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Greetings!
The July heat wave did nothing to slow us down here at VLA! Sergio Muņoz Sarmiento and Luis Nieto Dickens lead the second drawing course for lawyers, we launched the new Fashion Law for Lawyers Series, and our Art and Law Residency Program began to gear up for the upcoming Residency Program Symposium. As exciting as July was, we did have to bid farewell to Legal Fellow Anna Kadyshevich as she leaves VLA after a year fellowship to continue her career at Hogan Lovells. We will miss her!
Our Summer Associates have been working extremely hard for three months here at our VLA offices offering legal assistance, writing memos, drafting agreements and keeping the organization running. The time has come for them to present what they have learned! Come and support these soon-to-be lawyers on August 3 as they share a bit of what they have learned here at VLA. For more information, check out our website here.
VLA congratulates Jessica Lazzara on receiving the Hagans Summer Fellowship from The University of Texas School of Law, which provided funding for her summer associate position at VLA this summer. Jessica is a rising 3L at the University of Texas School of Law. Congratulations Jessica!
Jessica Lazzara and Sergio Muņoz Sarmiento, Esq.
Join us on August 24 from 6-9 pm for the much anticipated Art & Law Residency Symposium. The Art & Law Residency provides an intellectual and artistic setting for eight visual artists and four writers to engage in ongoing debates that examine the overlap and disconnect between artistic production and the law from historical, social, ethical, and intellectual standpoints. The writers in this year's program will present papers investigating the role intellectual property plays in the construction and dissemination of photography and video, and art as an alternative to traditional forms of justice and legal remedies. Join VLA, respondent Ruben Verdu, and our Residents for what is bound to be a wonderful and thought provoking evening. For more information, please view our website here.
We are also happy to welcome Samantha Hsu from Cornell Law School to the VLA team. She will be working with us for the entire fall semester, starting on August 22. Welcome Samantha!
Please note the VLA offices will be closed Monday August 29th through Monday September 5th. We will reopen on Tuesday September 6th.
Have a great summer and we hope to see you soon!
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
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Art & Law Residency Program Symposium The Symposium
The Art & Law Residency provides an intellectual and artistic setting for eight visual artists and four writers to engage in ongoing debates that examine the overlap and disconnect between artistic production and the law from historical, social, ethical, and intellectual standpoints. Using law as both a discourse and medium, new art and critical writing will come into being through the Residency. The three writers in this year's program will present papers investigating the role intellectual property plays in the construction and dissemination of photography and video, and art as an alternative to traditional forms of justice and legal remedies. Respondent, Ruben Verdu, will comment on the papers. Wednesday August 24, 2011
6 - 9pm Add this event to my calendar!
Please RSVP by August 21, 2011
Shearman & Sterling LLP
599 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10022
RSVP required to: lndickens@vlany.org For more info, visit: http://vlany.org/residency.html |
 VLA Fall 2011 Trunk Show
When: Thursday, September 15, 2011, 6 - 8pm Where: Proskauer Rose LLP. Eleven Times Square, New York, NY 10036 This networking event and curated Trunk Show features some of NYC's hottest fashion, accessory and apparel designers. We are happy to announce we have additional space for more designers who want to showcase their work! If you are a fashion/jewelry/product designer or artist interested in being considered to participate, please apply by email to Elena M. Paul, Esq., at epaul@vlany.org and Luis Nieto Dickens at lndickens@vlany.org with the name of your business, a link to your website if any, and a short description of your business/merchandise. We will then review your application and let you know if you have been accepted as well as sending you additional details. Artists and Designers manage their own sales and there is no charge to participate. If you know someone that would be interested in participating on this event feel free to forward this email. If you are planning to attend this event, please make sure you RSVP to Luis Nieto Dickens at lndickens@vlany.org. |
 Fashion Law for Lawyers: Reading, Writing and Representation From September to December, 2011CLE: *16 CLE credits: 9 Professional Practice, 6.5 Skills and 0.5 Ethics (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys) This program is an eight-part series specifically designed for attorneys interested in fashion law and representing designers of apparel, accessories and other fashion items. The course will provide an in-depth consideration of the legal issues and common business arrangements found in the fashion industry, as well as offer writing opportunities that will be critically analyzed by the program faculty. Topics will include: legal entities and business formation; intellectual property; labor and employment; licensing; advertising and business relationships with various suppliers and vendors. Finally, enrollees will have the opportunity to participate in the counseling and representation of fashion and design artists at VLA's Pop-Up Clinics. This series will be taught by Barbara Kolsun, Esq., General Counsel at Stuart Weitzman LLC and the co-author of Fashion Law: A Guide for Designers, Fashion Executives, and Attorneys, and Elena M. Paul, Esq., VLA's Executive Director. More info and to register: http://vlany.org/fashion_law.html |
Upcoming Classes & Workshops
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New Volunteer Attorney Orientation
Two sessions offered in the month of August!
