VLA offers a variety of programs and workshops, which are listed below. We also offer a selection of on-demand, online recordings of previously held education programs for those unable to attend or want a refresher. Click here to access and view these presentations.
In partnership with the Copyright Alliance, the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is hosting an expert panel discussion to celebrate World IP Day. The panel will consist of two attorneys, Cheryl L. Davis and Elissa D. Hecker, who bring a wealth of experience in the realm of entertainment law. The two will present an introduction to copyright law, focusing on issues of concern to artists in a variety of genres, and will also address some current issues and cases in connection with the Right of Privacy law in New York State, the Visual Artists Rights Act, and Fair Use.
When: April 23, 2018, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53 Street, New York, NY 10022
About Cheryl L. Davis
Cheryl Davis is General Counsel of the Authors Guild. She is a former partner at the firm of Menaker & Herrmann LLP, with 25 years’ legal experience. Her practice focused on counseling clients on intellectual property issues and litigating copyright and trademark cases. An award-winning playwright, she has long combined her creative passion with her legal work, representing theater clients in connection with a variety of contract and corporate issues (including both intellectual property and employment matters). She has made numerous presentations and written on intellectual property for the commercial arena, as well as for theater artists and other creatives.
About Elissa D. Hecker
A repeat New York Super Lawyer and Top Attorney – New York Metro Area’s Outstanding Lawyer, who practices in the entertainment and business fields, Elissa has a wide range of experience in corporate, copyright, and trademark law, with clients that encompass a large spectrum of the business and entertainment world. She is an articulate, persuasive communicator with polished presentation skills.
Elissa focuses on the representation of businesses (both established and new ventures), the entertainment industry, individuals, creators, entrepreneurial ventures, and both for-profit and not-for-profit entities. She has extensive experience with contracts, licensing, digital issues, Trademark Law, Copyright Law, Intellectual Property, and all aspects of running a business. Elissa optimizes legal and business affairs function for songwriters, music publishers, recording artists, performers, managers, producers, independent record labels, and production companies, as well as within the film, television, dance, visual arts and book publishing industries.