Associate / Senior Associate - Art & Luxury

This Associate / Senior Associate role focusses on contentious matters in the team, dealing with a range of disputes from artists' rights, cultural property, restitution, street art & brands, insurance, auction house conduct, attribution and authenticity, fakes and forgeries, etc. The role will also involve advisory work, for example in relation to anti-money laundering/sanctions, and support to the commercial side of the practice when required. You will work closely with the partners in the team to ensure that disputes are resolved to a satisfactory standard, running matters and advising clients.,

• Delivering clear and high-quality legal advice on contentious matters arising from a range of art, luxury assets, and philanthropic matters;


• Acting as a day-to-day contact for advising clients on ongoing or new matters;


• Contributing to the development of the practice by promoting Wedlake Bell and our work, both to existing and potential clients;


• Contributing to thought leadership, providing press comments and articles, participating in networking and BD events; and


• Assisting with the supervision of junior team members.


Examples of Recent Work:


• Succeeding in obtaining a Norwich Pharmacal order against a dealer to allow client to proceed with a claim for stolen property;



• Advising on a number of high profile restitution matters including both colonial and Holocaust looted art;



• Bringing a test case concerning payment of Artist Resale Rights;



• Acting on a number of cases involving potential fraud in the art market;



• Advising on recovery of a very valuable collector car with a disputed title;



• Advising artists on disputes involving brands and/or dealer representation; and



• Advising institutions on risk management and best practice within the art market.
  
  This is a remarkable opportunity to join a top-tier practice in the exciting Art & Luxury space. We are seeking someone with an extensive (ideally 4-6 PQE) background in contentious matters, experience in and a passion for the Arts and Luxury space is essential., A background in a well-regarded legal practice, with experience in high-value or high-profile commercial disputes with a cross-border element, along with a demonstrable interest in and desire to develop an Art and Luxury practice;


• Be a qualified solicitor (ideally 4-6 PQE);


• A relevant legal qualification - law degree, or legal post-graduate qualification in a related field;


• Strong client relationship and business development skills;


• Excellent case management skills;


• Strong academic history and the ability to "think outside the box" and analyse; and


• A high level of professionalism and integrity.
  
  Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.


Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team!

Wedlake Bell's highly-regarded Arts & Luxury practice (Band 1 Chambers & HNW) is seeking to recruit a Senior Associate (ideally 4-6 PQE) to join their exciting team. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Our specialist Art & Luxury practice advise a range of clients from artists, private collectors and international galleries through to governments, state institutions, museums, lenders, philanthropists and art fairs. They also have rich experience in other luxury assets such as collector cars, musical instruments, jewellery, wine, and watches.,
• Competitive starting salary;


• Comprehensive pension plan;


• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;


• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;


• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;


• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;


• Enhanced parental leave policies;


• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;


• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and


• And a range of bonus schemes recognizing referrals and client introductions.