Stephen J. Knerly, Jr.

Stephen J. Knerly, Jr. focuses his practice on matters involving art transactions, nonprofit corporate law, closely held and family-owned businesses and international commercial transactions.

Josh serves as Co-Chair of the Firm’s Non-Profit Institutions section.

In his art law practice, Josh has represented museums, foundations, trusts and collectors in the acquisition, disposition, lending and borrowing of and estate planning for works of art, including domestic and international transactions, claims and dispute resolution involving antiquities and the Nazi era.

Josh has been a frequent speaker on art-related matters before meetings of the ALI-CLE Museum Law Conference, the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the American Bar Association (Section of International Law), the Institute of Art and Law and the Federal Cultural Property Advisory Committee. Josh is a former adjunct professor of art law at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He has been a guest lecturer at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, University of Akron School of Law, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and DePaul University College of Law.

Josh also represents nonprofit corporations, trusts, foundations and museums on formation issues, general business and corporate matters, governance issues, conflict of interest policies, accessions, deaccessions, contracting, outsource agreements, executive compensation and employment agreements, tax planning, international transactions and construction projects.

Josh counsels closely held and family businesses on various matters, including mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, financings, generation transfers and recapitalizations.

Professional History

• Partner, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, 1984-present; CEO and Managing Partner, 1993-2008; Member, Board of Directors, 1993-2008; Member, Management Committee, 1989-91; Associate, 1976-83; Law Clerk, 1975-76

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Testimony before the 301 Committee (U.S. Trade Representative) concerning proposed imposition of tariffs on Chinese origin art

June 17, 2019

20 Years, Washington Principles: Roadmap for the Future

November 26, 2018

Legal Issues in Museum Administration

April 19, 2018

Deaccessioning Proceeds, Legal Requirements, Ethical Responsibilities and Best Practices

April 16, 2016

United States: Foreign Sovereign Immunity and Immunity From Seizure

May 01, 2015

Presentations before the Federal Cultural Property Advisory Committee on behalf of the Association of Art Museum Directors in connection with the renewal of Memoranda of Understanding

January 21, 2015

After the Monuments Men: Nazi-Era Art, Modern Legal Problems

January 05, 2015

Currently Important Issues for the Museum Community

November 14, 2014

Immunity for Art Works on International Loan: Immunity from Seizure or Immunity from Jurisdiction?

October 15, 2013

Cultural Property Roundtable: Update and Case Studies: Panelist

April 10, 2013

Foreign Lenders and Risk Management: Immunities: Panelist

April 10, 2013

Fair and Just Solutions? Alternatives to Litigation in Nazi-looted Art Disputes: Status Quo and New Developments

November 01, 2012

Exhibition Loans: Immunity: Panelist

May 21, 2012

Healthy Tension: Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and Management: Panelist

March 24, 2011

Developing and Implementing Conflict of Interest and Other Governance Policies: Panelist

March 24, 2011

International Trade in Ancient Art and Archeological Objects: Controversies over U.S. Implementation of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on Cultural Property

April 15, 2010

Deaccession Developments: Does Self-Regulation Still Work? The New York Brodsky Bill and Other Trends: Panelist

March 25, 2010

Drafting and Interpreting Pledge and Gift Agreements: Panelist

March 24, 2010

Community Involvement

Former Consul Honoraire de France, Cleveland, Ohio

The Holden Arboretum, Director

French American Chamber of Commerce, Trustee and Secretary

The Cleveland Museum of Art, Assistant Secretary

Leadership Cleveland, Class of 2001

Awards & Distinctions

Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (France)

American Bar Foundation, Fellow

Society of Benchers, Case Western Reserve University School of Law

The Best Lawyers in America®, Non-Profit/Charities Law, 2007-21, Art Law, 2017-21, Cleveland Lawyer of the Year, Non-Profit/Charities Law, 2021

Working Group, Reproduction of Art and Cultural Heritage (ReACH) Project

Memberships & Affiliations

International Council of Museums, Legal Committee, Member

International Bar Association, Art, Cultural Institutions and Heritage Law Committee, Member

American Bar Association, International Law Section, Art and Cultural Law Heritage Committee, Steering Committee

Institute of Art and Law, Member