Melvyn R. Leventhal

Melvyn R. Leventhal is a seasoned attorney based in New York City, concentrating his practice on art law and complex litigation. With a legal career spanning several decades, Mr. Leventhal has represented art galleries, collectors, dealers, and artists across New York, London, and Geneva in transactions involving artworks valued between $250,000 and $50 million.

Mr. Leventhal earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law and his B.A. from New York University. He is admitted to practice law in New York, the District of Columbia, and Mississippi.

Since 1994, Mr. Leventhal has focused on the business side of the art world. His work includes negotiating private sales and auction consignment agreements, such as drafting contracts for $150 million worth of art consigned to Christie’s and Sotheby’s. He has also led successful litigation to recover stolen art, resolve disputes over artwork authenticity and condition, and defend clients against claims involving unauthorized sales or contested ownership.

In addition to his art law work, Mr. Leventhal has a robust litigation background. He has argued and won two cases before the Supreme Court of the United States and handled numerous trials and appeals across federal and state courts. His track record includes multimillion-dollar judgments and successful settlements in over 50 cases. He previously served as Deputy First Assistant Attorney General of New York and Chief of the Litigation Bureau, where he supervised large teams of attorneys.

Melvyn R. Leventhal began his career with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where he litigated civil rights cases in Mississippi and New York. Mr. Leventhal brings unparalleled experience and legal precision to art transactions and high-stakes litigation nationwide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Melvyn R. Leventhal Attorney At Law

Licensed State

• New York
• Mississippi
• District of Columbia

Education

• New York University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• New York University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges