Greetings!
June heralded the arrival of
summer, and VLA celebrated with the annual VLA Summer Benefit, which proved to be
a wonderful evening. The benefit was held at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. in
Chelsea and
featured outstanding contemporary art. The refreshments were provided by
Yuengling: America's
Oldest Brewery, and Bounce Entertainment returned to DJ! At the benefit, VLA honored Davis Polk
& Wardwell LLP, Jones Day, and Sidley Austin LLP.
VLA also held a new class in June: Ethical and Sustainable Practices,
the first of four classes in the series Social & Legal Issues in Fashion. Anna E. Akbari, Ph.D, founder of Closet Catharsis, and Elena M.
Paul, VLA's Executive Director, taught the class. The class discussed key issues relating to fashion and sustainability. Stay
tuned for more information on the next class coming up in September.
In
other news, Elena M. Paul and Alexis Soterakis, Esq. taught Starting Your Culinary Business, and all of the proceeds benefited the Friends of the French Culinary
Institute (FCI). Thanks to everyone who participated; it was a great
success. If you missed this class, don't miss the next one on September 7th, 2010.
Sergio Muņoz Sarmiento, VLA's Associate Director, gave an interesting
presentation at VLA on Copyright and Contemporary Art for the Bronx Museum Artist in the Marketplace (Bronx AIM) program. On July 1, Sergio will be going home to speak at the El Paso Museum of Art on legal issues in contemporary art. His talk is co-sponsored by the El Paso Lawyers for the Arts and the Federal Bar Association.
Elena M. Paul, Esq. taught a workshop at the Arts Council of Rockland County on Legal Issues in Film. Ben Brandow, Esq. taught a class on Music Law at
Staten Island Arts Council. VLA's Kathleen Mallaney visited Art in Odd Places to notify
participating artists of VLA's services and programs. VLA helped inform
a lot of artists this month!
Have
a great Fourth of July and after all of your celebrations be sure to check out
some of the great programming VLA will offer throughout July. First, be sure to check out the Sneak Preview of "Devoted to Dance" on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. Second, don't miss the opportunity to hear a
lecture on Theft, Fraud, and Forgery: Cultural Property Crime in the U.S. and the FBI Art Theft Program by Bonnie Magness-Gardiner, Manager of the Art Theft
Program at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Third, VLA's free workshop: What is Copyright, and How Does it Affect My Use of Images, Sounds, and Text? This workshop is open to artists, photographers, writers, and arts administrators in these disciplines. Finally, VLA's annual panel on Career Opportunities in Art Law & Entertainment Law promises to have a number of outstanding
attorneys present to share their experiences in art and entertainment law,
so be sure to sign up early!
Last but not least, don't forget our two best-selling classes: How to Start a Nonprofit Tax-Exempt Organization, and Forming Your For-Profit Arts Business. Both provide a solid introduction to the legal and
business issues arising from nonprofit and for-profit start-ups.
We're looking forward to July and
hope to see you at one or all of our upcoming events!
The VLA Staff |
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Volunteer Attorney Orientation |
To volunteer at our clinics or take a case from our case list, VLA requires that attorneys attend a short orientation. At the orientation we will discuss important information about VLA's programs, requirements for volunteers and our administrative procedures.
All Attorneys must register for and attend a New Attorney Orientation before participating in VLA Clinics or taking on a VLA matter.
Orientations will be held on the following dates and times:
Monday, July 12, 2010 6-7pm
Monday, August 2, 2010 6-7pm
Monday, September 13, 2010 6-7pm
Monday, October 4, 2010 6-7pm
Monday, November 1, 2010 6-7pm
Monday, December 6, 2010 6-7pm
Where:
VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
To register for a New Attorney Orientation please fill out and return this New Attorney Orientation Form. You will only be contacted if that orientation is already full. Attorney orientations are
conducted by Ben Brandow,
Assistant Director of Legal Services. For additional information
please contact Ben at 212·319·ARTS (2787), ext. 14 or at
bbrandow@vlany.org.
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Class: Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax-Exemption Workshop
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This workshop provides valuable information about starting a nonprofit organization. New York State issues to be covered include articles of incorporation, bylaws, and the first organization meeting. Federal issues include the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and corresponding regulations, application for employer identification number, IRS disclosure rules, unrelated business taxable income, charitable contributions, and restrictions on lobbying. VLA requires all applicants seeking Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax Exempt Status services through VLA to attend one of these workshops before a volunteer attorney can be assigned to them.
