Webster D. McBride is an associate in the New York office of Hughes Hubbard & Reed. His practice focuses on complex litigation for U.S. and international clients in a variety of industries, including finance and banking, technology, media and entertainment, and the fine arts. Webster also maintains an active pro bono practice, representing individuals in immigration and asylum proceedings and providing counsel to several New York City museums and performing arts organizations.
Before practicing law, Webster worked extensively with clients in the financial services and telecommunications sectors as a business analyst and software engineer at a San Francisco Bay Area information technology consultancy. Prior to joining Hughes Hubbard, Webster interned with the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York and served as a summer associate with the Office of the Legislative Counsel of the United States House of Representatives.
Professional Activities
Member, New York City Bar Association
Member, International Bar Association
Advisory Board Member, Center for Art Law
Highlighted Publications
Surprise Decision in Reif v. Nagy Raises as Many Questions as It Answers, HHR Art Law blog (Apr. 23, 2018)
Ninth Circuit Cases Pose the Question: How Far Does the "First Sale Doctrine" Go? HHR Art Law blog, (Sept. 17, 2017)
Fair Use Filter? Richard Prince Moves to Dismiss Donald Graham’s Lawsuit, HHR Art Law blog (June 29, 2016)
GI Joe? Coffee, Location, and Regulatory Accountability, 85 N.Y.U. L. Rev. 2138 (2010)
Court Admissions
Southern District of New York
Eastern District of New York
Second Circuit Court of Appeals
Highlighted Matters
Art Law
Representation of major auction house in connection with negotiation and drafting of transaction documents for work of art ultimately sold at auction for record-breaking sum of over $450 million.
Representation of former U.S. ambassador and family trust prosecuting action against Knoedler Gallery and others in connection with multimillion-dollar sale of forged art; secured favorable settlements following defeat of motions to dismiss.
Representation of private art collector prosecuting declaratory judgment action in federal court; quieted title to multimillion-dollar artwork purchased from Salander O’Reilly Galleries.
Representation of prominent visual artist prosecuting action against former gallery for breach of contract and unjust enrichment; secured default judgment, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.
Represent and counsel major art museum in connection with copyright, deaccessioning, litigation, regulatory, and other issues.
Complex Business Disputes
Representation of Australian engineering and construction firm defending against multimillion-dollar breach of contract claim asserted by ExxonMobil's Russian subsidiary; obtained order compelling arbitration and dismissing action.
Representation of uranium production and exploration company defending against multimillion-dollar claims of breach of stock purchase warrants’ anti-dilution provision; obtained summary judgment dismissing all claims.
Representation of biomedical technology company president in multimillion-dollar misappropriation of trade secrets lawsuit; secured broad settlement after defeating wide-ranging injunction sought against client.
Representation of trustee for the SIPA liquidation of MF Global Inc.; member of affirmative litigation team responsible for negotiation with MF Global's clearing bank, resulting in a $547 million settlement.
Ongoing representations of global pharmaceutical companies in litigation and arbitration arising from alleged breaches of licensing agreements.
Compliance & Regulatory Enforcement
Representation of hedge fund general partner and investment manager in SEC enforcement action brought under Securities Act § 8A, Exchange Act § 21C, IAA § 203(e)–(f), and ICA § 9(b); obtained summary disposition of all valuation-related claims and dismissal of all fraud-based claims after six-week bench trial.
Representation of "Big Four" professional services firm in connection with its response to SEC Wells notice; persuaded SEC to reverse course and refrain from pursuing enforcement action against client.
Representation of major auction house in its response to investigative subpoenas issued by New York Attorney General; developed and executed presentation to NYAG’s Office after which investigation discontinued against client.
Media & Entertainment
Representation of media and entertainment company defending against Lanham Act, right of privacy, and right of publicity claims; obtained dismissal of action.
Representation of major newspaper company in mediation arising from disputed interpretation of partnership agreement’s change-in-control provision.
Representation of major sports and entertainment holding company in connection with acquisition of 50 percent stake in global media company.
Pro Bono: Immigration
Secured asylum for LGBTQ Ghanaian national after eight-year representation, overcoming “one-year bar” on basis of changed personal and country conditions.
Secured Legal Permanent Residence under Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and U.S. Citizenship for Dominican survivor of abusive marriage to U.S. citizen.
