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Museum Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Offices, Boards and Divisions

$151K - $228K/yr

... attorneys, law enforcement personnel, executives, analysts, and other Department customers. * Leading the DOJ Museum and institutional heritage program, directing the identification, acquisition ...

Paisley Park

Attorney

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Attorney - Paisley Park Location: Chanhassen, Minnesota Position Type: Full-Time We are seeking an ... Support museum, entertainment, event, retail, hospitality, and digital business operations.

Paisley Park

Attorney

Chanhassen, MN

Attorney - Paisley Park Location: Chanhassen, Minnesota Position Type: Full-Time We are seeking an ... Support museum, entertainment, event, retail, hospitality, and digital business operations.

Paisley Park

Attorney

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Attorney - Paisley ParkLocation: Chanhassen, Minnesota Position Type: Full-TimeWe are seeking an ... Support museum, entertainment, event, retail, hospitality, and digital business operations.Ensure ...

NACBA

City Attorney

Campbell, CA · On-site

$250/hr

... museum and garden; the Campbell Library; the Los Gatos Creek Trail; and a variety of parks and ... THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE The new City Attorney for the City of Campbell will have the unique ...

Natural Resources Agency

Attorney

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$11K - $16K/mo

... new museum openings and hosting the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Join our team to ... Attorney IV will be familiar with state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to ...

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Museum Lawyer information

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$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do museum lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum lawyer?

Museum lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in providing legal counsel to museums and cultural institutions. They handle issues such as acquisitions, provenance, intellectual property rights, contracts, compliance with cultural heritage laws, and disputes over artwork ownership. Museum lawyers ensure that museums operate within the law when acquiring, displaying, or loaning artifacts, and help navigate complex ethical and legal considerations related to cultural property and repatriation. Their work helps protect both the institution and the public interest.

How does a museum lawyer typically collaborate with curators and collections staff?

Museum Lawyers work closely with curators and collections staff to ensure compliance with laws regarding acquisitions, provenance, deaccessioning, and loan agreements. They review documentation, advise on intellectual property rights, and help navigate complex legal issues related to cultural property and international loans. This collaboration is essential to protect the museum's interests while supporting its mission to acquire, exhibit, and share collections responsibly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Lawyer, you need a law degree, active bar membership, and expertise in art, intellectual property, and cultural heritage law. Familiarity with legal research databases, contract management software, and museum collection management systems is commonly required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical thinking skills help navigate complex legal issues and collaborate with museum staff and external stakeholders. These skills ensure legal compliance, protect museum assets, and support the institution's mission and reputation.

What is the difference between Museum Lawyer vs Curator?

AspectMuseum LawyerCurator
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, legal certificationsDegree in art, history, or related field; often with a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, museums, cultural institutionsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, legal firms specializing in cultural propertyMuseums, art institutions, galleries
Common Search & ComparisonLegal responsibilities, compliance, contractsExhibition planning, collection management

While a Museum Lawyer focuses on legal matters such as contracts, compliance, and intellectual property, a Curator manages collections, organizes exhibitions, and oversees educational programs. Both roles are essential in a museum setting but serve different functions based on expertise and responsibilities.

How much do museum lawyers make?

Museum lawyers typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. Senior or specialized legal professionals in museums may earn higher salaries, especially if they handle complex legal issues such as intellectual property or provenance.

What does a museum lawyer do?

A museum lawyer provides legal advice and handles legal matters related to museum operations, including intellectual property, provenance, contracts, compliance with laws, and risk management. They may also assist with acquisitions, exhibitions, and protecting the museum's collections and reputation.

What are popular job titles related to Museum Lawyer jobs?

For Museum Lawyer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Museum Lawyer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Patty Gerstenblith Legal Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law

Chicago, IL • On-site

Field Museum
Museums and Historical Sites • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Field Museumexternal

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position: Patty Gerstenblith Legal Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Office of VP and General Counsel
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum of Natural History has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

The Patty Gerstenblith Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law is a two-year position for early-career attorneys (a one-year term may be considered upon request). The Fellow will gain first-hand experience in the legal questions and practical concerns related to repatriation, acquisitions, provenance, research, and exhibition of scientific specimens and items of cultural heritage, as well as the broad range of other legal concerns facing not-for-profits, providing the Fellow with experiences applicable to counseling museums and other cultural organizations. The Fellowship will provide professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and an opportunity to complete a relevant professional certification.
The Legal Fellow reports to the General Counsel and serves as part of the Museum's in-house legal team. The Office of General Counsel protects the legal interests of the Museum, providing advice and counsel to senior management and other staff members in all departments of the Museum on a variety of matters, including but, not limited to, non-profit governance, collections management practices, labor and employment, compliance, risk management, contracts, intellectual property, charitable contributions, and cultural property.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provides legal support and assistance to the Museum Repatriation Center regarding NAGPRA compliance and related legal issues.
  • Assists the Collections Center with provenance research and analysis of collections items and potential acquisitions, compliance with cultural property laws and other import/export requirements.
  • Assists in identifying legal risks to the Museum and recommends appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
  • Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, transactional agreements, and other legal documents in a variety of areas.
  • Works closely with Museum staff to ensure that projects, procedures, contracts, and other documents meet the Museum's needs and protect the Museum's interests.
  • Assists in designing, drafting, and reviewing Museum policies and procedures; provides guidance on best practices.
  • Monitors compliance with applicable laws and regulations and recommends policy and contract changes, as necessary.
  • Keeps informed of emerging legal issues which may affect the Museum and provides advice and counsel on such.
  • Provides other legal assistance as required.

Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctorate (JD) from an ABA accredited institution.
  • Candidate must be in their first five years of practice.
  • Licensed to practice law in Illinois or eligible for and achieve admission or waive in to the Illinois Bar within a reasonable timeframe; must maintain law license for duration of employment.
  • Candidates awaiting bar exam results are welcome to apply.
  • Experience or demonstrated interest in working with museums, cultural organizations, not-for-profits, or institutions of higher education preferred.

Skills and Competencies:
  • Excellent legal, analytical, drafting, and written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels within the organization.
  • Experience in reviewing and drafting a variety of transactional agreements and legal documents.
  • Ability to prioritize, meet multiple, concurrent deadlines, and oversee a variety of projects to successful conclusion, working both independently and as part of a group.
  • Ability to develop and sustain collaborative, collegial relationships with varied internal clients and external constituencies.
  • Sound and practical business judgement and common sense; high standards for integrity.
  • Ability and willingness to gain expertise and perform work in unfamiliar areas of the law.

Applications must include the following:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • A personal statement (not to exceed 500 words) describing your interest in art, museum, and cultural heritage law and how this Fellowship will support your career goals
  • Three professional or academic references

Supervision Received:
Receives supervision by the General Counsel
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities
Work Hours:
35 hours/week
Term:
Two years; a one-year term may be considered upon request.
Hybrid Eligibility:
Eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation: This position is union exempt
Pay Range: $65,000 - 80,000/annually
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org .

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