Classes will be held on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 1-4pm*
Tuesday, August 10, 2010, 1-4pm
Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 1-4pm*
Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 1-4pm
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 1-4pm*
Tuesday, December 7, 2010 1-4pm
*3.0 Transitional CLE credits (Available to all Attorneys), 2 Professional Practice and 1 Skills.
Where:
VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
Registration Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class)
Arts Professional VLA Member: $75
Arts Professional Non-VLA Member: $100
VLA Legal Professional Member: $150
Legal Professional Non-Member: $200
(Additional individuals from the same start-up organization may register for an additional $25 ea.)
To register, please complete and return this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10 or email her at jtodd@vlany.org.
This program is funded in part by The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation Nonprofit Assistance Program.
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Devoted to Dance: Sneak Preview & Panel
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Join us for a private sneak preview of Devoted to Dance, a
work-in-progress film that captures Ivan Marko's pursuit of the
artistic ideal. A confessional documentary seasoned with Eastern
European irony, the film provides an inside look at the work and mind
of the dedicated Hungarian choreographer. After the screening, there will be a Q & A
with the director/producer Dorottya Mathe and Nancy A. Zoubek, Esq. of Jones Day, moderated by Elena M. Paul, Esq., VLA's Executive Director.
Devoted to Dance is a film by Dorottya Mathe, in association with An
Films. This project was supported via pro bono legal services through
VLA with the law firm of Jones Day. If you would like to support this
film with a 100% tax-deductible donation, please visit www.devotedtodance.com.
Sneak Preview will be held on:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 6-8pm*
*1.5 CLE Credits, 1.0 Professional Practice and .5 Skills (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)
Where:
VLA, One East 53rd Street First Floor Auditorium, NY, NY 10022
Fees:
Arts Professional VLA Member: $10 (suggested donation only)
Full-Time Student: $10 (suggested donation only with valid ID)
Legal Professional VLA Member: $25 (CLE Credit)
Legal Professional Non-Member: $45 (CLE Credit)
Panel:
Dorottya Mathe
Director/Producer
Elena M. Paul, Esq. (Moderator)
Executive Director, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Nancy A. Zoubek, Esq.
Jones Day
This panel will be moderated by VLA's Executive Director, Elena M. Paul, Esq.
To register, please complete this registration form.
All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please
call Kathleen Mallaney at 212.319.2787 x12, or e-mail her at kmallaney@vlany.org.
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Class: Forming Your For-Profit Arts Business | |
This workshop provides valuable information about starting an arts-related business. Covered issues also include: For vs. Non-Profit incorporation, fiscal sponsorship, selecting and protecting business names; the legal and tax characteristics of LLCs and publication requirements, partnerships, and type C and S corporations; choice of jurisdiction; financing your business; employees and independent contracts; and insurance.
Classes will be held on the following dates and times:
Thursday, July 15, 2010, 4-6pm
Thursday, August 12, 2010, 4-6pm
Thursday, September 16, 2010, 4-6pm
Thursday, October 7, 2010, 4-6pm
Thursday, December 9, 2010, 4-6pm
Where:
VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
Registration Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class)
Arts Professional VLA Member: $75
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $100
VLA Legal Professional Member: $150
Legal Professional Non-Member: $175
This class will be taught by Elena M. Paul, Esq., VLA's Executive Director.
To register, please complete and return this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org.
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VLA is proud to present:
Theft, Fraud, and Forgery:
Cultural Property Crime in the U.S. and the FBI Art Theft Program
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Art crime is a multi-billion dollar endeavor that affects collectors,
dealers, galleries, museums and artists world-wide. The FBI has
investigated these crimes for many years, and five years ago
established the Art Crime Team to develop a cadre of Special Agents
trained specifically in art crime investigations. Although spectacular
thefts from major museums capture the headlines, most art thefts in the
U.S. are residential burglaries, and art fraud is even more rampant.
This talk will cover federal jurisdiction, elements of the U.S.
criminal statutes, international treaties and conventions, as well as
case studies of recent investigations. Basic strategies for protection
of collections will also be covered.
