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England - London • Private client
2

Art and cultural property

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Payne Hicks Beach LLP

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The group at Payne Hicks Beach LLP assists clients across the breadth of advisory, transactional and disputes cases, including cross-jurisdictional restitutions, contentious inheritance cases and matters concerning complex colonial looting disputes. James Bacon is noted for his specialism in inheritance property taxation. Rosie Sells is noteworthy for advising international private collectors, art dealers and auction houses on the array of contentious issues, particularly trust and estates-related cases. Matthew Franks and Tess Hulton joined the team in October and May 2024, respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Till Vere-Hodge, James Bacon and Neasa Coen cover all possible angles of art law, ranging from transactional, art disputes and advisory, to tax, estate planning and trusts, all the way to charities and philanthropy. What makes the team stand out is this combination of capabilities that can cater perfectly for the art trade, high profile collectors, institutions and museums, all the way to estates and trusts.’

  • ‘This practice stands out for its legal excellence combined with cultural and ethical sensitivity, which are important in restitution and heritage cases. Clients benefit from strong cross-jurisdictional work and a collaborative approach that prioritises client values. The team is strategic, respectful, and deeply engaged in social impact work.’

  • ‘Strong expertise in Nazi-era claim resolution and network of provenance researchers.’

  • ‘Expertise in resolving soft law and ethical and moral claims, going beyond just the legal situation.’

Practice head

James Bacon

Other key lawyers

Robert Brodrick, Rosamond McDowell; Mark Jones; Matthew Franks; Tess Hulton