Jon Paul Robbins, Peter R. Stern Win Judgment for Multi-Million Dollar Richter Painting and Fees
The Court of Appeals has denied permission to appeal from a judgment directing the defendant to deliver a multi-million dollar painting to McLaughlin & Stern’s client. The client sued to enforce a contract for the sale of a painting by Gerhard Richter, the renowned contemporary German artist. The reneging seller denied that there was a contract, and also denied that he could be sued in New York. The trial court held that the contract was enforceable, that the defendant could be sued in New York, and also that the defendant must pay substantially all of McLaughlin & Stern’s legal fees. The defendant appealed to the Appellate Division, which affirmed the trial court’s decision. The defendant then made a motion to the Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, for permission to appeal. The Court of Appeals refused permission to appeal.