Crime, fraud and licensing
Wedlake Bell LLP‘s practice is well-placed to advise its portfolio of clients on the buying, selling and financing of art and luxury assets, to assist with international loan management, and to handle the array of complex disputes, from complex inheritance issues to art restitution cases. Rudy Capildeo and ’superb solicitor’ Tim Maxwell are at the helm of the offering. Capildeo brings to bear particular expertise assisting international clients including private collectors, artists, galleries and museum dealers, while Maxwell’s experience includes non-contentious sales and purchases and the financing aspects of art deals. Petra Warrington specialises in a range of art disputes and transactions. Recent team developments include the October 2024 arrival of Elizabeth Scandrett, who has expertise handling complex disputes for clients spanning the array of creative industries, and the April 2025 arrival of art and heritage specialist Clarissa Levi. Tamara Wakeford left the team in May 2024.
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Profile
Work Department
Art & Luxury
Position
Tim blends commercial litigation, private wealth experience with a market leading specialism in art law and cultural property law. He has been separately recognised for his expertise in relation to other luxury assets such as collector cars and wine whilst also advising on matters involving musical instruments, jewellery and yachts.
Tim is instructed by a wide spectrum of clients ranging from artists to government institutions.
Tim has been involved in notable cases involving artists’ rights, street art & brands, insurance, art finance, auction house conduct, attribution & authenticity, provenance & title, export & import, fraud, fakes & forgeries, guarantees, restitution & recovery.
Career
- Boodle Hatfield LLP 2003-2019
- Charles Russell Speechlys LLP 2019-2022
- Wedlake Bell LLP 2022+
Memberships
- IBA Art, Cultural Institutions & Heritage Law Committee.
- Pool of Arbitrators for the Court of Arbitration for Art.
- Register of Arbitrators in the Venice Chamber of Arbitration.
- The Institute of Art & Law.
- PAIAM.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Wedlake Bell's art law team works across disciplines with experts in dispute resolution and high-end transactions.’
‘Tim Maxwell is a superb solicitor with expertise handling disputes. Rudy Capildeo and Petra Warrington are highly skilled at guiding clients in nuanced art transactions.’
‘I have worked closely with Elizabeth Scandrett for many years and I rate her highly. She is relentlessly hardworking, clever, empathic, a pleasure to work with and always focused on ensuring the best outcome for her clients.’
‘Wedlake Bell’s art and cultural property practice combines deep sector knowledge with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach that sets it apart. The team is highly responsive, commercially aware, and well-versed in the complexities of working with cultural institutions, offering clear and actionable legal advice.’
‘Rudy Capildeo stands out for his sharp legal mind, deep understanding of the art world, and calm, solutions-oriented approach. He is consistently responsive, thoughtful, and clear in his advice—qualities that are invaluable when navigating sensitive cultural matters. What sets Rudy apart is his ability to bridge legal precision with a strong grasp of institutional realities, making him a trusted advisor rather than just an external counsel.’
‘I love working with the team, not only the partners but also the rest of the team are very well-qualified and are very hard workers. Time and time again, they deliver.’
‘The team is very effective and the service is completely tailored to my needs as a client. They act with calm and a measured approach, and are very strategic and focused on the end goal.’
‘Rudy Capildeo and Tim Maxwell are fantastic. They have some really good associates also. What sets them apart is the industry contacts and knowledge; they live and breathe the art market.'