Lecturer:
Bonnie Magness-Gardiner
Bonnie Magness-Gardiner is Manager of the Art Theft Program at the
Federal Bureau of Investigation. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the
Art Theft Program was established after the looting of the Baghdad
Museum in 2004. Dr. Magness-Gardiner coordinates the work of 13 special
agents assigned to various geographic regions, and manages the National
Stolen Art File. She received her Ph.D. in Near Eastern Archaeology
from the University of Arizona. After teaching archaeology for five
years, she entered government service as program manager for the
Archaeology Program at the National Endowment for the Humanities then
became a program manager for the American Memory Project at the Library
of Congress. For eight years she was the Senior Cultural Property
Analyst for the Department of State, implementing the 1970 UNESCO
Convention against illicit traffic in cultural property. She also
served as the program manager for cultural heritage restoration
projects in Iraq. She has been with the FBI since 2005.
Moderated by:
Sergio Muņoz Sarmiento, Esq.
When:
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Where:
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street, New York, New York 10019
Registration Fees:
VLA Member Attorney or Arts Professional: $200
Non-Member Attorney or Arts Professional: $250
Attendees must register before July 20th and be on the security list to
attend. (There is an additional $25 fee if you register after July
15th.)
*3.0 CLE credits, 1 Professional Practice, 1 Skills and 1 Ethics (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)
To register, please complete this registration form, or call 212.319.2787 x1. For more information please contact VLA's Associate Director, Sergio Muņoz Sarmiento, Esq. at 212.319.2787 x13, or via e-mail at ssarmiento@vlany.org.
This
event is organized and sponsored by Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. VLA
would like to thank Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz for hosting this
program.
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What is Copyright, and How Does it Affect My Use of Images, Sounds, and Text?
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With
the increase of copyright issues and lawsuits, visual artists, photographers,
and designers need to be aware of copyright laws and the legal issues that may
affect their practice and presentation of their work.
Using
visual examples of recent and current copyright cases, we will cover the basics
of copyright law, as well as appropriation, fair use, and the difference
between plagiarism and copyright infringement. We will also talk about artists'
websites and blogs, and how the internet affects the use of materials for
artistic production.
When:
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 4-6pm
Where:
VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
Registration Fees:
Free.
Please send an email to Kathleen Mallaney to
attend. In the email please provide:
· your name
· email address
· years of professional practice
· artistic discipline
· artistic medium (if applicable)
You must provide all of the information listed above
in your email to be considered for registration. Please note that you are not officially
registered until you receive a confirmation email from VLA's Kathleen Mallaney.
This
VLA workshop is open to artists, photographers, designers, writers, and arts
administrators in these disciplines.
This
class will be taught by Sergio Muņoz Sarmiento, Esq., VLA's Associate Director.
For more information please click here. |
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Career Opportunities in Art Law & Entertainment Law
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VLA is proud to host this panel of distinguished art and entertainment
attorneys to speak about their personal career trajectories and what
got them there. This panel is intended for young lawyers, law students,
and individuals interested in careers in art, intellectual property,
and entertainment law-fields that include copyright,
trademark, licensing, and television programming, to visual art,
literature, music, theater, dance, and nonprofit corporations.
This career panel allows young attorneys to take advantage of VLA's Young Associates Membership (YAM).
YAM is VLA's membership category exclusively for lawyers in their 1st -
4th years of practice. VLA hosts a variety of events for YAMs designed
to encourage members' understanding of the representation of artists
and arts organizations as well as to foster an appreciation for
contemporary art and promote members' involvement in philanthropic
activities. For more information on the YAM program, please click here.
When:
Thursday, July 29, 2010: 1:00pm-3:00pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm
Where:
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, 919 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022
1:00-3:00 PM: Music, Film, Fashion, Dance & Sports Panel
Barbara Kolsun, Esq., Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Stuart Weitzman
Andrew Lee, Esq., Principal, ALL Counsel & Consulting, Former General Counsel New York Jets
Theodore C. Max, Esq., Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Deirdre McDonald, Esq., SVP, Industry & Government Relations, Sony Music Entertainment
Elena M. Paul, Esq., Executive Director, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
3:30-5:30 PM: Art Law Panel
Amy J. Goldrich, Esq., Principal, Law Offices of Amy J. Goldrich
Dean R. Nicyper, Esq., Partner, Flemming Zulack Williamson Zauderer LLP
Sergio Muņoz Sarmiento, Esq., Associate Director, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Peter R. Stern, Esq., Of Counsel, McLaughlin & Stern LLP
Donn Zaretsky, Esq., John Silberman Associates PC
Registration Fees:
All registration fees are non-refundable.
