Our Insights
News
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Is 2023 the Year Looted Art Returns Home?
December 8, 2023 – Media Mention
Town & Country MagazineTown & Country Magazine's list of significant art repatriation and restitution work in 2023 included Kaye Spiegler’s successful handling of the restitution of an Old Master painting to the heirs of a prominent Dutch Jewish art dealer whose collection was looted by the Nazis.
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Musée Rolin Helps Return a Nazi-Looted Painting to Its Rightful Owner
December 7, 2023 – Media Mention
ObserverCounsel Yaél M. Weitz spoke to the Observer about an art museum in Autun, France’s role in the restitution of an Old Master painting to her clients, the heirs of a prominent Dutch Jewish art dealer, Jacques Goudstikker, whose collection was looted by the Nazis in 1940.
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Interview with Lawrence Kaye and Howard Spiegler about the State of Cultural Reparations Law
November 21, 2023 – Media Mention
Center for Art LawKaye Spiegler managing member Lawrence M. Kaye and member Howard N. Spiegler were interviewed by the Center for Art Law where they discussed their extensive careers in art law and recent developments in the industry.
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Inside Art Law: Art Restitution, Stolen Art, & AI
November 10, 2023 – Podcast
Legal Talk NetworkCounsel Yael Weitz and counsel Gabrielle Wilson were featured on the Legal Talk Network podcast, Inside Art Law: Art Restitution, Stolen Art, & AI. In the episode, they discussed the emerging trend of colonial art restitution, stolen and misappropriated art, and how AI has impacted art and copyright law.
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Worried about AI hijacking your voice for a deepfake? This tool could help
November 13, 2023 – Media Mention
NPRCounsel, Yael Weitz, was quoted in NPR in an article discussing the development of new tools to facilitate the detection of AI bot deepfakes and to make it more difficult for AI systems to create them. The article also discusses potential legislation to address liability for the use of people's likenesses without consent.
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The Top 75 Art World Professionals
October 23, 2023 – Accolade
ARTnewsKaye Spiegler is proud to be included in ARTnews' Top 75 Art World Professionals list. The listing highlights, "Led by Lawrence M. Kaye and Howard N. Spiegler (formerly the Art Law Group of Herrick, Feinstein), this New York firm focuses on art restitution, cultural property disputes, litigation and dispute resolution, and commercial art practice.”
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Top 10 Most Influential Art and Cultural Property Law Lawyers in 2023
July 31, 2023 – Accolade
Business TodayKaye Spiegler proudly congratulates Howard Spiegler, who was selected for inclusion in Business Today's 2023 Lawyer Awards as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Art and Cultural Property Law Lawyers.
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The Deal of the Art
September 27, 2023 – Media Mention
2023 New York Metro Super Lawyers MagazineKaye Spiegler member, Howard N. Spiegler, and counsel, Gabrielle C. Wilson, were featured in 2023 New York Metro Super Lawyers Magazine where they discussed their careers in art law, the evolution of the practice and some notable matters on which they both worked.
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The Return of Seven Schiele Works Marks a Turning Point in Nazi-Looted Art Claims
September 22, 2023 – Media Mention
ObserverKaye Spiegler managing member, Lawrence M. Kaye, spoke to the Observer about the role of the Manhattan District Attorney's office in assisting with the return of seven pieces of Nazi-looted art from a group of art institutions and collectors to the heirs of the original owner. The article further discussed how their involvement is a significant step in for similar unresolved cases.
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Congratulations to Kaye Spiegler Attorneys on their Selection to Super Lawyers 2023
September 22, 2023 – Accolade
Super LawyersKaye Spiegler proudly congratulates Howard Spiegler on being ranked as a 2023 New York Super Lawyer and Gabrielle Wilson on being named a Rising Star.
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Repatriation & Restitution (Part I): Legalities
August 23, 2023 – Media Mention
MutualArtKaye Spiegler managing member, Lawrence M. Kaye, and member, Howard N. Spiegler, spoke to MutualArt about their 50 years of first-hand experience navigating the intricate legal process of repatriation and restitution of art and artifacts.
