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As the preeminent art law firm in Texas, we provide a deep bench of knowledgeable attorneys who will skillfully guide you in legal and business matters relating to specific works of art, collections, and the art market. No other firm in Texas advises on the full spectrum of issues that we routinely handle in this often byzantine area of law.

The Carrington Coleman Art Law Team advises a broad spectrum of art market participants, from individual collectors and artists to major institutions such as museums, auction houses, galleries, and foundations. Our clients also include family offices, dealers, advisors, and appraisers. With extensive experience guiding high-value art transactions and a proven track record of success, we bring both commercial insight and strength to every engagement.

Recognized in Art Law

Our attorneys combine legal acumen with deep knowledge of the art world’s commercial realities and sophistication. They are sought-after speakers at conferences and professional forums, have authored scholarship on art law topics, and have taught at leading academic institutions. The team has earned recognition for excellence in this specialized practice area and is engaged frequently as a consultant and expert witness by other firms with a unique art law and cultural property matters. Our team offers comprehensive counsel tailored to this specialized marketplace, covering corporate structuring, tax planning, transaction documentation, and pre-deal due diligence. We also leverage established relationships with key industry participants to deliver practical, informed guidance.

Primary Contacts

Areas of Focus

  • Art acquisitions, sales, and private transactions, including fine art insurance coverage
  • Museum and nonprofit governance
  • Collection management, structuring, and succession planning
  • Lending and exhibition agreements
  • Negotiation of auction sale terms
  • Authentication, provenance, and title disputes
  • Intellectual property, copyright (including VARA), and licensing matters
  • Artist, gallery, and dealer agreements
  • Donor agreements, restricted gifts, and endowments
  • Litigation involving ownership, fraud, and fiduciary issues

Significant Matters

  • Represented a major collector lending approximately 150 works for an international touring exhibition.
  • Represented a prestigious U.S. art museum in all matters related to its operation.
  • Represented a family office reviewing fine art insurance policies and lending agreements with major art museums.
  • Represented a nonprofit selling a seven-figure artwork to a major U.S. museum.
  • Represented art scholar and collector in several auction sales agreements that resulted in record breaking sales.
  • Represented many art advisors with drafting advisory and consulting agreements for clients and exhibitions.
  • Represented an art collector in a fraud lawsuit involving the sale of approximately 83 forged artworks by an auction company, achieving a settlement that returned the collector’s full investment.
  • Represented a collector with the restitution of a stolen painting, achieving a favorable outcome that allowed for the refund of purchase price paid and return of the painting to rightful owner.
  • Counseled clients on structuring and managing significant art collections, including estate and succession considerations.
  • Represented a world-class art fair in developing an e-commerce platform and protecting brand and intellectual property assets.
  • Represented a respected auction company in drafting auction sales terms for buyers and sellers.
  • Advised many artists in copyright infringement matters and negotiating commission, licensing, and gallery representation agreements.