Polina Ivko
Partner at Adwar Ivko
New York, NY / Los Angeles, CA / Miami, FL / Nashville, TN
Q What do you do?
“I’m an artist and musician turned lawyer and business advisor serving exclusively art, entertainment and adjacent industries. I specialize in intellectual property, dispute resolution, contracts, corporate law, regulatory and compliance, First Amendment, executive compensation, international law, and nonprofit law.”
My clients range from individuals and small businesses to large companies and institutions, as well as foreign states within creative spaces.
Photo: Honored to be part of a powerful project by artist Prune Nourry titled "Strand for Women", held at Studio Jolie, a creative collective for self-expression founded by Angelina Jolie, formerly Jean-Michel Basquiat’s studio. © Catharsis Arts Foundation 2025.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My ability to bridge the gap between creatives and attorneys comes from my formal education in visual arts and piano, paired with nearly two decades of combined industry experience in the arts and entertainment in other roles.
I enhanced my expertise by not simply earning a traditional J.D., but also obtaining a postgraduate degree in entertainment and art law. I refined my skills as a law clerk to a chief intellectual property judge, a fellow at a reputable nonprofit in Washington D.C., an in-house counsel at a leading auction house, and an attorney at top entertainment law firms before starting my own practice.
Along the way, I’ve taught and shared my insights at institutions like Columbia University, UCLA, Amsterdam Dance Event, and the Smithsonian.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
As a creative business owner, I encountered a variety of frustrations – licensing and intellectual property issues, contracts management, chasing up delinquent vendors and protection of my brand. I decided to harness that experience and get a law degree so that I can build a legal practice based on honesty, mutual respect, genuine expertise, creativity and care.
Legal matters can seem intimidating, complicated, confrontational and time sensitive. I gently unarm the issues for the clients and provide an honest assessment of the situation to give them a sense of comfort no matter what the subject matter involves. I also make sure to be available and easily accessible. The goal is to have a client feel that they can truly count on me and always be ahead of the game.
As an attentive listener, I account for every material detail and provide clients with strategies that are carefully tailored to their unique circumstances. No single matter is the same when working with creatives as each sub-field carries a different context. That is why I aim to provide a holistic approach, which not only solves the issue, but also facilitates the growth of the client’s business.
Q What are you working on right now?
It's a healthy mix of transactional and dispute resolution matters. I'm also developing a unique database for the art market, which is designed to enhance due diligence practices when it comes to acquiring artworks.
Q What’s your style?
My style? Tactical diplomacy meets controlled disruption. I like to listen harder than anyone else in the room and then hit with precision. I approach everything the way a great director approaches a script. Find the subtext, follow the tension, and let the moment breathe.
Taste-wise, I gravitate toward high-functioning aesthetics, keeping it simple on the surface but engineered underneath. Imagine design that solves problems before they become obvious.
One recent project that represents my approach involved a museum client, two foreign states, and the U.S. government in a high-stakes cultural property dispute. Emotions ran high, but I kept focus where it mattered. By listening closely, aligning the parties around a precise solution, and executing quietly and efficiently, I resolved the matter without disruption or unwanted publicity. I’ll never forget the call from my client, relaying that U.S. officials credited the smooth resolution to my expert handling.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I'm passionate about all of my projects. If I had to pick one, it would have something to do with visual art or music.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
We live in truly uncertain times legally-speaking, but I make sure my clients stay ahead of the curve on developments that impact their projects.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Risk management and PR intern to work on reputation control projects.
Photo: Behind the scenes with my client, Emily Nicolosi, during the installation of her interactive sculpture for Formula 1 in Las Vegas, NV. © Polina Ivko 2024.
Photo: Celebrating the long-term placement of Anna Walinska’s drawings in the U.S. Senate, alongside New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Shelly Porges (Founder, Beyond the Billion), Masha Turchinsky (CEO, Hudson River Museum), and Anne Helmreich (Director, Archives of American Art). A proud moment for my client, the Estate of Anna Walinska. © Senator Kirsten Gillibrand 2025.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Negotiation isn’t a battle, it’s a dance.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
As my team grows, I’m realizing that real leadership isn’t about control. It’s about building trust, clarity, and momentum. The Knicks’ recent comeback caught my eye. I think it wasn’t just talent; it was chemistry built from the top. I’d love to hear their coach’s perspective on how you get the players to operate as one unit under pressure and keep them committed to the long game.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking to counsel creatives and creative businesses who are serious about leveling up and need more than just legal advice. I help them see around corners, protect what they’re building, and make smarter moves under pressure.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I like to be brought in early, when the foundation matters. That’s when I can save clients money, time, and a lot of unnecessary headaches. I’m not just solving problems. I’m preventing them before they show up.
Q: What is your rate?
My rates vary depending on the scope and needs of each project. I work on hourly rates, flat fees for specific services like trademark and copyright registrations, monthly retainers for clients with frequent needs, and occasionally percentage-based arrangements for long-term collaborations. If you’re not sure where to start, just reach out. I’m happy to explore a structure that fits the work and makes sense for both of us.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Gramuglia Music & Media, Rainhouse Co., Alex Britten, In Theory Arts Studios, Simplify Music Biz
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Listen. Observe. Pause. Then express.
This member profile was originally published in May 2020, Updated May 2025.