Our Mission
50 years ago a small group of lawyers who care about the arts and the community in which they live began to volunteer their services to help and protect the local arts community. From that core idea, VLA was founded and has flourished for five decades, providing vital legal representation and education to those who cannot otherwise afford it.
Our Impact
See some of the stories from artists and arts organizations that we have assisted. Help us ensure that we can continue to serve the artistic community and protect the artists that create the work we love.
“Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts patiently guided me through the legal process, always being at my side. The attorney made sure my rights are not only protected but also more importantly, made me aware of my rights as an artist in New York.”
Viola A. Yeşiltaç, Visual Artist
“The minute I walked in the door at VLA I was met by professionals. I was given a thorough consultation and had excellent pro bono lawyers representing me. They successfully negotiated with a theatrical company on a play I had worked on for ten years, which was at risk due to a poor agreement I had signed. Sometimes we need a grownup in the room. VLA is that grownup.”
Llywelyn Tudor Jones
Writer and Actor
“I came to VLA after former collaborators refused to release footage that my team and I had shot. VLA and the lawyers that worked on my case provided excellent, caring representation. I got my footage back without further incident. I’m extremely grateful for the invaluable assistance VLA provided. Their work is a great service to the arts community.”
Taylor Sisk
Writer, Editor, Filmmaker
“Everyone we worked with at VLA was phenomenal. We were consistently impressed with not only their professionalism and knowledge, but also their ease in dealing with artists who may not have experience in legal matters. We honestly weren’t sure how we were going to afford incorporating our non-profit until we found VLA.”
Alex Etling
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Cave Theatre Co.
Accessibility
VLA strives to make its services, programs and facilities accessible to everyone. VLA offers assistance for the visual and hearing impaired, with prior notification. VLA’s offices also are wheel chair accessible via elevator. Please call us at 212-319-2787 ext 1 to request assistance with these or other reasonable accommodations.
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