Howard Kennedy LLP‘s practice has noteworthy capabilities advising on a variety of art matters, including the finance and due diligence aspects of multi-million-pound transactions, as well as IP issues faced by galleries and museums, and ownership issues faced by individuals owing to divorce or inheritance complexities. In addition to its non-contentious practice, the team is adept at handling agency disputes, title disputes and forgery matters, amongst others. Disputes are Elizabeth Morley’s focus area. At the team’s head is Mark Stephens, who harnesses expertise in spoliated art and assists clients in relation to internationally known and historically significant pieces. Jon Sharples is considered a ‘go-to lawyer for IP and disputes in this field’, and Daniel McClean is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Howard Kennedy has experience with art industry-specific issues such as artist-gallery representation, resale restrictions and other nuances of art purchases, consignments and sales, and IP (including moral rights). This experience is informed by a genuine passion for the art world, and exposure thereto in the form of relationships with artists and galleries and a commitment to attend exhibitions and art fairs, etc.’
‘Jon Sharples is a creative thinker and advocate who employs a commercial approach to negotiations, balancing industry custom and practice with client-specific risk tolerance.’
‘Jon Sharples has a well-deserved reputation. A go-to lawyer for IP and disputes in this field.’
‘An excellent team with the great Mark Stephens at the helm. He has such a profound understanding of art and media law, with excellent connections, that the file is always in good hands. Alex Watt and Jon Sharples are his brilliant colleagues. Both are superb IP experts, with a practice in the contemporary art world.’
‘Mark Stephens is excellent, Alex Watt is a brilliant communicator, and Jon Sharples is motivated, well-connected and lucid.’
‘Robert Lands is exceedingly thorough, ensuring that we understand the advice he's giving, and why that's going to be helpful in the situation. We feel very supported by him.’
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Mark Stephens
Other key lawyers
Jon Sharples; Alex Watt; Robert Lands; James Wingfield; Daniel McClean