When: Monday, August 1, 2011, 6 - 7pm
and: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 1 - 2pm
Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
*To register: Please note each session has its own registration form:
Monday, August 1 download form
Wednesday, August 17 download form · Add this event to my calendar!
Getting Started With VLA: New 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, important information about VLA's programs, requirements for volunteers and our administrative procedures will be covered.
For additional information or if you are at a law firm and are interested in having VLA make a presentation to your attorneys about our volunteer opportunities please contact Ben at 212·319·2787, ext. 14 or at bbrandow@vlany.org.
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Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax Exempt Status Workshop
When: Tuesday, August 9, 2010, 1 - 4pm Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium) Add this event to my calendar!This three-hour introductory class introduces individuals, organizations and practicing attorneys to the basics of nonprofit incorporation and federal and state tax exemption. Class includes course e-book with this pertinent information, along with information on fiscal sponsorships programs as well as sample forms and documents. Fees: (all fees are nonrefundable; 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 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 To apply for a full or partial CLE scholarship, please view our Financial Aid Policy Guidelines here .......................................................................................................... Forming your For-Profit Arts Business
When: Thursday, August 11, 2011, 4 - 6pm and Thursday, October 6, 2011, 4 - 6pm Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium) Add this event to my calendar!
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. Fees:(all fees are nonrefundable; 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: $125 Legal Professional Non-Member: $175 This class will be taught 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 Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org
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Check out our complete calendar:
SEPT · OCT · NOV · DEC
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SAVE THE DATE:
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Legal Issues in the Fashion Workplace
Employment Law and related Intellectual Property Issues for Individual Designers and Arts and Fashion Business Owners and Managers.
When: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 4 - 6pm*
Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
*2 CLE credits: 1 Professional Practice, 0.5 Skills, and 0.5 Ethics (This program is "transitional," thus newly admitted attorneys are also qualified to receive CLE)
This program provides an overview of the laws that govern the relationships between individual artists and designers as employees and independent contractors in the fashion industry and fashion design businesses in their roles as employers. Topics include the employee/independent contractor distinction, employment contracts, intellectual property issues, non-compete agreements, and more! The program will also provide an overview of the intellectual property and other assets that are typically at the heart of these businesses, with a focus on the common employment-related issues that arise in their creation and distribution.
Presenters: Gary H. Glaser, Esq. and Elena M. Paul, Esq.
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class)
Individuals/Orgs: $35 for VLA members / $50 for non-members
Attorneys: $125 for VLA members / $175 for non-members
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
To apply for a full or partial CLE scholarship, please view our Financial Aid Policy Guidelines here
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Legal Issues in Film
When: Thursday, September 22, 2011, 4 - 6:30pm
Thursday, February 16, 2012, 4 - 6:30pm
Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
*2.5 CLE credits: 1 Professional Practice, 1 Skills and .5 Ethics (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)
This class will provide an overview of the legal issues and common business arrangements used in film and television projects. In addition, option agreements for the acquisition of literary properties; distribution agreements and a comprehensive release for reality based television program will be discussed. 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.
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class)
Full Time Student $20 (must bring valid student ID to class)
Arts Professional VLA Member: $25
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $35
VLA Legal Professional Member: $130
Legal Professional Non-Member: $150
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
To apply for a full or partial CLE scholarship, please view our Financial Aid Policy Guidelines here
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Donate to VLA
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
Donations of any size will have a positive impact on our ability to provide vital services for artists and the arts community. $5, $10, $25, or $75 will help. In fact, if you donate more than $100 we will send you a VLA Supporter Box. What's in a VLA Supporter Box? Click here
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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. |
Financial Aid for Lawyers
Financial Aid Policy Guidelines for CLE Classes: ATTORNEYS ONLY To apply for a full or partial scholarship, applicants must submit proof of unemployment or their most recent tax return and a completed registration form for that class via mail to VLA 1 E. 53rd St., 6th Floor attn: Ben Brandow or via fax at 212.752.6575. Please note that your application does not guarantee a full or partial scholarship. Some classes are exempt. VLA generally applies the following guidelines: Unemployed: 75% scholarship Income up to $35,000: 50% scholarship Income $35,000 to $50,000: 25% scholarship Income over $50,000: No Discount |
Education & Programming
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.
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About VLA 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.
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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VLA Summer Associates Public Presentations Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 12 - 5pm VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 Open to the public, limited seating, RSVP required. Our 2011 Summer Associates have worked hard for three months at our VLA office offering legal assistance, writing memos, drafting agreements and keeping the organization running. The time has come for them to present what they have learned. Come and support these soon-to-be lawyers as they share a bit of their VLA experience. Let's have fun! RSVP: lndickens@vlany.org More info here!
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 Read the full story here!
VLA & Artspace special offer! 
VLA is pleased to announce the partnership with Artspace to bring you limited edition artwork from leading contemporary artists. Sing-up to Artspace now and receive a special offer! ................................................ 
YAM's
VLA's Young Associate Membership (YAM's) is a membership category exclusively for young lawyers and arts professionals generally in their 1st - 4th years of practice and career.
Learn more about YAM's here!
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