Stephenson Harwood has well-established abilities to assist its broad roster of clients in a variety of complex matters in both domestic and cross-jurisdictional contexts. ‘Expert in the field’ Roland Foord heads up the practice and assists clients, including private collectors, museums and auction houses, on fine art sales and purchases, and on export and looted art issues, as well as handling complex disputes. Katie Hewson’s areas of expertise include providing guidance to auction houses and museums on commercial issues, assisting fine art dealers with significant sales and purchases, as well as handling data protection-related issues. A key focus of Alan Ward is his acting in multi-jurisdictional investigations and regulatory and criminal enforcement cases regarding looted art. Jo Jones departed in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team really centres upon the great Roland Foord, an eminent and very approachable expert in the field of art law.'
'Roland Foord is a renowned expert in art market matters. Hugely knowledgeable about the art market and experienced in art disputes. Undoubtedly a leading art lawyer.'
'Foord has built a reliable team around him.’
‘Roland Foord is arguably the top art law solicitor in London.’
‘Broad and deep industry knowledge, widely held as market leaders.’
‘Roland Foord is definitely the doyen of the art law world.'
Key clients
- Qatar Museums
- Christie's
- Phillips Auctioneers Limited
- The Society of London Art Dealers Ltd
Work highlights
Advising Qatar Museums in its negotiations with numerous counterparties and consideration of a broad range of legal issues.
Acting as Phillips Auctioneers Limited's legal counsel on a wide range of ad hoc and market issues as well as more substantive ones.
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.
Practice head
Roland Foord
Other key lawyers
Katie Hewson; Alan Ward; Ben Sigler; Matthew Angell