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2023 Chambers High Net Worth Recognizes Kaye Spiegler and its Attorneys in Art and Cultural Property Law
July 20, 2023 – Accolade
Chambers High Net WorthWe are proud to announce that Chambers High Net Worth has ranked Kaye Spiegler PLLC in Band 1 for Art and Cultural Property Law - USA - Nationwide for 2023. The ranking notes that Kaye Spiegler has a well-established art law practice. It is particularly well regarded for its in-depth experience handling restitution matters.
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How These Art Lawyers Struck Out On Their Own
July 20, 2023 – Media Mention
Law360 PulseKaye Spiegler managing member, Lawrence M. Kaye, and member, Howard N. Spiegler, were featured in a Law360 Pulse article where they discussed their start in the art law world and what drove them to venture out and start a firm of their own.
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Art Institute of Chicago Announces Acquisition of Exceptional Dutch Mannerist Print Collection
May 1, 2023 - Press Release
Kaye Spiegler is pleased to have represented Charles Hack and the Hearn Family Foundation in connection with the acquisition of 1,440 Dutch Mannerist prints by the Art Institute of Chicago. This Collection assembled by Charles Hack over the last forty years is “a superb complement to the museum’s collection of Northern European paintings and sculptures.”
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Duress - Whose Duress? Different Jurisdictions, Divided Views and Conflicting Rulings
January 3, 2023 – Media Mention
International Foundation for Art Research Journal, Volume 21, No. 1/2Kaye Spiegler managing member, Lawrence Kaye, and member, Howard Spiegler, were quoted in the International Foundation for Art Research (“IFAR”) Journal discussing how courts' interpretation of “duress” is shaping the future of Nazi-Era art restitution.
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MoMA and Santa Barbara Museum of Art Hit With Nazi Loot Lawsuits List Item
December 20, 2022 — Media Mention
The Daily BeastKaye Spiegler Managing Member, Howard Spiegler, spoke to The Daily Beast about two lawsuits that were recently filed alleging that the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in California are in possession of pieces of Nazi looted artwork, and descendants of the original Jewish owner of that art are now requesting the pieces’ return.
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Congratulations to Kaye Spiegler Attorneys on their Selection to Super Lawyers 2022
September 28, 2022 – Accolade
Super LawyersKaye Spiegler proudly congratulates Howard Spiegler on being ranked as a 2022 New York Super Lawyer and Gabrielle Wilson on being named a Rising Star.
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New York museums to disclose artwork looted by Nazis
September 16, 2022 – Media Mention
Associated PressKaye Spiegler Managing Member Lawrence M. Kaye was featured in The Associated Press article about New York museums exhibiting artworks looted by Nazis during the Holocaust that are now required by law to let the public know about their provenance through placards displayed with the objects.
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Art once looted by Nazis must own up to its sordid provenance when displayed in N.Y. museums
August 31, 2022 – Media Mention
NewsdayLawrence Kaye, Managing Member of Kaye Spiegler, was quoted in Newsday in an article discussing Gov. Holchul’s new legislation requiring museums to post a notice with the display of any art stolen during the Nazi era in Europe. The article notes that the law was part of a package of bills that also mandates an audit of Holocaust education across New York State.
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Kaye Spiegler Recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2023 “Best Law Firms”
August 18, 2022 - Accolade
Best LawyersKaye Spiegler is pleased to announce that Lawrence Kaye was selected for inclusion in the New York listing of The Best Lawyers in America© 2023 Edition for Art Law. In addition, Gabrielle Wilson was selected for the New York listing of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2023 for Insurance Law and Intellectual Property Law.
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2022 Chambers High Net Worth Recognizes Kaye Spiegler and its Attorneys in Art and Cultural Property Law
July 19, 2022 – Accolade
Chambers High Net WorthWe are proud to announce that Chambers High Net Worth has ranked Kaye Spiegler PLLC in Band 1 for Art and Cultural Property Law - USA for 2022 noting that “Kaye Spiegler has a well-established art law practice. They are particularly well regarded for their in-depth experience handling restitution matters.” Chambers High Net Worth also recognized three attorneys for their exemplary work in the field.
