Cultural Property Law in Practice: Restitution and Repatriation of Cambodian Antiquities

East Asian Legal Studies Talk:

Bradley Gordon JD ’95

Managing Partner, Edenbridge Asia

Brad Gordon will speak about his work advising the Cambodian government on the repatriation of stolen artifacts. He will examine Cambodia’s recent restitution efforts as a case study in cultural property law, focusing on legal strategy, diplomatic engagement, and negotiations with museums and collectors. Drawing on his experience, he will discuss how negotiated returns, provenance research, and international law have shaped contemporary repatriation practice, and reflect on broader implications for museum ethics and state practice.

Bradley J. Gordon is the Founder of Edenbridge Asia Partners. He holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from Brown University. Brad has advised multinational corporations, family business owners, and NGO clients for over 28 years, including 25+ years of professional experience in Asia. Brad is a U.S. and Cambodian citizen and has worked at leading international law firms including Linklaters, Freshfields, and Shearman & Sterling. He is a member of the Bar of the State of New York. Earlier in his career, Brad worked with Cambodian refugees in Thailand in 1989, reflecting a long-standing connection to the region. Brad currently serves as an Advisory Board Member of the Harpswell Foundation.

Over the past decade, working pro bono for Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Brad has led a groundbreaking initiative to trace, document, and repatriate thousands of Cambodian antiquities looted during decades of civil war and conflict. His team’s work has brought together archaeologists, legal experts, and former looters to identify stolen heritage and establish credible provenance. These efforts reached a major turning point following the U.S. indictment of Douglas Latchford, whom Brad has described as “the mastermind behind the greatest art heist in history.” The proceedings ultimately resulted in the return of hundreds of artifacts and the recovery of critical provenance documentation from the Latchford estate. In recognition of his extraordinary service in recovering Cambodia’s national cultural heritage, Brad was conferred a knighthood by His Majesty the King of Cambodia in 2023.

Brad speaks Thai and Khmer.

A light lunch will be provided. Please register here.

A Harvard ID is required in order to enter Harvard Law School buildings. If you have questions, please contact eals@law.harvard.edu in advance of the event.