About Thaddeus
Thaddeus J. Stauber: Art Law and Commercial Litigation Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Thaddeus J. Stauber is a distinguished partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, where he serves as head of the firm’s Art and Cultural Institutions team, as well as its Commercial Litigation and International Arbitration groups.
Introduction
- Thaddeus J. Stauber is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in both litigation and transactional work, particularly in the areas of art law and commercial disputes.
- In his career spanning over two decades, Thad has represented clients across various industries including museums, cultural institutions, public agencies, private equity firms, and individuals in complex matters involving art treasures, federal contracts, intellectual property rights, real estate transactions, and wrongful death claims.
- His courtroom victories have included high-profile cases heard in courts as diverse as California, Ohio, Louisiana, and New York. He has a reputation for winning complex cases against formidable adversaries through his strategic legal prowess and negotiation skills.
Practice Areas
- Civil Litigation: Thaddeus specializes in civil litigation, including commercial disputes such as breach of contract, antitrust violations, and personal injury claims. He has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts nationwide.
- Criminal Defense: Prior to his specialization in art law, Stauber was a criminal defense attorney where he defended high-profile cases involving fraud, cybercrime, and white-collar offenses before local, state, and federal courts.
- Art Law: His expertise in this field is unparalleled, encompassing the handling of priceless artworks and artifacts, museum collections, intellectual property rights related to art, as well as complex issues such as authenticity disputes. He has successfully litigated cases for some of the world’s leading cultural institutions, including museums and international collectors.
- Intellectual Property: Thaddeus also handles intellectual property litigation, ensuring that his clients’ rights are protected in areas ranging from patents to trademarks and copyrights.
- International Arbitration: With a specialization in commercial disputes, Thad has navigated numerous international arbitration proceedings on behalf of clients in matters involving cross-border contracts, business investments, and commercial transactions. He frequently advises clients on compliance with foreign legal systems and regulations.
Awards & Recognitions
- Recognized: Art Law, Practice Area: Appellate Practice (Best Attorney USA)
- Lawyer of the Year: Art Law, Los Angeles (2026)
- Lawyer of the Year: Art Law, Los Angeles (2024)
- Lawyer of the Year: Art Law, Los Angeles (2018)
Firms
- Nixon Peabody LLP – Nixon Peabody LLP is a renowned law firm based in San Francisco, California. Thaddeus is currently a partner at the firm and heads its Art and Cultural Institutions team.
Education & Credentials
- Universities: University of Dayton (Juris Doctor)
- Education: Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton, earned in 2010.
- Bar Admissions: Thaddeus is a licensed attorney in California and has practiced law since 2010.
Affiliations
- Nixon Peabody LLP – Head of Art and Cultural Institutions team, Commercial Litigation group, and International Arbitration group at Nixon Peabody LLP.
Languages
- Language: English (native)
Recognized Since
- Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2016.
Practice Areas
Education
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Art Law, Los Angeles (2026)
- Lawyer of the Year: Art Law, Los Angeles (2024)
- Lawyer of the Year: Art Law, Los Angeles (2018)
- Recognized: Art Law
- Practice Area: Appellate Practice
- Practice Area: Arbitration
- Practice Area: Commercial Litigation
- Practice Area: International Arbitration - Commercial
- Practice Area: Mediation