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Turkey’s Quest for the Stargazer: Part 2
March 3, 2022 - Media Mention
The Art Law PodcastThe Art Law Podcast released "Turkey's Quest for the Stargazer: Part 2" with Herrick’s Victor Rocco about the firm’s representation of the Republic of Turkey in litigation brought by Turkey to possess a millennia-old Anatolian marble statue (the Stargazer) owned by Michael Steinhardt and sold by him through Christie’s.
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The Brilliance of the Color Black Through the Eyes of Art Collectors
September 8, 2021 – Media Mention
The Brilliance of the Color Black Through the Eyes of Art CollectorsGabrielle C. Wilson was interviewed for The Brilliance of the Color Black Through the Eyes of Art Collectors on the topic of why collectors approach attorneys and in what situations attorneys provide the most value to their clients.
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5 Reasons Collectors Should Hire an Art Law Attorney
June 29, 2021 – Media Mention
ArtsyGabrielle C. Wilson spoke to Artsy about the value of legal counsel to art collectors. Specifically, art collectors face risks relating to transfer of title that an art law attorney can work to mitigate.
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Howard Spiegler’s Recovery of Art Stolen by Nazis Made Into A Movie
May 18, 2021 – Media Mention
University of Pennsylvania, Pi Kappa AlphaHoward Spiegler and Lawrence M. Kaye were featured in the alumni newsletter for the Beta Pi Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at the University of Pennsylvania, Spiegler's alma mater.
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Holocaust Restitution And Cultural Patrimony Repatriation In Art Law
February 8, 2021 – Media Mention
DALA McGill - Lawfully UncommonYael Weitz was interviewed by DALA McGill - Lawfully Uncommon, as part of an interview series on inspiring individuals who have used their legal background to embark on unique careers.
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Turkey Recovers Cybele Statue Ending US Lawsuit
December 15, 2020 – Press Release
Herrick, Feinstein LLPAn ancient marble statue of the goddess of Cybele has been repatriated to the Republic of Turkey. The Cybele statue of the Roman period is of Anatolian origin and since prehistoric times Cybele has been worshiped as the Mother Goddess, the symbol and protector of fertility and abundance in the Mediterranean Basin, especially in Anatolia.
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Trustees Sue German Museum Collective Kunstmuseen Krefeld to Recover Piet Mondrian Paintings Lost During WWII
October 20, 2020 – Press Release
Herrick, Feinstein LLPThe Trustees of The Elizabeth McManus Holtzman Irrevocable Trust (the “Trustees”) filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on October 15, 2020 seeking recovery of four paintings by the renowned Dutch artist Piet Mondrian (the “Mondrian Four”). The Mondrian Four are estimated to be worth more than $200 million and are wrongfully in the possession of the Defendant, Kunstmuseen Krefeld, a collective of art museums that includes the Kaiser Wilhelm Museum.
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Supreme Court Asked to Consider Legal Status of Famous Picasso Painting Sold by Escapees of Nazi Persecution
January 23, 2020 – Press Release
Haynes and Boone, LLPIn a petition for certiorari filed last week, the U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to consider whether New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art must return a Picasso masterwork, “The Actor,” which was previously owned by a Jewish couple, the Leffmanns, who were forced to sell the painting at a steep discount to fund their escape from Nazi persecution. Laurel Zuckerman, the Leffmanns’ great grand-niece, filed suit in 2016 against the Met after unsuccessfully demanding that the museum return “The Actor.”
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Clarity or Confusion: The HEAR Act and Other Recent Developments in Art Restitution
October 25, 2019 – Media Mention
The Center for Art LawThe Center for Art Law reported on Howard N. Spiegler's appearance on a recent panel hosted by the New York County Lawyers' Art Litigation and Dispute Resolution Institute. Spiegler addressed important issues regarding the HEAR Act including "questioning the relevance of examining the HEAR Act’s legislative history" and noting that "the HEAR Act is not ambiguous and did not expressly permit a defense of laches."
