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Basic Information: Melvyn R. Leventhal
Melvyn R. Leventhal is an American attorney with a legal career that spans decades, marked by high-profile litigation and a specialized focus on art law. Leventhal is based in New York City, where his law practice primarily involves representing art galleries, dealers, artists, and collectors in significant artwork transactions. His legal acumen and negotiation skills have earned him a reputation as a leading figure in the intersection of art and law, with transaction values ranging from $250,000 to $50 million. In addition to his art law practice, Leventhal has been involved in numerous successful litigations in both state and federal courts across the U.S.
Born and educated in New York, Melvyn R. Leventhal obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from New York University School of Law and earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the same institution. He is admitted to the bar in New York, Washington D.C., and Mississippi. His career spans both the private and public sectors, having served as Deputy First Assistant Attorney General of New York, where he oversaw a large team of litigators handling hundreds of cases.
Melvyn R. Leventhal’s Spouse: Alice Walker
Alice Walker is an acclaimed writer, poet, and activist, known for her powerful works exploring race, gender, and social justice. Her most notable novel, The Color Purple, won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award in 1983, cementing her place in literary history. Throughout her career, Walker has published numerous novels, essays, and poetry collections, addressing issues like oppression, spirituality, and the human experience. Her relationship with Melvyn R. Leventhal, whom she married in 1967, made headlines as they became the first legally interracial couple in Mississippi. Their marriage, which lasted until 1976, produced one daughter. Walker’s activism has been as impactful as her writing; she is a staunch advocate for human rights, environmental justice, and equality for all living beings. Her commitment to social causes extends globally, often aligning her with revolutionaries and leaders striving for change. In 2024, she received the Haydée Santamaria Medal in Cuba, highlighting her ongoing influence in both literature and activism.
Art Law Expertise
Since 1994, Leventhal has concentrated his practice on art law, representing clients in New York, London, and Geneva. His work includes negotiating and drafting contracts for the sale or purchase of high-value artworks, arranging appraisals, and handling consignment agreements with major auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
Leventhal’s legal expertise extends to art-related litigation. His track record includes successfully litigating cases involving stolen artworks, misrepresented restorations, and disputes over the authenticity and ownership of valuable pieces. In one notable case, he successfully litigated against Sotheby’s to recover a stolen artwork for a client. He has also defended dealers and collectors accused of selling inauthentic works or failing to convey proper title.
Litigation Successes
Beyond his specialization in art law, Melvyn R. Leventhal has a rich background in litigation. He has argued and won cases before the United States Supreme Court twice, showcasing his skill at the highest levels of the legal system. Leventhal has tried approximately 15 cases to verdict, resulting in multimillion-dollar judgments, and has settled roughly 50 other cases. His litigation experience includes cases across New York and other states, as well as Washington D.C.
As the Chief of the Litigation Bureau in New York, Leventhal supervised numerous cases, honing his skills in managing complex legal teams. Earlier in his career, he worked with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where he played a significant role in civil rights litigation in Mississippi and New York. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund, which President Obama has described as “simply the best civil rights law firm in American history,” provided a strong foundation for Leventhal’s legal career.
Professional Accomplishments
Leventhal’s legal career took a major leap in 1984 when he founded and served as managing partner of a boutique litigation firm in New York City. This firm consisted of three partners and seven associates and handled a wide range of cases. His leadership within this firm underscored his ability to not only litigate but also manage a team of skilled lawyers.
Among his many professional accomplishments, Leventhal’s art law practice remains one of the most distinguished aspects of his career. He has represented clients in multimillion-dollar deals and complex legal disputes, often involving artworks valued at tens of millions of dollars. His legal counsel has been sought by art dealers, collectors, and galleries from major cultural centers such as New York, London, and Geneva.
Melvyn R. Leventhal’s Net Worth
Though Melvyn R. Leventhal’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, his successful career in law, particularly in the lucrative field of art law, suggests that he has achieved significant financial success. High-value art transactions and litigation, combined with his extensive legal experience in both public and private sectors, have likely contributed to a substantial personal fortune. In the legal world, particularly when dealing with artwork worth millions, attorneys often earn significant fees, making Leventhal’s career not only intellectually rewarding but also financially successful.
Conclusion
Melvyn R. Leventhal is a highly accomplished attorney whose expertise spans multiple areas of law, with a specialized focus on art law. His career has seen him navigate complex legal disputes and transactions involving some of the most valuable artworks in the world. Leventhal’s litigation successes, including appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court, further highlight his exceptional legal talents. With decades of experience in high-stakes legal matters, Leventhal continues to be a trusted figure for dealers, collectors, and artists in New York, London, and Geneva. His impressive career reflects a combination of legal mastery, business acumen, and a deep understanding of the art world.
