Greetings!
VLA bid a stylish adieu to the sweltering summer with a series of events to celebrate the sartorial splendor of Fashion Week. As well as hosting a CLE on legal issues in the fashion workplace, VLA launched its 8-part Fashion Law for Lawyers CLE series. This program, taught by Barbara Kolsun, General Counsel at Stuart Weitzman LLC, and VLA's Executive Director Elena M. Paul, provides attorneys interested in representing fashion designers with an in-depth examination of the legal issues and business arrangements commonly found in the fashion industry, as well as with the opportunity to undertake and receive feedback on legal writing projects related to representative fashion law matters.
VLA would like to give a runway bow to Proskauer LLP, whose offices played host to two events at the conclusion of Fashion Week: our Fashion Pop-Up Legal Services Clinic and our Fall Trunk Show, where fashion enthusiasts and style-minded attorneys mixed 27 floors above the lights of West 41st Street while checking out the latest collections of over 20 emerging NYC designers.
VLA also said a fond farewell to 2010-11 Legal Fellow Dena Bouchard, who will be joining the New York office of Ropes & Gray LLP. She will be missed even more than the summer sunshine!
It's finally here! The famous Law School for Visual Artists begins October 5th and runs through November 2nd. This five-week course introduces visual artists to the legal issues they face when producing, exhibiting, and selling art. This course is taught by Sergio Muņoz Sarmiento, VLA's associate director.
Also in October, join us for VLAs Entertainment and Arts Career Counseling Clinic, Resume Review, and Networking Reception to be hosted at the offices of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison on October 17 from 4-7PM. This event will provide attendees with individual sessions with experts in the arts and entertainment industry who will discuss career goals and offer critical resume feedback, as well as a networking reception following the meetings. Just before Halloween, VLA will conduct its Legal & Business Bootcamp for Arts Professionals on October 28, 2011 from 10AM-5PM at the offices of Herrick, Feinstein LLP. This intensive (but not that scary!) program provides an intensive overview of the legal and business issues that affect artists and arts institutions. The fall Bootcamp will include sessions on intellectual property, the essentials aspects of understanding and negotiating contracts, and different arts organization funding models. Enrolment is suitable for artists and arts institution staff members of all artistic disciplines, as well as recently admitted attorneys interested in representing artists.
We also welcome to our new VLA staff, Legal Fellow Eric Tam, Staff Attorney Jenna Loyal, Legal Intern David Schrader, and all of the law students interning at 1 East 53d St. for the fall semester!
Best,
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Art & Law Residency Program .............................................................................................................
Application deadline:
October 17, 2011
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Program GoalThe Art & Law Residency provides an intellectual and artistic setting for participants to engage in ongoing discussions and 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 visual artwork and critical writing will come into being through the Program. All the participants will also gain experience and knowledge they can carry into the future beyond the Program. OverviewThe core of the Program will be semi-monthly Seminars directed at the examination of current art and law issues. Seminars will take place at the law firm of Morrison & Foerster LLP. Faculty as well as leading legal scholars and visiting artists will lead these Seminars. During the course of the Program, artists and writers will develop new projects and papers and receive support from Faculty on a regular basis to discuss and address the aesthetic, practical, philosophical, legal and judicial aspects of their work. The Residency will culminate in a public Exhibition and a Symposium held in New York City where artists will exhibit their projects and writers will present papers. Curators will work with The Residency curator in conceptualizing and organizing The Residency exhibition. For a list of the 2010 Fellows and their Bios please click here. Program Dates:January 2012 through August 2012 Application Deadline:October 17, 2011 Notification:December 1, 2011 APPLY! For more info, visit: http://vlany.org/residency.html |
 Notice of Public Hearing
Art & Law Residency Program Exhibition Please join us for the second Art & Law Residency Exhibition, Notice of Public Hearing, which will take place at SculptureCenter in Long Island City. The Residency Exhibition will highlight projects created during the 2011 Art & Law Residency Program, and engage issues of law in relation to property, justice, international affairs, consumerism, risk, privacy, and criminality. We look forward to seeing you at the opening reception on Thursday, December 8, 2011. Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts would like to thank SculptureCenter and its staff for hosting this exhibition. Exhibition at SculptureCenter
