VLA Calendar > May 2012
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Friday, May 4, 2012
Risky Business: Financing and Distributing Independent Films | with Mark Litwak, Esq.
When:
Friday, May 4, 2012: 10am – 5pmWhere:
DLA Piper, 1251 Avenue of the Americas (at 50th Street)
New York NY 10022 • Map it*Seven (7) New York CLE credits awarded for attorneys: 4 Areas of Professional Practice credits, 2 Skills credits, and 1 Ethics credit. This program qualifies as “transitional” for newly admitted attorneys.
This comprehensive seminar —for new attorneys, attorneys transitioning to entertainment law, and filmmakers— explores how independent films are financed and distributed. Topics include financing via pre-sales, debt and equity investors, negotiating tactics, typical contract terms, cross-collateralization, creative accounting, and ethical concerns. Particular attention will be paid to how producers and filmmakers can protect themselves by: investigating distributors; watering down warranties; adding contract provisions covering performance, termination, and alternative dispute resolution; getting errors and omissions (E&O) insurance; and using lab access letters and schedules of minimums. Other topics will include: criteria for selecting a distributor; new media distribution; which contract terms are negotiable; compliance with state and federal laws regarding investors; retaining an attorney, producer reps and publicists; and confirming awards and enforcing judgments. Extensive handouts will be distributed via email in advance of the program, including a distribution contract, articles, and a self-defense checklist. Finally, the lunch hour will provide a great opportunity for networking.
More info here or download registration form
Monday, May 7, 2012
New Volunteer Attorney Orientation
When: Monday, May 7, 2012, 6 - 7pm
Where: VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
To volunteer at our clinics or take a case from our case list, VLA requires that attorneys attend a short orientation. At the orientation, important information about VLA's programs, requirements for volunteers and our administrative procedures will be covered.
You MUST RSVP prior to attending an orientation session.
More info here or download registration form
Thursday, May 10, 2012, 4:30 - 6:30pm
Copyright Termination Considerations for Musicians and Other Artists
When: Thursday, May 10, 2012, 4:30 - 6:30pm
Where: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP | 180 Maiden Lane, New York | Map it!*CLE: 2.0 CLE Credits awarded (1 Areas of Professional Practice Credit and 1 Skills Credit). This program is "transitional" and thus newly admitted attorneys are qualified to receive CLE as well.
This program will cover a brief introduction to the fundamentals of copyright law, an explanation of copyright termination, and a discussion of the most important copyright termination considerations. The program will focus on copyright termination implications and procedures for musicians in particular but the content will be relevant for artists of all genres. Attorneys and law students are also welcome.
Course materials will be distributed in e-book format.Panelists:
Robert W. Clarida, Esq., Partner, Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt LLC
Bob Donnelly, Esq., Associate and Music Law Specialist, Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King & Stageberg, P.A.
John P. Luneau, Esq., Senior Counsel, Business & Legal Affairs, Razor & Tie Direct, LLC
Moderator:
Benjamin J. Brandow, Esq., Director of Legal Services, Volunteer Lawyers for the ArtsMore info here or download registration form
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop
When: Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 2 - 5pm*
Where: VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022*3.0 CLE credits, 2 Professional Practice and 1 Skills
(Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)This workshop provides valuable information about starting a nonprofit organization. State issues to be covered include articles of incorporation, bylaws, and the first organization meeting. Federal issues include the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and corresponding regulations, application for employer identification number, IRS disclosure rules, unrelated business taxable income, charitable contributions, and restrictions on lobbying. This workshop will also touch on the legal and ethical duties for board members; donor requirements; the new Form 990; intellectual property issues specific to nonprofit tax-exempt organizations; insurance; and employment issues. The Fiscal Sponsorship model will be addressed as an alternative to forming a non-profit organization.
More info here or download registration form
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
New Volunteer Attorney Orientation
When: Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 1 - 2pm
Where: VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
To volunteer at our clinics or take a case from our case list, VLA requires that attorneys attend a short orientation. At the orientation, important information about VLA's programs, requirements for volunteers and our administrative procedures will be covered.
You MUST RSVP prior to attending an orientation session.
More info here or download registration form
Monday, May 28, 2012
VLA offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
We will resume regular hours on Tuesday, May 29, 2012.