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Kaye Spiegler Attorneys Recognized by U.S. News – 2024 Best Lawyers®
August 17, 2023 - Accolade
U.S. News – 2024 Best Lawyers®Kaye Spiegler is pleased to announce that Lawrence Kaye was selected for inclusion in the New York listing of The Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition for Art Law. In addition, Gabrielle Wilson was selected for the 2024 New York listing of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Publications
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Limitation rules governing misattribution of artworks: a New York perspective
August 3, 2023 - International Bar Association
Kaye Spiegler Counsel, Yaél Weitz, recently authored an article entitled "Limitation rules governing misattribution of artworks: a New York perspective" for the International Bar Association.
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Art Law 2023
March 30, 2023 - Lexology - Getting The Deal Through
Kaye Spiegler members Lawrence M. Kaye and Howard N. Spiegler, along with counsel Yael M. Weitz and Gabrielle C. Wilson contributed to Lexology, Getting The Deal Through, Art Law.
The publication compiles expert analysis from the top legal practitioners around the globe addressing some of the common questions arising when buying, selling and lending art.
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The Art Law Review - 3rd Edition
January 6, 2023
Kaye Spiegler is proud to announce that members Lawrence M. Kaye and Howard N. Spiegler are the editors of the innovative third edition of The Art Law Review, in which leading practitioners from around the world detail key developments in their respective countries pertaining to the field of art law. Lawrence and Howard, along with counsel Yael M. Weitz and Gabrielle C. Wilson, contributed a chapter providing an overview of art law in the United States.
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Artist-Dealer Relationships: A New York Perspective
October 21, 2022 - PLI Chronicle: Insights and Perspectives for the Legal Community
Counsel Yaél Weitz recently authored an article entitled Artist-Dealer Relationships: A New York Perspective for the Practising Law Institute (PLI) Chronicle: Insights and Perspectives for the Legal Community.
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Treasury Releases Much-Anticipated Study on Illicit Finance in the High-Value Art Market
March 11, 2022 - Art Law Alert
In early 2021, Congress amended the Bank Secrecy Act of 2020 (“BSA”) through the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (the “Act” or “Anti-Money Laundering Act”). In related legislation, Congress also passed the Corporate Transparency Act of 2021. -
The Art Law Review - 2nd Edition
January 24, 2022
Kaye Spiegler is proud to announce that members, Lawrence M. Kaye and Howard N. Spiegler, have edited the second edition of The Art Law Review, in which global leading practitioners in the field of art law detail key developments and important issues in their respective countries.
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Gabrielle C. Wilson Promoted to Counsel
January 6, 2022
Kaye Spiegler is proud to announce the promotion of Gabrielle C. Wilson to Counsel.
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Statement from Kaye Spiegler PLLC Regarding Piet Mondrian Painting Schilderij No.1
December 13, 2021
Art Law AlertThe Trustees of The Elizabeth McManus Holtzman Irrevocable Trust filed a Complaint in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas on December 10, 2021, seeking recovery of a painting, Schilderij No. 1, 60 x 60 cm, 1926 (“B173”), by the renowned Dutch artist Piet Mondrian.
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New Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Antiquities Trade Due at Year’s End
November 22, 2021
Art Law AlertEarlier this year the United States enacted two separate laws amending different parts of the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 (“the BSA”). The BSA originally was designed to aid in the prevention of money laundering and other illegal activities.
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Art Law 2021
April 8, 2021 - Lexology - Getting the Deal Through
Lawrence Kaye and Howard Spiegler along with associates Yael Weitz and Gabrielle Wilson contributed to Lexology, Getting The Deal Through, Art Law.
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The Art Law Review
January 25, 2021
The Law ReviewsLawrence Kaye and Howard Spiegler are the editors of the innovative first edition of The Art Law Review, in which global leading practitioners in the field of art law detailed key developments and important issues in their respective countries pertaining to the growing field of art law.
