Case.” Law360, Nov. 2020.
  • Product Liability Desk Reference: A Fifty-State Compendium. Wolters Kluwer. (Pennsylvania Contributing Editor)
  • “Special Laws, Court-Access, and the Impact of Tort Reform on State Equal Protection Principles.”
Affiliations
  • American Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel
    • Member, Amicus Committee
  • Philadelphia Defense Institute
    • Member, Product Liability Committee
  • New Jersey State Bar Association
Awards and Recognition

Selected to Super Lawyers®: Rising Stars

  • Civil Litigation – Defense

Selected to Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch

  • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Classes/Seminars Taught

tort