Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

- 1505 Eutaw Pl Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21217

For artists, creative entrepreneurs, and arts organizations in Maryland, legal issues can be a significant hurdle. From protecting your creative work through copyright to negotiating a contract for a performance or project, the legal world can seem complex and intimidating. Fortunately, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MdVLA) exists to help bridge this gap. This organization is a non-profit dedicated to providing essential legal services and education to the creative community, ensuring that artists can focus on their work without being bogged down by legal worries. This article will provide an in-depth overview of what MdVLA offers, where they are located, and how they serve the vibrant arts scene in Baltimore and across the state.

MdVLA operates on the principle that every artist, regardless of their financial situation, deserves access to legal protection and advice. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has diligently worked to support a wide range of creative professionals, from musicians and painters to writers and filmmakers. They connect income-eligible artists and arts organizations with a network of volunteer attorneys who provide pro bono services. In addition to direct legal assistance, MdVLA is also committed to educating the artistic community through workshops and clinics. This dual approach of direct service and public education empowers creatives to better understand their legal rights and responsibilities, helping them to avoid future legal pitfalls.

While the organization’s mission is laudable, it is important to be aware of the nature of its services, which are largely based on a volunteer model. A free service, by its nature, can have limitations. It is designed to provide access to legal help where it might otherwise be unattainable, but the scope of assistance may vary depending on the specific case and the availability of volunteer attorneys. Despite any limitations, for many Maryland creatives, MdVLA is a vital and often life-changing resource.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is located at 1505 Eutaw Pl Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA. This location places the organization in a central, accessible area of Baltimore City. When planning a visit to the office, it is important to note that appointments are typically required. The organization has also made a commitment to accessibility by providing a wheelchair-accessible restroom for the convenience of its clients and visitors.

Given that MdVLA often holds remote appointments and clinics, clients have the flexibility to receive legal advice from the comfort of their own homes. This is particularly helpful for artists with demanding schedules or who may not be in the immediate Baltimore area. When onsite meetings are necessary, the central location and provided amenities ensure that clients have a smooth and comfortable experience. MdVLA's model is about making legal assistance as barrier-free as possible, and the combination of online and in-person services reflects that commitment.

MdVLA provides a focused suite of legal services specifically tailored to the needs of artists and arts organizations. These services are delivered primarily through its pro bono legal referral program and its Art Law Clinics.

• Contract Review: Attorneys can review, draft, and negotiate contracts for artists, ensuring that they understand the terms of agreements for performances, commissions, and other creative endeavors.
• Copyright and Trademark Registration: They assist artists with the complex process of registering their creative works for copyright and their business names or logos for trademarks, providing crucial protection for their intellectual property.
• Corporate Law and Business Entity Formation: MdVLA helps creatives form and understand the legal structure of their businesses, including setting up LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) and non-profit organizations.
• Legal Services and Law Clinics: The organization holds monthly Art Law Clinics where artists can schedule a 30-minute, one-on-one consultation with a volunteer attorney to discuss short-form legal questions related to their work.

The firm's focus on these specific areas of law demonstrates its understanding of the unique legal challenges that face the creative community, from intellectual property disputes to contract disagreements.

MdVLA is a unique resource in the Maryland legal community. Its highlights and features are directly tied to its mission as a non-profit.

• Pro Bono Services: The core of MdVLA is its pro bono model, which provides legal help to artists who might not be able to afford it otherwise. This is a critical service for an industry where many individuals are not well-resourced.
• Educational Focus: In addition to direct legal help, MdVLA’s commitment to education through workshops and clinics empowers artists to be more knowledgeable about their legal rights and helps them make informed decisions to protect their work and livelihood.
• Community-Oriented: The organization is deeply embedded in the Maryland arts community, providing services that are designed to support and strengthen the local creative economy. Their services cover a wide range of disciplines, from music and dance to visual arts and literature.
• Volunteer Network: MdVLA relies on a network of dedicated volunteer attorneys who are passionate about the arts. These lawyers provide their expertise for free, showcasing a commitment to public service and community support.

While one review mentioned an ineffective referral and an unusual invitation, it is important to remember that such experiences are not representative of the entire organization's work. The core mission remains to provide valuable services, and many artists find their educational programs and legal clinics to be an invaluable resource.

To get in touch with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and learn more about their services, you can use the following information:

Address: 1505 Eutaw Pl Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA

Phone: (410) 752-1633

It is recommended to check their website for information on upcoming clinics and to complete an online intake form to apply for legal assistance.

For any artist or creative professional in Maryland, engaging with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is worth considering for several reasons. First and foremost, the organization provides access to legal help that might otherwise be financially out of reach. For a community often operating on tight budgets, this pro bono model is a game-changer. The focus on legal issues that are specific to artists, such as copyright and contract law, means that the advice and services you receive are highly relevant to your professional needs. The educational component is also a major benefit. Attending an Art Law Clinic can provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to handle future legal issues more confidently, potentially preventing problems before they even arise.

It is important to manage expectations, as the services are provided by volunteers and may be limited in scope. However, for a quick consultation or a referral for short-form legal issues, MdVLA is an excellent starting point. The organization’s deep commitment to the artistic community and its long-standing history of providing pro bono services make it a trusted and valuable resource. For those who are looking for a way to protect their work and navigate the business side of their creative careers without significant financial burden, MdVLA is a unique and essential institution in Maryland.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

1505 Eutaw Pl Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA