An art law attorney must have the skills of a generalist and the knowledge of a specialist, and today, art lawyers work in law firms, museums, auction houses, and financial institutions. Complex issues such as stolen art, art authentication, artists rights, illicit antiquities, estate planning for artists, and the distribution of art in the digital age, have created opportunities for attorneys interested in advising artists, collectors, auction houses and galleries, private foundations, and museums. The diverse nature of the field requires art lawyers to have a wide range of legal expertise to represent their clients effectively and a command of the treaties, statutes, and common law that apply specifically to artists, collectors, and the art market. Although many consider intellectual property law as the core of an art law practice, representing artists, dealers, and collectors brings in multiple areas of the law including contracts, torts, estate planning, property, tax, real estate, nonprofit law, and often questions of public and private international law and Constitutional issues such as free speech and censorship.
The arts track prepares students to represent artists, collectors, auction houses and galleries, private foundations, and museums.
All courses are taught by prominent practicing attorneys and the blended nature of the LL.M. enables students to maximize their studies and create a curriculum particular to their goals.
The superior training provided gives graduates an edge when breaking into the competitive arts industry as an arts law attorney.