Katherine de Vos Devine

Protecting your rights and your relationships

Your work happens in small communities where relationships matter over years, maybe even generations. When legal questions come up, you need an attorney who understands something most don't: it's not her job to create conflict in your community. She is there to clarify understandings.

Katherine came from the creative world. She ran museums and arts organizations, so she understands the business side of creative work. She knows what it's like when your gallery owner is also your friend, when your collaborator becomes your client, when the person across the negotiating table is someone you'll see at the opening next month.

Most attorneys see legal problems. Katherine sees relationships that need protecting. Her approach—what she calls "relational law"—means you don't have to choose between standing up for your rights and maintaining the partnerships your work depends on. She architects solutions that meet both sides' needs, clarify misunderstandings, and let you walk away with the deal you need and the relationship intact.

She also does something most attorneys avoid: she talks about feelings. Fears about a collaboration, discomfort with a contract term, or hesitation about a partnership aren't distractions from the legal work; they're essential to it.

Katherine combines a J.D. and Ph.D. in Art History from Duke, where her doctoral work examined how copyright law affect creative practices. She teaches Art Law at Queens University of Charlotte, co-chairs the College Art Association's Committee on Intellectual Property, and speaks at venues like Yale School of Art and McColl Center—always translating legal concepts for creative communities, not legal audiences.

She serves artists, galleries, production companies, creative agencies, and arts organizations navigating copyright, trademark, licensing, public art agreements, and fair use questions. Her clients are generating revenue and need sophisticated legal guidance delivered by someone who understands their world.

Her Protect Your Magic newsletter examines women’s history and intellectual property through a feminist lens. Outside the office, you’ll find Katherine at the archery range or in the kitchen.