Jo Backer Laird
Of Counsel

212-336-7614 | 212-336-2222 fax |
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Jo Backer Laird concentrates her practice on all aspects of art law, working with artists, private collectors, museums, art organizations and tax exempt organizations, galleries, dealers and advisors and financial institutions.  Ms. Laird brings over 25 years of experience to Patterson Belknap, including 10 years as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Christie’s Inc., one of the world’s leading auction houses, where she was responsible for all legal issues relating to the company’s business in North and South America.  She has extensive knowledge and expertise in the full range of transactions and litigation issues related to works of art and the art market, including auction and private sale agreements, consignments, financing arrangements using art as collateral, commissions of art, authenticity and title disputes, artists’ rights and intellectual property, and issues relating to World War II restitution and cultural property cases.

Prior to joining Christie’s, Ms. Laird spent 10 years at Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, where she was involved in both advisory and litigation work, including employment-related, securities and commercial matters. 

Ms. Laird is an adjunct professor of Art Law at Cardozo Law School, Yeshiva University. She is a regular speaker on art law related topics. 

Ms. Laird received her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.  She received her M.P.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and her A.B. from Princeton University.