Art Gallery Lawyers for San Diego, California

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Meet some of our San Diego Art Gallery Lawyers

Edward R. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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5.0 (1)
Member Since:
August 20, 2023

Edward R.

Attorney
Free Consultation
San Diego, CA
23 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
University of San Diego

I have been a California since 2003 when I graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law and have worked in-house and at several major law firms before starting my own practice. I specialize in intellectual property and other business-related issues and have helped many entrepreneurs grow their ideas into profitable businesses.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"An amazing attorney with excellent communication! We hired him for a Trademark application and we were pleased with every aspect of the process. Highly recommend!!"

Max K. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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5.0 (11)
Member Since:
August 5, 2023

Max K.

Attorney, EMBA
Free Consultation
Las Vegas, Nevada
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA NV, NY, TX
Western State University College of Law

Transactional attorney with experience in drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, licenses, leases, general business practices and dispute resolution. Licensed in Nevada, California and New York. I never charge for phone calls - happy to chat. www.linkedin.com/in/maxkelner

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"I have been attempting to find an attorney for this project for months. I am extremely thankful I connected with Max and that he delivered."

Myrna L. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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3.8 (3)
Member Since:
August 1, 2023

Myrna L.

Attorney/Contract Manager
Free Consultation
San Francisco, California
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Lincoln Law School of Sacramento

I am a licensed attorney in California. I worked as a Contract Manager for the State of California for 14 years, negotiating and developing contracts and grants funded by federal and state government. As a former owner of a real estate/property management company and real estate asset manager for corporations, non profit organizations and government entities, I negotiated sales and managements of industrial, commercial, and residential properties including development of contracts, leases, subleases, options, and sales agreements. As an attorney, I have worked on contracts, labor/employment cases, real estate, landlord/tenant and probate cases. https://myrnalimattorneyatlaw.com

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
4.7

"Myrna provided good advice about my situation and a reasonable resolution was achieved. Thanks for your help!"

Keren G. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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Member Since:
July 13, 2023

Keren G.

Partner
Free Consultation
New Orleans
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA LA, NV
University of California, Davis School of Law

Keren E. Gesund has extensive litigation expense. She has successfully defended and prosecuted claims against debt collectors, banks, credit reporting agencies, subcontractors, manufacturers and consumers who have suffered harassment or injury. She handles contentious business and commercial cases for both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal court.

Thomas G. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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Member Since:
July 16, 2023

Thomas G.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Manhattan, KS
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
University of La Verne

After graduating law school in 2015, I practiced for a few years in LA, then becoming a contractor for large litigation projects. Now working from home in Kansas, I can offer LA service at Midwest prices.

Dilini L. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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Member Since:
July 18, 2023

Dilini L.

Attorney
Free Consultation
California
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
University of California, Berkeley School of Law

I am an attorney licensed in California with particular experience in local policy work, workplace justice, and environmental law. I have authored or co-authored over 30 amicus briefs (including one for which I received an Amicus Service Award from the International Municipal Lawyers Association), have extensive experience researching state law across the country and across issue areas, and pride myself in clearly and concisely distilling complex and/or technical legal concepts for lawyers and non-lawyers alike.

Albert I. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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Member Since:
July 25, 2023

Albert I.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Irvine, California
38 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Pepperdine University SOL

Construction lawyer practicing in Southern California since 1988. Have extensive experience in construction contracts and forms drafting, negotiating. I also serve as counsel for large material suppliers and have extensive experience in commercial transactions, drafting and negotiation of commercial documents including dealerships, NDAs, etc.

Matthew G. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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Member Since:
August 10, 2023

Matthew G.

Attorney
Free Consultation
San Diego, California
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
University of California, Berkeley School of Law

I am a Berkeley Law 2020 graduate. I have experience working in finance and operations, plaintiff and defense litigation, and have been involved in multiple start-ups.

Jeanilou M. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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Member Since:
August 10, 2023

Jeanilou M.

Small Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Honolulu, Hawaii
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA HI
Concord Law School

Jeanilou G.T. Maschhoff has over 20 years of comprehensive business operations, finance, and development experience in addition to being a licensed attorney in California and Hawaii. She zealously works as a Trusted Advisor, Business/Brand Consultant, and Advocate for small businesses, non-profit organizations, and personal brands. She is dedicated to helping female business owners and professionals in the entertainment, beauty, fashion, and wellness industries make their goals a reality. She uses her diversified expertise to provide a holistic approach to addressing business and legal needs. Acting as a trusted advisor and outsourced general counsel, she assists on an array of business and personal matters. Passionate about social justice and assisting underrepresented populations, Jeanilou started her legal career working in the non-profit sector working towards access to justice and gender equity. She continues to assist non-profit organizations in many capacities and actively looks to partner businesses with charitable causes, creating a synergistic effect that benefits not only the organizations involved but our society as a whole. As an early adopter of the virtual practice of law, Jeanilou has been assisting law firms and solo practitioners adjust to the remote delivery of legal services and helping businesses explore Web 3.0.

