Withers LLP‘s group is well-versed in handling both contentious and non-contentious matters. The ’intellectually excellent and extremely experienced’ Sarah Barker oversees the group and handles high-value transactions involving fine art and other valuable assets, and specialises in anti-money laundering. Eleni Polycarpou is a key practitioner who is noted for her ‘impressive vision and dedication’ and specialises in litigious matters, ranging from stolen art cases to consignment disputes. Also of note is Natalie Sherborn, who is equipped to act on issues at the crossover of art and white-collar crime, wherein she has represented artists, galleries and individual collectors, amongst others, in disputes regarding authenticity and provenance, for example.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Sarah Barker offered a generous and professional approach. Her advice was incredibly well-informed and useful.’
‘Best art litigation team in the market, with Eleni Polycarpou and Caroline Thompson - really know their stuff and super client friendly.’
‘Withers combines its litigation and art teams when, as recently, it has a multi-jurisdictional worldwide art fraud case. The entire team is multi-lingual with offices with local expertise across the globe, which they can and do call upon. With additional expertise in media and reputation, they are able to bring another facet to this area where those aspects are so interlinked.’
‘Sarah Barker is a stand-out partner well ahead of the game - intellectually excellent and extremely experienced, bringing a great deal of international and other expertise to the market. Caroline Thompson is extremely bright and strategic with a great sense of humour, as are Briony Cartmell and Evie Gowlett. With her additional expertise in media and reputation matters, Caroline is able to bring another facet to this area.'
'Elenie Polycarpou is extremely strategic with excellent judgment.’
‘The team has a strong expertise in art matters, be it on the financing or acquisition and transfer side. They handled high-value and complex cases, also advising collectors and museums on top of investors. Their approach is always comprehensive of the business needs and objectives of the clients. They also have a strong network across multiple jurisdictions, which proves essential in most cases involving art disputes.’
Key clients
- National Gallery of Scotland
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sarah Barker
Other key lawyers
Eleni Polycarpou; Natalie Sherborn; Caroline Thompson; Briony Cartmell; Evie Gowlett; Philip Reed