December 8 - December 21, 2011 Artists Michael Cataldi
Blane De St. Croix
Molly Dilworth
Carolyn Lambert
Graham Parker
Risa Puno
Lian Amaris
Woody Sullender
Alex Villar Opening Reception
Thursday, December 8, 2011
7 - 8:30pm SculptureCenter
4419 Purves Street
Long Island City, NY 11101 Gallery Hours
Thursday - Monday, 11am - 6pm
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays Art & Law Residency Program SculptureCenter |
 ................................................................................................................ Take as many classes as you'd like, as many times as you'd like! ................................................................................................................ VLA proudly announces a new way to enjoy VLA's many diverse class offerings through our All You Can Learn Pass.** Artists, arts administrators, lawyers, and students may purchase a 1-year All You Can Learn Pass which will grant them access to as many VLA classes as they would like to attend within one year of purchase. Once you purchase a 1-year Pass, you need only submit a registration form for the class you would like to attend, stating you are a All You Can Learn Pass holder and that's it. You're all set. Take as many classes as you'd like and as many times as you'd like. It's that simple. Learn about copyright, trademarks, contracts, licensing, for-profits, non-profits, and how they relate to music, film, fashion, art, dance, theater, and writing. All you can learn for one year! **Excludes VLA's Annual Career Panel; Mediation and Negotiation Training; Mark Litwak's Self-Defense and Risky Business Film classes and Legal & Business Bootcamp. Pass holders will enjoy 20% to 30% discounts to these four events. 1-Year All You Can Learn Pass Fees: $49 Students $99 Artists/Arts Administrators $499 Attorneys (includes all CLE classes) To obtain VLA's All You Can Learn Pass, please download the purchase form. For more information on this program, please contact VLA's Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x 10
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Upcoming Classes & Workshops
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New Volunteer Attorney Orientation
Two dates in October!
When: Monday, October 3, 2011, 6 - 7pm
Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 1 - 2pm (This session will be conducted by VLA Staff Attorney, Eric S. Tam, Esq. To register for this session download this registration form)
Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
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.
To register to the October 3 session, please complete and fax this registration form
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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Forming your For-Profit Arts Business*
When: Thursday, October 6, 2011, 4 - 6pm Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium) *2.0 CLE credits: 2 Professional Practice (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys) 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 and fax 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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VLA's Entertainment & Arts Career Counseling Clinic, Resume Review, and Networking Reception
When: Monday, October 17, 2011, 4 - 7pm
Where: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, NY 10019 · Map It!
This year, VLA is offering a special Entertainment & Arts Career Counseling Clinic, Resume Review, and Networking Reception on October 17, 2011.
Between 4 - 7pm, join us at Paul Weiss for the unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with experts in the arts and entertainment industry to talk about your interests and goals. These one-on-one meetings include the opportunity to have your resume reviewed. A networking reception for all participants will be held from 6:30 to 7pm.
Based on your area of practice or interest, we will pair you with an expert in that field. Arts and entertainment fields include: Visual arts, performance, theater, dance, music, film, literature, fashion, and sports. Meetings will be 20 minutes long and you will be assigned a meeting time on October 17 between 4 and 6:30pm. You will be notified of your meeting time on or before October 12.
For a list of participants and their bios, please click here.
Fees (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class):
$50 for Law Students
$75 for VLA members
$100 for VLA Non-members
$50 for VLA YAMs (Young Associate Members) and All You Can Learn Pass Holders
To register, please complete and fax this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. Please note you are not registered until full payment is received. For more information, please contact Benjamin J. Brandow, Esq., at 212.319.2787 x14.
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Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop
When: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
This workshop provides valuable information about starting a nonprofit organization. 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. This workshop will also touch on the legal and ethical duties for board members; donor requirements; the new Form 990; intellectual property issues specific to nonprofit tax-exempt organizations; insurance; and employment issues.
