Leading City law firm Wedlake Bell has announced the appointment of Clarissa Levi as an Art & Heritage Consultant in its award-winning Art & Luxury and Private Client teams.
Clarissa brings with her a wealth of expertise in art law, the commercial art market, tax and estate planning, and the heritage industry, further reinforcing Wedlake Bell’s deep-rooted strength in the art and luxury sector. The addition of her particular expertise cements the firm’s reputation as a go-to adviser for private collectors, galleries, institutions, and heritage organisations seeking sophisticated legal counsel in this highly specialised field.
Clarissa’s practice spans a wide range of art and heritage matters, including advising on the ownership, acquisition, and disposal of art and cultural assets, accessing tax incentives for heritage property, and navigating the UK’s export controls for cultural objects. She has particular experience advising on estate planning involving art and heritage objects and has recently advised on complex offers in lieu of tax under the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme, tax-free private treaty sales, and Conditional Exemption claims.
In addition to her legal practice, Clarissa is a published writer, lecturer, and broadcaster, and works as a Heritage Consultant with Arts Council England. She is widely recognised for her ability to combine legal rigour with deep sectoral knowledge and practical insight.
Clarissa joins Wedlake Bell from BHL Art Group, where she was Director of Tax, Heritage Law and Cultural Objects. Her career includes 11 years at Sotheby’s, where she was a Senior Director, and positions at Charles Russell Speechlys and Allen & Overy, where she trained.
Clarissa is a member of several leading professional organisations, including the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, Professional Advisors to the International Art Market, the Art Lawyers Association, and the Heritage Group of Professional Advisers.
Tim Maxwell, Head of the Art & Luxury Team commented:
“Clarissa’s arrival marks a significant step in the continued growth of our Art & Luxury offering. Her depth of experience and profile in our sector speak for themselves. She provides a senior expertise that allows us to continue working with our clients on their full range of needs particularly in light of recent tax reforms. She is a perfect fit for our team, which prides itself on providing market-leading advice across the art, culture and luxury landscapes.”
Clarissa Levi added:
“I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic and talented team at Wedlake Bell. The firm’s reputation in the art and luxury sector is outstanding, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success and working with clients across the art world and heritage industry.”