The ‘first-rate' team at Boodle Hatfield LLP has well-established capabilities handling the full range of contentious and non-contentious art matters for its varied client list, which contains high-net-worth artists, collectors, charities, galleries and trusts, amongst others. Team lead Simon Fitzpatrick, described as ’magisterial, methodical and masterful’ by clients, harnesses particular expertise in auction house misattribution, authenticity and provenance-related claims. Natasha Hassall works between the firm’s London and Oxford offices and has expertise in heritage property, advising on onshore and offshore estate planning, taxation and trusts involving substantial art collections. Rebecca Foden has experience handling art and cultural property litigation; Eleanor Sepanski advises on art and philanthropy in the charities and not-for-profit spaces in particular; and Rosie Larwood has a notable adeptness to handle artwork recovery disputes. Commercial art specialist Fred Clark was promoted to the partnership in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The art and cultural property team and Boodle Hatfield is outstanding in its breadth and depth of expertise, across contentious and non-contentious matters.'
'It has a long heritage in the sector and the institutional knowledge has been passed on through the generations of lawyers to a degree not found in many practices.'
'It can provide a truly full service experience for clients, and is imbued in the art world, with a practical sector knowledge which is nigh-on unrivalled for a firm of its size.’
‘The team has a genuine dedication to the sector and goes above and beyond to provide support outside of client work, for example, sponsoring art initiatives.'
'All team members are collaborative, down to earth, generous in sharing time and expertise and highly professional in every way.’
‘Experienced, well-respected and above all very good, the art law team is first-rate.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Fred Clark
Rebecca Foden
Practice head
Simon Fitzpatrick
Other key lawyers
Rebecca Foden; Natasha Hassall; Eleanor Sepanski; Fred Clark; Rosie Larwood