Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Inc. (“VLA”) seeks a Staff Attorney.  

Mission and Programming 

Since 1969, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) has been the leading provider of low-cost and pro bono  legal services to low-income individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations in the New York tristate  area. VLA addresses a broad range of needs that low-income artists cannot otherwise afford, including  legal counseling, educational programs, advocacy, and alternative dispute resolution. Without our help,  some of the most creative and vulnerable members of our society would be left without a means to  protect themselves and their creative endeavors. 

Staff Attorney Role & Responsibilities 

VLA seeks a highly motivated self-starter to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment as Staff  Attorney. The Staff Attorney reports to the Director of Legal Services and provides legal services and  educational classes to VLA’s constituents as well as conducting outreach on behalf of VLA. The Staff  Attorney also will work on projects with the Executive Director and Director of Legal Services, as needed.  This position provides an excellent opportunity to work hands-on within a wide variety of legal and artistic  disciplines. This position has an opportunity for hybrid work, at our mid-town office and remotely in the  New York City metro area. 

Legal Services 

• Advising artists and arts organizations on legal issues involving contracts, corporate formation and  governance, nonprofit law, copyright, trademark, patent, litigation, trusts and estates, real estate,  immigration, and employment, among others. 
• Advising artists from a variety of artistic disciplines, including film, fine art, music, theater, TV,  dance, fashion, literary, graphic design, and visual arts. 
• Managing a team of 8-14 interns and legal fellows. 
• Overseeing the VLA/USPTO Pro Bono Patent Program. 
• Supervising artist intakes. 
• Overseeing placement for clients with pro bono volunteer attorneys. 

Education 

• Working with the VLA team developing, preparing, and teaching CLE and non-CLE courses.
• Organizing educational panels and courses with industry lawyers.

Outreach 

• Managing VLA’s non-educational programming, such as New Attorney Orientations, job fairs, and resource fairs. 
• Building relationships with other organizations and volunteer attorneys. 
• Serving as teacher, panelist, speaker, or VLA representative as needed. 

Qualifications 

• Admitted to the NY State bar in good standing with at least 3 years related work experience.  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, and problem-solving skills. 
• Experience in at least two relevant practice areas, such as contracts, intellectual property, or  corporate governance. 
• Demonstrated interest in art and entertainment law. 
• Prior work in a law firm or at a nonprofit legal services organization. 
• Experience with project management. 
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, organized, and detail-oriented.  
• Ability to work with a variety of constituencies. 

Compensation and Benefits:

VLA offers attractive compensation (salary range of $80,000-85,000, based  on experience) and generous benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, health, dental and vision  insurance, long-term disability, prepaid monthly OMNY card, and ability to participate in 403(b)  retirement and flexible spending plans. 

Closing Date: Open until filled. 

Application Procedure 

Please send resume and cover letter to Amy Lehman, Director of Legal Services. Contact: alehman@vlany.org Subject line: VLA Staff Attorney 

We regret it will not be possible to communicate with candidates except those who most closely match  our requirements. 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

VLA is committed to enhancing our diverse workforce and actively  encourages applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, socio-economic classes, sexual  orientations, age, gender, gender identity and physical abilities to apply. We do not discriminate against  any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender  identity, age, disability, familial status, marital status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by  applicable federal, state, or local law. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek  excellence through diversity and inclusion. EO/AA Employer.