Stephen J. "Josh" Knerly, Jr.

Stephen J. Knerly, Jr.: Leading Legal Counsel for Art, Business, and Non-Profit Matters

Stephen J. Knerly, Jr. is a respected and experienced attorney specializing in a diverse range of complex legal matters, including art transactions, nonprofit corporate governance, closely held and family-owned business strategies, and international commercial ventures. He is dedicated to providing strategic legal counsel and representation to individuals and organizations with sophisticated needs. Mr. Knerly’s expertise spans multiple sectors, making him a uniquely qualified legal partner.

As Co-Chair of the Firm’s Non-Profit Institutions section, Mr. Knerly offers unparalleled guidance to museums, foundations, trusts, and collectors navigating the intricacies of the art world. His deep understanding of art law allows him to expertly handle acquisitions, dispositions, lending and borrowing arrangements, estate planning for artwork, and the resolution of complex claims and disputes, including those involving antiquities and historical investigations related to the Nazi era. He consistently represents clients in domestic and international transactions, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Beyond art law, Mr. Knerly’s practice encompasses a broad spectrum of business legal services. He counsels closely held and family businesses on a variety of critical matters, including mergers and acquisitions, complex financings, generational wealth transfers, and recapitalization strategies. His experience in guiding these types of transactions ensures his clients’ long-term success and stability.

Mr. Knerly’s legal expertise extends to assisting nonprofit corporations, trusts, foundations, and museums with crucial aspects of their operations. He provides comprehensive support in formation, general business and corporate matters, governance, conflict of interest policies, accessions and deaccessions, contracting, and strategic outsourcing. Furthermore, he expertly manages executive compensation, employment agreements, tax planning, and international transactions, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique challenges faced by these organizations.

Recognized as a leading expert in his field, Mr. Knerly is a frequent speaker at prominent legal conferences, including 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. He is a former adjunct professor of art law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he continued to educate and mentor future legal professionals. His guest lecturing roles 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 further demonstrate his commitment to legal education and knowledge sharing.

Practice Areas:

• Art Law
• Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
• Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Nonprofit / Charities Law
• International Mergers and Acquisitions

Special Focus: Mr. Knerly’s practice includes a particular emphasis on Charitable Gift Planning, Defendants, Museums, Private Foundations, and Tax-Exempt Organizations.

Awards & Recognition:

• Lawyer of the Year: Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (Cleveland – 2025)
• Lawyer of the Year: Nonprofit / Charities Law (Cleveland – 2021 & 2013)
• Recognized: Art Law (2017-26), Closely Held Companies and Business Law (2023-26), Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026)
• Best Attorney USA (2007-Present)
• Non-Profit/Charities Law (2007-26)
• Closely Held Companies and Business Law (2023-26)
• Cleveland Lawyer of the Year: Non-Profit/Charities Law (2021)
• Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (France), American Bar Foundation, Fellow, Society of Benchers, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Working Group, Reproduction of Art and Cultural Heritage (ReACH) Project
• Chambers and Partners HNW Guide: Art and Cultural Property Law (2021-25)

Education & Credentials:

• Bar Admissions: Ohio
• Case Western Reserve University School of Law – Working Group, Reproduction of Art and Cultural Heritage (ReACH) Project
• Fellow, Society of Benchers
• Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (France)

Affiliations: Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2007

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Stephen J. Knerly, Jr. is a dedicated legal professional committed to providing sophisticated and strategic counsel to clients across a wide range of industries and legal disciplines. He represents individuals and organizations with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes and protecting their interests.