Ann M. Garfinkle

In the unique intersection of art, intellectual property, and estate planning, finding a legal professional with both profound expertise and a genuine passion for the creative world is a rare and invaluable asset. For artists, collectors, galleries, and arts organizations in the District of Columbia and beyond, Ann M. Garfinkle stands as a preeminent legal authority. With a career spanning over five decades, Ms. Garfinkle has dedicated her practice to navigating the intricate legal landscapes that impact artistic legacies, valuable collections, and the business of art.

Ms. Garfinkle is not just a lawyer; she is an active participant in the arts community, serving on boards and co-authoring publications on art and estate planning. Her deep understanding of contracts, intellectual property (especially copyright), wills, trusts, and probate, particularly as they relate to artistic and literary works, makes her an indispensable resource. While one review notes her focus is "Only Business Not Civil Law," her website and extensive background clearly indicate a robust practice encompassing estate law, intellectual property, and transactional advice crucial to the art business. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Ann M. Garfinkle’s specialized services, highlight her distinguishing features, detail her accessible D.C. location, and explain why her unparalleled experience makes her an ideal choice for locals looking to preserve their artistic endeavors and legacies.

Location and Accessibility

Ann M. Garfinkle's office is conveniently located in the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C., at 1800 M Street NW, Suite 450N, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This central address places her practice within easy reach for clients across the District of Columbia and the broader metropolitan area. M Street NW is a prominent business corridor known for its concentration of professional services, making it a recognizable and accessible destination for anyone needing specialized legal counsel.

The office’s strategic placement ensures excellent connectivity via D.C.’s robust public transportation system. Both the Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) Metro stations are within a very short and comfortable walking distance. This provides effortless access for individuals commuting from various parts of D.C. and its suburbs, minimizing travel time and stress. For those who prefer to drive, numerous commercial parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity, though clients should always factor in potential urban traffic and parking availability, especially during peak business hours in a busy city like Washington, D.C. Being situated in a key business district, the office is also surrounded by other professional services, cultural institutions, and amenities, further enhancing its practicality and ease of access for clients who may have other appointments in the city. This convenient positioning highlights Ann M. Garfinkle’s commitment to being readily available to serve her specialized clientele effectively.

Services Offered

Ann M. Garfinkle’s practice is highly specialized, offering expert legal services primarily focused on the intersection of art, intellectual property, and estate law. Her deep experience since 1968 allows her to provide comprehensive guidance to artists, writers, collectors, galleries, and art organizations. Key services include:

• Art Law:
  • Representation of Artists and Artists' Estates: Advising and representing prominent American and European painters, sculptors (including those creating large-scale outdoor public works), and their estates. This includes managing and protecting their legacies and intellectual property rights.
  • Gallery and Art Fair Representation: Providing legal counsel to art galleries (such as ConnerSmith Gallery in D.C.) and art fairs (like (e)merge Art Fair), assisting with business operations, contracts, and dispute resolution within the art market.
  • Licensing Art and Literary Works: Negotiating and drafting licensing agreements for artistic and literary properties, both domestically and internationally, ensuring artists' rights are protected and revenue streams are maximized.
  • Art Conservation Legal Advice: Offering counsel on the legal issues surrounding art conservation, a critical aspect for preserving valuable collections.
  • Non-Profit Art Organization Counsel: Representing and advising non-profit art and art conservation entities, including assistance with applications for 501(c)(3) status and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Wills, Trusts, and Probate:
  • Estate Planning for Artists and Collectors: Extensive experience in drafting wills and trusts tailored specifically for artists and collectors, addressing the unique considerations of intellectual property bequests and art collections.
  • Probate and Estate Administration: Guiding clients through the probate process, including handling complex estates and resolving probate disputes, sometimes involving litigation.
  • Blended and Non-Traditional Families: Expertise in estate planning for diverse family structures, ensuring all beneficiaries are properly considered and protected.
  • Health Care Directives: Assisting clients in preparing essential documents like health care directives to ensure their wishes are honored regarding medical care.
• Intellectual Property (Copyright):
  • Copyright Registration and Advice: Assisting clients with copyright registration for their artistic and literary creations and providing comprehensive advice on copyright protection and enforcement.
• Business Law (as it pertains to the art world): Advising on the commercial aspects of the art business, including contracts, transactions, and structuring of art-related ventures.

Features / Highlights

• Decades of Experience (Since 1968): Ann M. Garfinkle has been a practicing lawyer for over five decades, providing clients with an unparalleled depth of legal knowledge and seasoned judgment.
• Niche Expertise in Art & Estate Law: Her highly specialized focus on art law, particularly for artists and collectors, makes her a rare and sought-after expert in this complex niche. She assists with preserving both the art and the legacy of creators.
• Recognized Leader in the Field: Ms. Garfinkle is consistently listed in "The Best Lawyers in America" (2017-present) in Trusts and Estates and holds an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell for over 25 years, signifying the highest level of professional excellence. She was also in the Inaugural Edition of the Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers (2011, 2012).
• Active in the Arts Community: Her involvement extends beyond her law practice; she serves on the Board of Trustees for the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), is a founding director of INCCA-NA (International Network for Conservation of Contemporary Art North America), and is a former D.C. Chapter Chair of ArtTable (national organization for women in visual arts).
• Co-Author and Speaker: Ms. Garfinkle is the co-author of "Estate Planning for Artists and Collectors" (a D.C. Bar publication) and frequently lectures on the subject, demonstrating her thought leadership and commitment to educating others in her field.
• Adjunct Professor: She serves as an adjunct professor at George Mason University's College of Arts Management, teaching "Legal Issues in Arts Management," further cementing her role as an authority in art law.
• Represents Prominent Clients: Her client roster includes estates of renowned artists like Morris Louis, as well as significant art galleries and non-profit art organizations nationally.

Promotions or Special Offers

Ann M. Garfinkle’s distinguished legal practice, with its deep specialization in art and estate law, operates on a professional services model rather than offering consumer-style promotions or discounts. Her fees are tailored to the unique and often intricate requirements of each client’s case, reflecting the significant expertise and decades of experience she brings to complex legal matters concerning art, intellectual property, and estate planning.

Prospective clients interested in engaging Ann M. Garfinkle’s services are encouraged to contact her office directly to schedule a consultation. This initial discussion provides an opportunity to review the specifics of their situation, understand the potential legal strategies, and gain clarity on the fee structure. Ms. Garfinkle is committed to transparent communication about costs, ensuring clients are fully informed before embarking on legal representation.

Contact Information

To connect with Ann M. Garfinkle and discuss your legal needs concerning art, intellectual property, or estate planning, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1800 M St NW #450n, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Phone: (202) 659-6819

Mobile Phone: +1 202-659-6819

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For artists, art collectors, gallery owners, and arts organizations in the District of Columbia, Ann M. Garfinkle is an exceptionally suitable and indeed indispensable legal resource. Her long-standing practice, deeply rooted in the heart of D.C., means she is uniquely attuned to the local and national dynamics affecting the art world. Whether you are an artist planning your estate, a collector seeking to protect your valuable acquisitions, or a gallery navigating licensing agreements, Ms. Garfinkle offers unparalleled expertise.

Her convenient office location on M Street NW ensures easy access for D.C. locals, facilitating direct and collaborative legal guidance. Beyond her legal acumen, her active involvement in the D.C. and national arts communities means she speaks the language of artists and understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the creative sector. By choosing Ann M. Garfinkle, D.C. locals gain a legal partner who not only has five decades of experience but also a genuine passion for art, making her the premier choice for protecting and preserving artistic legacies in the nation's capital.