Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts
"I am amazed at the work my VLA attorney did -so much more than I ever expected. I
am more than pleased- I am deeply touched by the humanity of your organization, and
forever indebted to you." -Janice, Film/Video Artist
MISSION
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts, Inc. (VLA) is a non-profit organization established to meet the legal and educational needs of the state's artistic community. The current VLA was incorporated in September 1989 and remains the only organization in Massachusetts designed specifically to address the legal concerns of the arts and cultural communities. VLA provides its services to artists and arts organizations from all creative disciplines including, among others, visual arts, music, literary arts, performing arts, and film and video.
SERVICES / PROGRAM SUMMARY
The VLA has made a significant impact on Massachusetts's arts community in its sixteen years of operation. Since its formation, the organization has provided legal services to over 4,500 artists and has organized speakers for over 100 arts-related legal seminars. The VLA has also increased volunteerism in the Bar by training a panel of approximately 400 attorneys who, because of the more transactional nature of their practices, would otherwise have few opportunities to volunteer their services. The VLA fulfills its mission through its four programs:,/p.
- Direct Legal Services: The VLA utilizes both its in-house staff and its extensive panel to provide a wide array of legal services. The panel's range of expertise includes contracts, copyright, trademark, patent, business and tax issues, libel, slander, privacy, censorship, non-profit incorporation, alternative dispute resolution, real estate, collection of fees, employment, immigration, artist live/work space, estate planning, moral rights, and all areas of litigation.
- Educational Services: For artists, the VLA offers two series of seminars entitled "The Artist's Survival Series" and "The Artist Professional Toolbox." These seminar series are designed to empower artists with the skills and confidence they need to master the business challenges of being an artist. The Artist Professional Toolbox (APT) is the only comprehensive training program for the professional working visual artist in Greater Boston. APT is NOT a one-time workshop or 101 intro but a 7 month long intensive course for a select group of artists. These artists will have a chance to learn and practice using their newfound marketing, networking and business skills during the program, with one-on-one guidance and feedback throughout.
- Board Bank: The VLA connects interested attorneys with arts organizations in need of a board member with legal expertise. This service offers a valuable resource to organizations that would otherwise be unable to afford the ongoing support of dedicated legal counsel.
- Speakers Bureau: The VLA connects panel attorneys with arts organizations (including schools) seeking to widen the breadth of education courses they offer their constituents through presentations by guest speakers on all areas of arts-related legal matters.
