Stephen J. Knerly, Jr. focuses his practice on matters involving art transactions, nonprofit corporate law, closely held and family-owned businesses and international commercial transactions.
Josh serves as Co-Chair of the Firm’s Non-Profit Institutions section.
In his art law practice, Josh has represented museums, foundations, trusts and collectors in the acquisition, disposition, lending and borrowing of and estate planning for works of art, including domestic and international transactions, claims and dispute resolution involving antiquities and the Nazi era.
Josh has been a frequent speaker on art-related matters before meetings of the ALI-CLE Museum Law Conference, the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the American Bar Association (Section of International Law), the Institute of Art and Law and the Federal Cultural Property Advisory Committee. Josh is a former adjunct professor of art law at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He has been a guest lecturer at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, University of Akron School of Law, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and DePaul University College of Law.
Josh also represents nonprofit corporations, trusts, foundations and museums on formation issues, general business and corporate matters, governance issues, conflict of interest policies, accessions, deaccessions, contracting, outsource agreements, executive compensation and employment agreements, tax planning, international transactions and construction projects.
Josh counsels closely held and family businesses on various matters, including mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, financings, generation transfers and recapitalizations.
Professional History
• Partner, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, 1984-present; CEO and Managing Partner, 1993-2008; Member, Board of Directors, 1993-2008; Member, Management Committee, 1989-91; Associate, 1976-83; Law Clerk, 1975-76
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Testimony before the 301 Committee (U.S. Trade Representative) concerning proposed imposition of tariffs on Chinese origin art
June 17, 2019
20 Years, Washington Principles: Roadmap for the Future
November 26, 2018
Legal Issues in Museum Administration
April 19, 2018
Deaccessioning Proceeds, Legal Requirements, Ethical Responsibilities and Best Practices
April 16, 2016
United States: Foreign Sovereign Immunity and Immunity From Seizure
May 01, 2015
Presentations before the Federal Cultural Property Advisory Committee on behalf of the Association of Art Museum Directors in connection with the renewal of Memoranda of Understanding
January 21, 2015
After the Monuments Men: Nazi-Era Art, Modern Legal Problems
January 05, 2015
Currently Important Issues for the Museum Community
November 14, 2014
Immunity for Art Works on International Loan: Immunity from Seizure or Immunity from Jurisdiction?
October 15, 2013
Cultural Property Roundtable: Update and Case Studies: Panelist
April 10, 2013
Foreign Lenders and Risk Management: Immunities: Panelist
April 10, 2013
Fair and Just Solutions? Alternatives to Litigation in Nazi-looted Art Disputes: Status Quo and New Developments
November 01, 2012
Exhibition Loans: Immunity: Panelist
May 21, 2012
Healthy Tension: Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and Management: Panelist
March 24, 2011
Developing and Implementing Conflict of Interest and Other Governance Policies: Panelist
March 24, 2011
International Trade in Ancient Art and Archeological Objects: Controversies over U.S. Implementation of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on Cultural Property
April 15, 2010
Deaccession Developments: Does Self-Regulation Still Work? The New York Brodsky Bill and Other Trends: Panelist
March 25, 2010
Drafting and Interpreting Pledge and Gift Agreements: Panelist
March 24, 2010
Community Involvement
Former Consul Honoraire de France, Cleveland, Ohio
The Holden Arboretum, Director
French American Chamber of Commerce, Trustee and Secretary
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Assistant Secretary
Leadership Cleveland, Class of 2001
Awards & Distinctions
Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (France)
American Bar Foundation, Fellow
Society of Benchers, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
The Best Lawyers in America®, Non-Profit/Charities Law, 2007-21, Art Law, 2017-21, Cleveland Lawyer of the Year, Non-Profit/Charities Law, 2021
Working Group, Reproduction of Art and Cultural Heritage (ReACH) Project
Memberships & Affiliations
International Council of Museums, Legal Committee, Member
International Bar Association, Art, Cultural Institutions and Heritage Law Committee, Member
American Bar Association, International Law Section, Art and Cultural Law Heritage Committee, Steering Committee
Institute of Art and Law, Member