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Howard Spiegler addresses important issues regarding the HEAR Act
October 2019
Howard N. SpieglerHoward N. Spiegler spoke on a panel last Friday, October 25, at the annual New York County Lawyers’ Art Litigation and Dispute Resolution Institute.
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Kaye Spiegler Authors USA Section of Lexology GTDT Art Law 2022
March 29, 2022
Kaye Spiegler is proud to announce that members, Lawrence M. Kaye, Howard N. Spiegler and counsel Yael M. Weitz and Gabrielle C. Wilson have authored the USA section of Lexology's GTDT Art Law 2022 guide.
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Kaye Spiegler Launches Industry-Leading Art Law Firm
September 23, 2021
Spearheaded by prominent art lawyers Lawrence Kaye and Howard Spiegler, the firm will offer unparalleled value and experience to clients in art-related and restitution matters
Events
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15th Art Law Institute: New Insights in Art Law
2 Half Days: Thurs. October 26th & Fri. October 27th, 2023
Gabrielle C. WilsonGabrielle C. Wilson will moderate a panel at the 15th New York County Lawyers Association webinar, “Art Law Institute: New Insights in Art Law.”
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AEF Consortium Art Professions Spotlight
July 10, 2023
Zoom Webinar
Gabrielle C. WilsonGabrielle C. Wilson will be speaking at an upcoming panel discussion titled "Art Professions Spotlight," hosted by the Aspen Institute Artist- Endowed Foundations Initiative (AEFI) as part of their summer program "An Introduction to the Artist-Endowed Foundation Field and its Allied Art Professions."
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Artist-Dealer Relationships Clinic
May 17, 2023
5:30 pm
Center for Art Law - Zoom Presentation
Yaél M. WeitzYaél M. Weitz will be providing the keynote presentation at the Center for Art Law's Artist-Dealer Relationships Clinic. The clinic addresses how to read, negotiate or renegotiate consignment agreements and is designed for artists and dealers to help build lasting working relationships.
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Recovery of Art Looted During the Holocaust
March 27, 2023
Cardozo Law School
Yaél M. WeitzCounsel, Yaél M. Weitz, will be a speaker at the Jewish Law Students Association at Cardozo Law School's upcoming art law event entitled "Recovery of Art Looted During the Holocaust."
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Stolen Art - Panel Discussion at the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs
February 24, 2023
Howard Spiegler
St. Petersburg Conference on World AffairsHoward, along with an esteemed panel, will be discussing how artworks were looted from Europe during the Nazi era and are now being restituted to their rightful owners.
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The History of Nazi Looting - Course at CUNY Graduate Center
December 6, 2022
Howard N. Spiegler
CUNY Graduate CenterMember Howard Spiegler is a guest lecturer at the CUNY Graduate Center discussing the history of Nazi looting.
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Guest Lecture on Restitution and Repatriation – Columbia University
Monday, December 12, 2022
Yaél M. Weitz
Columbia UniversityCounsel Yaél Weitz will be a guest lecturer at Columbia University discussing restitution issues focused on Nazi-looted art.
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New York Law School’s Media, Entertainment and Fashion Law Association – Art Law Q&A
November 30, 2022
Yaél M. Weitz
New York Law School’s Media, Entertainment and Fashion Law AssociationCounsel Yaél Weitz will be a speaking on a panel at New York Law School discussing careers in art law and current trends in the industry.
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Art Law Institute: New Insights in Art Law Webinar
2 Half Days: Thurs. October 27 & Fri. October 28, 2022;
Lawrence M. Kaye
Gabrielle C. WilsonManaging Member, Lawrence M. Kaye, will be speaking at the 14th annual New York County Lawyers Association Art Law Institute: New Insights in Art Law webinar.
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Identities. Stolen Art, Stolen Ideas and Protection of Made in Italy
May 23, 2022
Lawrence M. Kaye
Italian Cultural Institute in New YorkLawrence M. Kaye will speak at an event hosted by the Italian Cultural Institute in New York, giving a presentation entitled “Cultural Property: Restitution Between Nations and United States Model.”