Fees (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class):
$75 Arts Professional VLA Member
$100 Arts Professional Non-VLA member
$20 Full-Time Student (must submit valid I.D. w/registration form)
$150 VLA Legal Professional Member
$200 Legal Professional Non-Member
(Additional individuals from the same start-up organization may register for an additional $25 ea.)
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.
To register, please complete and fax this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. Please note you are not registered until full payment is received. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org.
This program is funded in part by The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation Nonprofit Assistance Program.
To apply for a full or partial CLE scholarship, please view our Financial Aid Policy Guidelines here
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Legal Issues in Choreography and Dance
When: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 4 - 6pm
Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
This class will provide an overview of the legal issues that affect non-profit and for-profit dance companies, individual creators, choreographers, and performers, such as dancers. Topics discussed include: business entity formation, intellectual property protection, rights of publicity, licensing, and labor and employment. This class will be taught by Elena M. Paul, Esq., VLA's Executive Director. All registration fees are non-refundable.
Fees (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class):
$20 Full Time Student (must submit valid I.D. w/registration form)
$25 Arts Professional VLA Member
$35 Arts Professional Non-VLA member
$100 VLA Legal Professional Member
$150 Legal Professional Non-Member
$50 Young Associate Members (YAMs)
This class will be taught by VLA's Executive Director, Elena M. Paul, Esq.
To register, please complete and fax 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
Sponsored by Dance Magazine and the Dance Films Association
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Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts & Friends of the FCI Presents: Starting Your Culinary Business
When: Tuesday October 25, 2011, 4:30 - 7pm
Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
This workshop provides valuable information about starting a culinary business, 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, out door 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.
Fees (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class):
$25 Current FCI Student
$50 FCI Alumni
$100 Other Culinary Professionals
$100 Other
To register, please complete and fax this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. Please note you are not registered until full payment is received. For more information, please call Elena M. Paul, Esq., at 212.319.2787 x17.
Class registration is being handled by Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
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VLA's Legal & Business Bootcamp for Arts Professionals™
When: Friday, October 28, 2011, 10 - 5pm
Where: Herrick, Feinstein LLP, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016
* 7.0 CLE Credits Available, Professional Practice (Transitional: 3 Professional, 2 Skills, 2 Ethics)
VLA is pleased to announce this intensive program, a modified version of VLA's Legal & Business Bootcamp for Arts Professionals, our signature educational program. This Bootcamp will cover the legal and business issues that affect individual artists of all arts disciplines and individuals within arts institutions.
Sessions will include:
· Intellectual Property
· Contract Essentials and Negotiation Skills
· For-Profit, Non-Profit, Fiscal Sponsorship Models
· Considerations for Documentary and Fact-Based Projects
Who Should Attend:
Individual artists of all arts disciplines and individuals within arts institutions. Cultural organizations, recently admitted attorneys, and other professionals who represent artists should also benefit from this program.
Note: There will be no registrations taken the day of the event. You must be registered by October 27, 2011 to attend this event.
Fees:
Artists and Arts Organization Representatives
$149 Artists and Students
$250 Arts Organizations
$250 YAM's and All You Can Learn Pass Holders Lawyers
$325 All Lawyers
Due to the limited number of attendees, you must register for the program in advance and receive confirmation of your registration and location details from VLA. Space is limited. Please register early as the program tends to sell out. You will receive a confirmation email one week prior to the scheduled workshop.
To register, please complete and fax this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. Please note you are not registered until full payment is received. For more information, please contact Benjamin J. Brandow, Esq., at 212.319.2787 x14.
To apply for a full or partial CLE scholarship, please view our Financial Aid Policy Guidelines here
.......................................................................................................... Check out our complete calendar: · NOV · DEC · JAN ..........................................................................................................
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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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Our friends at NARM present once again the acclaimed event:
Entertainment & Technology Law Conference Coming Back To The Big Apple!
Thursday, November 3
1 - 5:30pm
At the Offices of Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig is located in the MetLife Building at 200 Park Avenue, 15th Floor
Mention VLA and recieve a special price!
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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