wooden judges gavel and soundboard resting on top of wooden desk.
Finding the right lawyer–someone well versed in artists’ professional practices and problems–can make a big difference. Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) and Legal Aid in your area are two great resources for artists in need of legal assistance. These organizations each help with distinct issues:
Note that not all communities have a VLA. Here are some other tips for locating an artist-friendly attorney.
Ask your artist friends for a referral. An artist in your network might know of an attorney who is willing to work for artists for barter or trade for artwork.
Most local bar associations have lawyer referral programs. These often include a free consultation to determine if the attorney is a good fit before you run up any bills.