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VIEW ALLHNW,Daniel McClean is "deservedly regarded as somebody who knows what he's talking about" sources say. He has acted on litigated and non-contentious matters for artists and their estates as well as for art institutions and private collectors. "He has a love of art beyond the law," remarks a peer, while a barrister compliments his "very impressive client list."
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Daniel McClean specialises in art and cultural property law working with leading artists, estates, advisers, collectors, dealers, galleries, foundations, and museums.
Daniel is actively involved in the art world as an independent curator and writer and has commercial gallery experience. Enthusiastic and approachable, he offers bespoke advice tailored to the needs of art world clients, including: artists, collectors, dealers, galleries and museums.
He advises clients on a range of contentious and non-contentious issues from disputes involving the ownership, export and authenticity of artworks and antiques to the drafting of agency, consignment, commissioning, and sale agreements. His clients include Artangel (where he is a board member), Tate, La Colección Jumex (Mexico City), Gagosian Gallery, Pilar Corrias Gallery and the Keith Arnatt Estate.
He also specialises in intellectual property law and regularly advises artists and photographers on intellectual property agreements and disputes.
Daniel is the commissioning editor of ‘Dear Images: Art, Copyright and Culture’ (2002) and ‘The Trials of Art’ (2007). He co-wrote ‘Commissioning Contemporary Art: A Handbook for Curators, Collectors and Artists’, with Louisa Buck and published by Thames & Hudson (Autumn 2012). He writes a regular column for Art Review on art legal issues and teaches Art Law at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art (London). He is a regular writer for the international contemporary art magazines, Art Review and Frieze.
Daniel is a member of the Art Law Committee of the International Bar Association.
- Acting for the US Government on a claim to recover a stolen Cambodian antiquity.
- Acting for a client on a high-value consignment and finance agreement with a leading auction house.
- Acting for a high-profile photographer on a high value copyright infringement claim against a leading music distribution company.
- Ranked as Next Generation Partner, Private Client: Art and cultural property, Legal 500 UK 2025
- Ranked as Next Generation Partner, Private client: Art and cultural property, Legal 500 UK 2024
- Ranked as Next Generation Partner, Private client: Art and cultural property, Legal 500 UK 2023
- "Daniel McClean has unrivalled knowledge of and experience in international art law generally and knows the substance of the law and how the market works internationally." Legal 500 UK 2022
Daniel loves to watch football and supports Arsenal.