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Restitution of Holocaust Art: The Legal Perspective
March 8, 2022
Lawrence M. Kaye
WebinarLawrence M. Kaye will lead an event for the Hadassah: Yashar Chapter organization entitled “Restitution of Holocaust Art: The Legal Perspective.” He will discuss advocating for foreign governments, Holocaust victims, families of renowned artists and other claimants in the recovery of art and antiquities.
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The Veil May be Lifting: What the Art Market Needs to Know About Current and Upcoming Disclosure and other Regulatory Requirements
November 12, 2021
Howard N. Spiegler
Virtual ConferenceHoward N. Spiegler will be moderating a 2021 Art Law Day program by the Appraisers Association of America.
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13th Art Law Institute: New Insights in Art Law
October 21 and October 22, 2021
Gabrielle C. Wilson
WebinarGabrielle C. Wilson will speak at a CLE program by the New York County Lawyers Association entitled "New Insights in Art Law," a program of which she is Vice-Chair.
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Illicit Art and Cultural Property Trafficking Across Borders
October 15, 2021 Yaél M. Weitz Webinar
Yaél Weitz will be speaking on a distinguished panel presented by the Cardozo Public Service Scholars, Cardozo Students for Human Rights, Cardozo Art Law Society and The Cardozo Law Institute in Holocaust and Human Rights.
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Nazi-Looted Art and Archives – Recovering and Preserving Jewish Culture
March 23, 2021
Howard N. Spiegler
WebinarThe ravages of the Holocaust and post-World War II led to the theft and disappearance of art, archives, and personal assets. Jonathan Brent, Executive Director and CEO, YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and Howard Spiegler spoke on the quest to recover and preserve these cultural treasures.
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The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act in Art and Antiquities Matters
February 23, 2021
Yael M. Weitz
WebinarYael Weitz participated in a panel entitled "The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act in Art and Antiquities Matters."
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Contemporary Istanbul: CI Talks Webinar, Collectors’ Legal Journey
December 22, 2020
Lawrence M. Kaye
CI Talks WebinarLeading art law leaders from the USA and Europe focused on art struggles with disruptive periods while evolving with technology and how AI cryptocurrency and other tech developments have been integrating with art. The panel discussed the Responsible Art Market Initiative and best practices on private deals.
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Art Restitution & The Holocaust: A Panel on Transitional Justice
November 9, 2020
Yael M. Weitz
McGill University Webinar -
The Battle to Recover Stolen Holocaust-Era Artwork
June 19, 2020
Lawrence M. Kaye
Concord Law School at Purdue University -
11th Art Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice
October 25, 2019
Howard N. Spiegler
New York County Lawyers AssociationHoward Spiegler spoke at the Continuing Legal Education Institute's 11th Annual Art Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice event.
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Museum of Jewish Heritage – Recovering Nazi-Looted Art
October 17, 2019
Howard N. Spiegler
Museum of Jewish Heritage -
Sotheby’s Institute of Art Guest Lecture
April 15, 2019
Yael M. Weitz
Gabrielle C. Wilson
Herrick, Feinstein LLP -
Nazi Looted Art & The Legal Battle For Justice
December 19, 2018
Howard N. Spiegler
Kohelet Yeshiva -
The Parthenon Marbles Case and the Universal Museum Myth: Policies and Politics
April 28, 2022
Lawrence M. Kaye
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of LawLawrence M. Kaye will speak at a CLE symposium on cultural property ownership hosted by the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Professor David Rudenstine, the Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal, the Benjamin B. Ferencz Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention Clinic and the FAME Center.
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Art Law Conference 2022
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Yaél Weitz
New York Law School (NYLS) NYC and OnlineCounsel Yaél Weitz will be speaking at the Art Law Conference 2022, covering cotemporary topics on art and law. Yaél will be discussing the artist-dealer relationships in the 21st Century alongside speakers Elena Zavelev, co-founder and CEO, CADAF and Sasha Stiles, Poet, Artist, AI Researcher. Kaye Spiegler is a proud sponsor of the event.