Attorneys
Gregory A. Clarick
partner (212) 633-4313 gclarick@cgr-law.com Download VcardMr. Clarick, an AV-rated litigator, focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation and art, entertainment and intellectual property law. He has been awarded a Band 1 ranking by Chambers and Partners for Art & Cultural Property Law in the U.S. Mr. Clarick regularly represents corporate entities and executives, entertainment and media companies, publishers, visual and recording artists, galleries and collectors. Mr. Clarick served as law clerk to the Honorable Robert R. Merhige, Jr., U.S. District Court, E.D. Va. Before co-founding CGR, Mr. Clarick was a partner of Manatt, Phelp & Phillips, where he was co-chair of the Entertainment Litigation Group, and previously was an associate of the entertainment litigation boutique Parcher, Hayes & Snyder and of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.
Education
New York University, J.D., 1990
Executive Editor, New York University Law Review
Princeton University, A.B., cum laude, 1986
Representative Matters
Won judgment for Creative Artists Agency in week-long arbitration filed to enforce a contract counterparty’s obligation to pay substantial commissions.
Successfully defended leading artist estate in week-long arbitration arising from claim for an advisor’s fee in connection with the sale of a major artwork.
Defended studio in two-week arbitration concerning breach of contract claims arising from cancellation of license to make a television series.
Prosecuted action for a private equity fund arising from defendant’s sham transaction designed to avoid sharing of gains on loan collateral.
Represented Domenico and Eleanore De Sole in a highly publicized, three-week federal jury trial asserting RICO, fraud and contract claims against Knoedler Gallery and its former president arising from the sale of a fake “Mark Rothko” painting to our clients.
As co-counsel to Target Corp. and 16 other major U.S. retailers, obtained Second Circuit reversal of class action settlement in action alleging antitrust violations by Visa and Mastercard; represented clients in related “opt out” litigation.
In a one-week bench trial, won ownership of a large-scale “wave” painting for contemporary artist Raymond Pettibon.
Defended recording artist Eddie Vedder and Sony Music in action alleging copyright infringement arising from change in song lyrics.
Represented contemporary artists James Turrell, Takashi Murakami and Roxy Paine in breach of contract actions against former dealers, and Christopher Williams in action by fabricator of work seeking ownership of client’s work.
Won unanimous jury verdict proving dealer of Russian art sold forged avant garde drawings to our client.
Defended publishers Time Inc., Rodale and Reader’s Digest in class actions alleging deceptive business practices in connection with book and magazine promotions, defeating class certification and winning summary judgment and appeals.
Represented producer in action against celebrity television host, Nancy Grace, alleging breach of contract to develop television series.
Won dismissal and appeal of defamation and tortious interference claims asserted against ALM Media.
Won summary judgment and Second Circuit appeal for concert booking agency in action alleging antitrust violations in concert promotion industry.
Obtained dismissal, and won appeal, for Warner Bros. Records in action claiming royalties for estate of former manager of legendary musical artist Jimi Hendrix.
Selected Public Interest Projects
Mr. Clarick served as Counsel to the New York State Democratic Committee during the 1996 presidential campaign. Represented capital defendants in post-conviction proceedings, including in the precedent-setting cases Riggins v. Nevada, 504 U.S. 127 (1992), and New York v. Harris, 98 N.Y.2d 452 (2002), and represented the Congressional Black Caucus, as amicus curiae, in congressional redistricting actions, including in Shaw v. Hunt, 517 U.S. 899 (1996), and Miller v. Georgia, 515 U.S. 900 (1995).
Press, Speaking Engagements
and Publications
Sotheby’s Institute, Guest Lecturer, Knoedler and Its Aftermath (Dec. 5, 2016).
NYU School of Professional Studies, Art and Cultural Heritage Symposium: Fakes, Forgeries and Looted and Stolen Art; Panelist: “The Cautionary Tale of Knoedler & Co.” (Nov. 3, 2016).
Artnet News, 10 of the Art World’s Most Powerful Lawyers.
NYU School of Law, Guest Lecturer, Art Law Seminar (Feb. 25, 2016).
60 Minutes, $80 Million Con—Profiling the Knoedler Gallery Scandal (May 22, 2016).
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA), Panelist, Recent Developments in Copyright Fair Use (Oct. 6, 2015).
Co-Author, Shaw v. Reno: A Mirage of Good Intentions with Devastating Racial Consequences, 62 Fordham Law Review 693 (1994) (with Hon. Leon Higginbotham).
Author, Protecting the Right to Teach: Public School Teachers and the First Amendment, 65 New York University Law Review 693 (1990).
Affiliations
Member, Board of Directors, Studio in a School (June 2022-present)
Admissions
State of New York
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second,
Third and Federal Circuits
U.S. District Courts for the Southern and
Eastern Districts of New York
U.S. Court of Federal Claims