James Fitzpatrick- An Appreciation

 Prominent DC lawyer and lobbyist James Fitzpatrick has passed away at age 88.  His obituary can be found here.   Among his many accomplishments, Jim was an important advocate for collectors, museums and the small businesses of the art and antiquities trade on cultural property matters.  He helped draft the Cultural Property Implementation Act, prevailed in an important  cultural property case, and argued before the Cultural Property Advisory Committee many times about the importance of following Congressional intent when considering foreign requests for cultural property MOU's.  In his later years, Jim shared his deep knowledge of the area with students, both as a professor and guest lecturer.  Quite unlike all too many prominent lawyers, Jim was also a very kind and engaging person, always ready to reach out to friends and foes alike.  He will be much missed.