No CLE credit is offered for this event.
Attendees must register before July 28th and be on the security list to attend.
YAM Membership & Career Panel:
$100.00 for both panels only
YAM Members:
$50.00 for both panels only
Non-Members:
1 panel: $75
2 panels: $100
To register, please complete this registration form, or call 212.319.2787 x1. For more information please contact Kathleen Mallaney at 212.319.2787 x12, or via e-mail at kmallaney@vlany.org.
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Class: Legal Issues in Film |
This
class will provide an overview of the legal issues and common business
arrangements used in film and television projects. In addition, the class will discuss option
agreements for the acquisition of literary properties and distribution
agreements, as well as review a comprehensive release for reality based television
programming. We will also take a look at legal issues
surrounding recent films such as Borat. Reading materials for the class will be emailed one week prior to the class.
Classes will be held on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 4-6:30pm*
Thursday, May 19, 2011, 4-6:30pm*
*2.5 CLE Credits Available, 1 Professional Practice , 1 Skills and .5 Ethics (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)
Where:
VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
Registration Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class)
Full Time Student: $20 (only with valid ID)
Arts Professional VLA Member: $25
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $35
VLA Legal Professional Member: $130
Legal Professional Non-Member: $150
This class will be taught by Elena M. Paul, Esq., VLA's Executive Director.
To register, please complete this registration form.
All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org.
(A limited number of 50% partial hardship scholarships for arts professionals are available. Please email Kathleen Mallaney.)
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Class: Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts & Friends of the FCI Present: Starting Your Culinary Business | |
This workshop provides valuable information about starting culinary businesses, including restaurants, bakeries, bars, and catering companies. This class will cover important issues that every start-up business person needs to know, including: the selection of a business entity; incorporation; financing; branding; licensing (including liquor licenses, cabaret permits, and outdoor seating permits); taxes; and regulatory compliance. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the French Culinary Institute (FCI).
The Friends of the FCI is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable corporation that raises money for scholarships and financial aid to FCI career students based on financial need and ability to complete the program they desire. The organization was founded based on the belief that money should not stand between talented, motivated, deserving students and a first-rate culinary education.
Classes will be held on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, September 7, 2010, 4:30-7pm
Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 4:30-7pm Where:
VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium) Registration Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class)
Current FCI Student: $25
FCI Alumni: $50
Other Culinary Professionals: $100
Other: $100 This class with be taught by Elena M. Paul, Esq., VLA's Executive Director and Alexis Soterakis, Esq., Senior Associate at the law firm Coran Ober P.C.
To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org.
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Class: Starting Your Fashion Business
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This workshop provides valuable information about starting a
business in fashion, apparel, and design (including jewelry). This class
will cover important issues that every fashion and design entrepreneur
needs to know, including: selecting and forming a business entity; using
a business plan; financing; common issues in product development,
production, marketing, and sales; regulatory issues and business
licenses; branding, licensing, and intellectual property (copyrights,
trademarks, and design patents); and contracts.
Class will be held on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 4-6:30pm
Where:
VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
Registration Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class)
Full Time Student (only with valid ID): $25
Arts Professional VLA Member: $75
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $100
VLA Legal Professional Member: $125
Legal Professional Non-Member: $175
This class will be taught by Elena M. Paul, Esq., VLA's Executive Director.
To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org.
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VLA Member Services |
Law Firm and Corporate Members:
VLA has developed two new opportunities for attorneys and other legal professionals, that are now available ā la carte or as part of the benefits of a Corporate/Law Firm Membership at the Patron Level.
Artist, Arts Organization, and Legal Professional Members:
VLA has also just developed an additional training opportunity for attorneys and arts professionals looking to make a career transition from legal practice to nonprofit careers.
For more information on these new programs and on becoming a law firm or corporate member, please click here. |
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VLA has seen an increase in demand for pro bono legal services, in-house consultations, legal clinics, and educational programming, and we expect 2010 to be even more demanding. Would you like to support more VLA legal services and educational programming?
