Henry Harfield (1905 – June 30 1980) was an American attorney renowned for his specialization in banking and financial law. He was a senior partner at the New York‑based law firm Harfield, Roberts & Co., and authored several influential legal treatises that shaped U.S. banking jurisprudence.
Early life and education
Henry Harfield was born in 1905 in the United States. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1929.
Legal career
After admission to the New York State Bar, Harfield joined the firm that would later bear his name, where he focused on regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters affecting banks, trust companies, and other financial institutions. Throughout his career, he served as counsel to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and frequently advised federal and state banking regulators.
Publications and scholarly contributions
Harfield authored and co‑authored a number of seminal works on banking law, including:
- Banking Law (multiple editions, co‑author) – a comprehensive treatise used by practitioners and courts.
- The Law of Loans (co‑author) – a detailed analysis of loan agreements and related securities.
His writings were widely cited in judicial opinions and academic articles, and he was a regular speaker at conferences of the American Bar Association’s Section of Business Law.
Later life and legacy
Harfield remained active in the legal community until his death on June 30 1980. He was a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and a member of the New York State Bar Association. His contributions to banking law continue to be referenced in contemporary legal scholarship and practice.
References
- Obituary, The New York Times, July 2 1980.
- Harfield, Henry, et al. Banking Law. Multiple editions, 1950s–1970s.
- American Bar Association, Section of Business Law archives.