Abby is a long-standing member of Art Law at Mishcon de Reya, having joined the team in 2012. She has a wealth of experience in art-related matters and is ranked in Chambers and Partners as an 'Associate to Watch' who is "brilliant with clients".
Abby advises on a wide range of art related matters and regularly acts for artists, galleries, collectors, dealers and art advisers. Abby's dispute resolution work involves all matters touching the art world, including disputes related to ownership, provenance, attribution, moral rights, fraud, copyright, contractual relationships and restitution of Holocaust-looted artworks. Abby has acted in multi-million pound, cross-jurisdictional disputes for high-profile clients, as well as smaller, more personal matters for individuals, both of which can include reputational as well as financial and emotional considerations.
Abby is valued by her clients as being a practical and approachable art law specialist. Understanding her clients' needs and objectives, she has been fundamental in the settlement of many disputes, having an eye for practical and commercially viable solutions with her clients' best interests in mind.
Abby also advises on data protection and regulatory matters, guiding clients through obligations for art-market businesses and explaining the rights of individuals in the digital age under the GDPR, including in relation to cyber security and data transfer considerations for art world professionals.
Being recognised in her field, she has spoken at events for art market professionals both at home and internationally, given regular training externally, including on Christie's Education programme, and written in respected publications such as the STEP Journal (Society of Trust and Estates Professionals).
Abby is a member of the organisation of Professional Advisors to the International Art Market (PAIAM).
Key Experience
- Acting in disputes arising out of breaches of contract, negligence and misrepresentation for individuals and companies;
- Representing an individual in a claim against a data controller following its refusal to disclose personal data;
- Acting in a dispute between business partners;
- Advising on the copyright and consequential rights of artists;
- Representing a collector in an ownership dispute following an aborted auction;
- Acting for an artist following the damage of artworks whilst in storage;
- Advising a gallery on the reproduction of artworks where copyright in the images was owned by various parties;
- Advising an art dealer on issues of provenance; and
- Acting for an individual seeking restitution of a Holocaust looted artwork.
Career History
Managing Associate, Mishcon de Reya LLP
Solicitor, Mishcon de Reya
Called to the Bar, 2011
Legal Assistant, Mishcon de Reya
BPP Law School
University of Newcastle, Combined Studies in Arts BA (Hons)