The ‘very experienced and market leading’ team at Stephenson Harwood has a ’roll-call of high-net-worth individuals and top institutions as clients’. The ‘excellent’ Roland Foord heads the practice, and he continues to advise a broad range of clients, from auction houses and dealers, to museums and private collectors. He particularly excels in advising on major disputes. In addition, he regularly works on the sale and purchase of fine art, as well as advising on a myriad of other complex areas, such as looted art matters. The team has also been busy advising on Brexit-related issues, and on the regulatory framework under the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive. Katie Hewson leads the firm’s data protection practice, and has advised several major clients in the arts sector on commercial and data protection matters. Alan Ward is another key member of the art and cultural property group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Roland Foord is the go-to name in this market and is widely acknowledged as being at the top of his game.’
‘Centred around the brilliant Roland Foord, who is one of the leading statesmen of the art law world.’
‘Roland Foord is a star in the field. Jo Jones is moving up in support.’
‘Great knowledge and fantastic to work with, especially with specialist, complex and highly confidential transactions.'
‘Katie Hewson is pragmatic, knowledgeable and creative. Katie simplifies the most complex transactions and is able to distil the critical information clients need speedily. Her calm confidence is very reassuring in complex transactions.’
‘Roland Foord has unrivalled experience both in terms of breadth of issues and legal complexity. He is generous with his advice, for example to younger lawyers wanting to build their career and introductions. Very pragmatic and solutions orientated.'
- 'Alan Ward is incredibly knowledgeable.’
‘Strong knowledge of both the art industry and regulatory law so are able to provide AML advice that is really tailored to art market professionals.’
Key clients
- Qatar Museums Authority
- Sadie Coles HQ Limited
- Christie's
- Phillips Auctioneers
- Mark Weiss
- The Society of London Art Dealers
- The Royal College of Art
Work highlights
- Advised Qatar Museums on the acquisition of a number of artworks by world-renowned artists.
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
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Roland Foord