In 2010, your support will make possible:
- More legal services to low-income artists
- More legal services to arts nonprofit organizations
- More educational programming
- More scholarship programs
- More outreach programming
- Maintaining lower fees for legal services and educational programming
- More discounts on legal books for artists
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Jim Hodges, What Becomes the Sky Roberto, 2009 |
What Becomes the Sky Roberto, 2009  | VLA is very pleased to announce the sale of a limited edition print by noted American artist Jim Hodges. Born in 1957 in Washington State, Hodges creates pieces using a variety of materials with the meticulous precision of collage work, sewing, assembling and cut-out. The end results are works that are both minimal and rich. A retrospective of his work was held at the Centre Pompidou in Paris late last year. His work is also included in the collections of such institutions as The Art Institute of Chicago, The Museum of Modern Art, New York and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.
Mr. Hodges has generously donated these unframed limited edition prints to VLA.
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About Us
Since 1969, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts has been the leading provider of pro bono legal services and mediation, as well as educational programs, publications, and advocacy to the arts community in the New York area and beyond. As the first arts-related legal aid organization, VLA is the model for similar organizations around the world.
VLA is supported in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and through generous gifts from law firms, corporations, foundations and individuals.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
1 East 53rd Street, 6th floor
New York, New York 10022
212.319.ARTS (2787)
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Our Supporters
VLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal service organization supported in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and through generous gifts from corporations, foundations and individuals. View a full list of foundation and government supporters here; to view a full list of law firm and corporate supporters, click here. |
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Upcoming CLE Class in July
The following VLA classes are CLE approved
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VLA Success Story of the Month
In Their Own Words:
Liza O'Keeffe
In October 2008 I came to VLA with a potential case. Kelly Kocinski and
Kate Nelson were terrific and guided me along, first at a clinic at Proskauer
and then at a more in depth meeting with Kelly. You were good enough to ok the
listing of my case. In March 2009, Rowan Morris, an associate at Alston &
Bird picked up my case. Robert Hanlon, a partner there in the IP division took
it to completion at the end of May 2010. I am thrilled to thank you for helping me to receive compensation and
personal validation! You are truly a godsend. Best Wishes, Liza O'Keeffe |
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| Financial Hardship Policy |
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Full and partial scholarships to attend VLA's Continuing Legal Education programs are available to persons with demonstrated financial hardship. To apply, applicants must submit a request, on letterhead if possible, stating the reason for their interest, proof of income or an explanation of their financial hardship, and a completed course registration form. Scholarships will be awarded on a space-available basis, with preference given to applicants in order of date submitted. For more information please view http://www.vlany.org/education/clecredit.php. |
| Ways to Get Involved and Training for Attorneys |
If you're an attorney and would like to get involved with VLA, please click here for more information on our legal services, CLE classes, mediation training, and new attorney orientation programming. |
| Legal Services | |
VLA's Legal Services program is the central focus of our activities and resources. The program includes a wide range of services including: the Art Law Line, a legal hotline; the VLA Legal Clinic for VLA members; in-house appointments with VLA staff attorneys; and pro bono placements for low-income artists and nonprofit arts organizations with one of over 1,200 volunteer attorneys.
If you are a practicing attorney, you may view the current cases available for pro bono placement by clicking here.
For more information on any of our programs please call or Ben Brandow at 212·319·ARTS (2787), ext.14
You may also call our Art Law Line at 212.319.2787 x1, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Education |
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Our Department of Education offers a wide variety of discipline-specific and general educational programs, both at its office and privately on location for law firms and art, cultural and service organizations. VLA is also certified by the New York State Bar Continuing Legal Education Board as an accredited provider of Continuing Legal Education courses and programs. Accordingly, VLA provides CLE classes at its office, and privately for law firms at their offices. VLA also custom designs courses, including CLE classes, upon request.
For more information on any of our programs please call Sergio Muņoz Sarmiento at 212·319·ARTS (2787), ext.13. |
| VLA Library and Bookstore | |
VLA has a small but in-depth book library containing a wealth of materials and resources for artists, arts organizations, and legal professionals. Our books and materials cover diverse areas such as nonprofits, fiscal sponsorships, visual art, music, theater, dance, writing, film, internet, and digital media, all in relation to intellectual property, contracts, licensing, legal entities, free speech, employment law, and grant writing. Access to VLA's library is free and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 12 to 6pm.
Along with providing individuals and organizations with access to the VLA's Library, VLA makes available a wide variety of books for all arts disciplines and organizations. For a list of our publications and books available for sale, please visit our list. For book prices and shipping fees, please contact VLA at our Art Law Line at 212.319.2787, x1. |
| VLA Calendar |
Keep up with our events, classes, workshops, and legal clinics through our calendar. |
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