After graduating from the University of Oxford, William trained at Farrer & Co in London, where he is now a partner in the Commercial Litigation team. He also co-leads the firm’s renowned ‘Art & Cultural Property’ practice.

Farrer & Co has a long-standing history of advising clients in the art and heritage sectors – dating back to 1820, when the firm advised the Duke of Wellington on the insurance of his art collection. Over time, the firm’s client base and the nature of its work have evolved to reflect the increasingly international and cross-border dimensions of art law.

William advises a wide range of clients in the art world, including dealers, galleries, museums, artists, and collectors. His experience spans complex disputes involving provenance, misrepresentation, false attribution, contested donations, and ownership claims. He has represented leading cultural institutions in the UK and internationally in cases concerning the recovery of stolen objects and looted art claims.

Recognised as a leading lawyer in ‘Art & Cultural Property’ by both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners (2025), William is described by Legal 500 as “an excellent lawyer. Top drawer for any art dispute.” He works alongside a highly experienced team at Farrer & Co, which is ranked Band 1 in both directories. The team includes specialists in art finance, auction consignments, sale and purchase agreements, tax and succession planning, and intellectual property.

A fluent Italian speaker, William heads the firm’s Italian desk. He recently contributed a chapter on museums and copyright infringement to Il Diritto e La Fiscalità dei Mercati Internazionali Dell’Arte, published by Wolters Kluwer in Italy. He is a member of the Art Lawyers Association.