I am pleased and humbled to report that Chambers and Partners has issued its 2021 High Net Worth Guide Rankings, and that I was ranked as a Band 2 Ranked Individual in Art and Cultural Property Law rankings for the United States. Chambers is a thorough and highly regarded practice ranking, and the recognition is a validation of the art law team at Sullivan at the ten-year anniversary of our practice group. From the rankings:
Nicholas O'Donnell of Sullivan & Worcester in Boston is principally known for his work on restitution matters. "He is well known in the restitution field and writes very frequently on the subject," says a source, adding: "He is extremely eloquent and knowledgeable on the subject." Another source says that "Nick O'Donnell is an exceptional lawyer," and has written what this source describes as "the leading book on Nazi looted art from a legal perspective." Several sources highlight O'Donnell's recent work on perhaps the most high-profile art restitution case in decades, the Guelph Treasure matter which went to the US Supreme Court in December 2020. One international interviewee says that "his knowledge of restitution cases, particularly in Austria and Germany, is unparalleled from a US perspective," adding that "on restitution-related art matters, he really stands head and shoulders above others."
This means so much to me for two reasons. Chambers rankings are based on detailed interviews with leaders in the discipline. And I cannot name them all here, but to be on a list with the other lawyers of great skill across art law is a great, great honor.
The second reason is that it validates what I tell friends, colleagues, and recruits: Sullivan is a place where people’s passions are not only respected, but encouraged. When we got the practice off the ground, there was not much to work with, and no one had heard of us (for art). But brick by brick, case by case, here we are. My colleagues and partners Mitch Stein, Erika Todd, and Anna Lea Setz warrant particular thanks for their roles in launching and sustaining the practice.
Lastly, I’m also grateful to the industry colleagues who submitted the quotes above. I try to practice law by noting and complimenting excellence wherever I see it (and was pleased to do so in response to interviews by Chambers for others). I’m thankful to the friends who do as well.
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