Jeffrey J. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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Member Since:
September 2, 2023

Jeffrey J.

Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
El Dorado Hills
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Lincoln Law School

I have been in business development for 15 years before becoming an attorney. As an attorney, I help companies navigate legal challenges that they face.

Richard P. - Art Gallery Lawyer in San Diego, California
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Member Since:
August 19, 2023

Richard P.

Intellectual Property and Privacy Attorney
Free Consultation
Roseville, California
9 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
San Joaquin College of Law

I’m passionate about IP, AI, privacy and business. Learning to code. Book some time to discuss how I can add value to your project. Hablo Español y português.

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Art Gallery Legal Questions and Answers

Art Gallery

Art Consignment Agreement

North Carolina

Asked on Aug 16, 2025

Is it necessary to have a written Art Consignment Agreement when selling artwork through a gallery?

I am an artist who has recently been approached by a gallery to sell my artwork on consignment, and I am wondering if it is necessary to have a written Art Consignment Agreement in place to protect my rights and ensure a fair arrangement between myself and the gallery. I have heard stories of artists being taken advantage of in similar situations, and I want to make sure I am adequately protected before entering into any agreement.

Randy M.

Answered Sep 6, 2025

Yes, you absolutely need a written Art Consignment Agreement before handing over your artwork to any gallery. A verbal agreement, handshake deal, or email exchange isn't enough to protect your rights if something goes sideways. The gallery may seem reputable, but you’re placing valuable property in someone else’s control, and there are real legal and financial risks if expectations aren't clearly spelled out. A formal contract protects your ownership, defines obligations, and gives you leverage if disputes arise. Why the Agreement Matters A written consignment contract serves several key purposes. First, it makes it legally clear that you retain ownership of the artwork until it's sold and you’ve been paid. Without this, the work might be treated as gallery inventory if the gallery gets sued or files for bankruptcy. Second, it confirms whether the gallery carries insurance and who’s liable if your work is damaged, stolen, or lost. Third, it lays out financial terms, including pricing authority, commission percentage, and payment deadlines. That avoids unpleasant surprises like the gallery giving a steep discount without your approval or taking months to pay you after a sale. Core Terms You Should Include Start with a detailed inventory listing each piece on consignment. Include the title, medium, dimensions, inventory number, and agreed-upon price. The agreement should state that the artwork remains your property until sold and that the gallery holds it in trust. Specify the consignment period—whether it’s three months, six months, or open-ended with the right to terminate on notice. Define the commission split clearly. Many galleries take 40 to 50 percent, but it can vary. Spell out who sets the prices and whether the gallery can offer discounts without your permission. Next, address payment terms. Thirty days after the sale is common, but it should be written. Include a clause about how you’ll be notified of sales and what accounting the gallery must provide. Insurance is another key issue. Make sure the gallery confirms in writing that it carries insurance covering theft, fire, water damage, and other common risks, and that your artwork is included at full retail value. If they don’t insure, you may need to. Don’t forget what happens if the work doesn’t sell. The agreement should cover how and when unsold pieces are returned and at whose expense. Some artists require the gallery to return the work within 10 days of the consignment ending. Also consider a termination clause so you can exit the agreement if needed, such as for breach or change in business direction. Other Clauses That Add Protection Include a copyright clause stating that you retain all intellectual property rights in your work. The gallery should only have a limited, non-exclusive license to use images of your work for promotional purposes. If the gallery wants exclusive rights to sell your work during the consignment period or in a specific geographic area, make sure the scope is clearly defined. You can also address marketing expectations, such as whether the gallery will display the work, include it in exhibits, or promote it online. A dispute resolution clause can save time and legal fees if something goes wrong. Mediation followed by arbitration is a common approach in art contracts. And make sure the agreement names the applicable law—typically the state where the gallery operates. Professional Advice and Red Flags Some states have specific laws protecting artists in consignment situations. For example, New York and California require galleries to treat consigned art and proceeds from sales as trust property. In New York, these protections apply automatically when artwork is delivered to a gallery for exhibition or sale, even without a written agreement. However, in many other states with consignment laws, these protections only apply when there is a written consignment agreement between the artist and gallery. Approximately half of the 32 states with art consignment laws require written documentation as a condition for legal protection. If you’re dealing with a high-value piece or a large consignment, consider having a lawyer review the contract before signing. Any gallery that resists putting terms in writing or downplays the need for a formal agreement is a red flag. A professional gallery should expect to sign one and may already have a standard form. That doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate parts of it. If you need help drafting or reviewing an Art Consignment Agreement, the attorneys on Contracts Counsel would be happy to assist you.

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