Case List
VLA | 1 East 53rd Street, 6th Floor | New York, NY 10022
(212) 319-ARTS | www.vlany.org

Updated as of Thursday, May 09, 2013, 12:50 PM

To request a case, please click the appropriate case number below to email VLA Legal Fellow Kristine Hsu at khsu@vlany.org.

Please remember that cases are sometimes unavailable as already on review by another attorney. The CaseList marks these cases as "On Review." Occasionally, these cases may return to the list if not placed with the reviewing attorney who has two weeks to accept or return the case.

As many VLA cases are placed very quickly, we encourage you to include at least two cases (refer to cases by their five-digit case number) in your case requests. This way, we can get a sense of the type of case you're looking for and can keep this in mind as new cases come into VLA and as cases on review may return to the list for placement.

Who We Serve
VLA serves low income and indigent artists and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in every imaginable discipline. For example, theater, dance, fashion, the visual arts, performance, music, journalism, crafts, textiles, architecture, film, design, literature, and poetry are only a few of the artistic disciplines we service. Whether artists are looking to start a nonprofit dance company, copyright their manuscript or produce an independent film, VLA is available to assist them. Before cases are placed on this list, VLA meets with the applicant for pro bono services to confirm that they meet VLA’s financial and substantive guidelines. A copy of our financial and substantive qualification guidelines is available upon your request.

Table of Contents

Contract
Contract/Copyright
Copyright
Corporate
Dispute/Litigation
Employment
Immigration
Non-Profit
Non-Profit start-up
Nonprofit Start-up
Patent
Real Estate /Landlord/Tenant
Trademark
Wills, Trusts or Estates

Contract - Back to Top

Music
13139
Client has a recording contract with a US record company (“AP 1”) with his music performance group (“Group”). The Group was originally signed on with a UK recording company (“AP 2”) until the company was acquired by AP 1. Client claims that he has not received proper royalties for one of the Group’s tracks. The Group created the track before signing their contract with AP 1. Client is unclear whether UK or US/NY law applies given AP 2’s acquisition by AP 1. An independent performance rights group has offered to compensate Client for Group tracks currently being performed.

Theater
13188
*** Client is a production company that owns the rights to an old Broadway show. Client began working with a management company who assisted it in preparations to open the Broadway show revival. After Client was unable to raise the necessary funds according to the allotted schedule, the management company began to pay off existing liabilities without informing Client, exposing Client to the remaining liabilities for the project. The management company has since terminated its contract with Client and demands payment of all outstanding liabilities totaling over $300,000. Client seeks a volunteer attorney to assist in determining whether or not continuing with production of the play is a viable option and also to assess whether the management company wrongfully disbursed funds. Additionally, Client has concerns regarding its ownership of the play, because although that agreement is between Client and the original authors, the management company put itself down as “care of” in the agreement.

13100
Client is the creator of an interactive public art performance that allows audience members to virtually experience flight in space. Client contacted Adverse Party, a multimedia and interaction designer, to create software that would enhance the experience and provided Adverse Party with hardware and financial support to do so. Adverse Party now seeks to further develop and exploit the software. Client would like to enter into an equitable agreement with Adverse Party to receive compensation through the life of the product. Client also would like a non-exclusive license for the continued use of the software in Client’s art performance. Client seeks a pro bono attorney to assist in drafting the contract accordingly. This case is related to Case #13092, although the volunteer attorney who accepts this case is not obligated to take on both.

Visual
13237
*** Client is a New York- based web designer seeking a volunteer attorney to review and revise an existing letter of engagement. Client also seeks a volunteer attorney to draft an amendment to a form freelance work contract that would ensure Client’s ownership rights with respect to the work she performs for her clients.

13185 - On Review
Client is a visual artist who has an existing contract with an art gallery. The original contract terminated but contains language that all debts expire after one year from the termination date. The gallery has asked Client to sign a new contract. Client seeks the advice of an attorney to negotiate the terms of the new agreement.

13122 - On Review
Client's paintings were displayed in Adverse Party’s gallery pursuant to a commission agreement. When AP returned the unsold pieces to Client, three paintings were damaged and one painting wasn’t returned. Client seeks a volunteer attorney to assist her in getting AP to (a) pay for the restoration or replacement of the damaged paintings, and (b) return the painting that AP kept. Further, client is concerned that AP will take the painting out of the country.

13092 - On Review
Client is a visual and installation artist who has developed an interactive public art performance that allows audience members to virtually experience flight in space. Client received studio space from Adverse Party (“AP”), entering into a lease agreement with a three-month term. The performance was scheduled for thirty-five shows within that lease term, but was open for only five shows before AP unilaterally terminated the lease agreement due to the alleged damages from Storm Sandy. Client believes that termination of the lease and dissemblance of the installation was unnecessary and resulted in the loss of ticket sales, goodwill and damage to his professional reputation. Client seeks the pro bono legal assistance of a volunteer attorney to assess the claim for damages resulting from the lease termination and advocate for Client’s claims for damages, if any. This case is related to Case #13100, although the volunteer attorney who accepts this case is not obligated to take on both.

13014
Client is an oil painter and interior designer who seeks assistance to recover assets sold from a rented storage facility. Client placed her art supplies and other personal belongings into a rental facility owned by a storage company (“Storage Company”). Client signed an agreement that called for monthly payments and stipulated that if she were to be two months late in paying her bill, Storage Company would have the right to auction off the items placed in storage. Towards the beginning of the rental period (approximately 2 months in), Client received a bill stating that she was late in making her monthly payments. The bill did not indicate that Storage Company was taking steps to auction Client’s items. Furthermore, the bill charged Client for the following two months in advance, leading Client to believe that the rental arrangement was not being terminated and that she had time to rectify her delinquent payments. Client contacted Storage Company and discovered that in fact her items had already been auctioned and bought by a buyer (the “Buyer”). Client was told that, contrary to her instructions, Storage Company had attempted to warn her via telephone call that she was in danger of losing her stored items. Client maintains that she received no email correspondence which made mention of any impending auction. Client has contacted the Buyer, and he informed her that he has already disposed of most of her belongings. Client seeks the assistance of attorney to recover the assets sold by Storage Company (or to seek damages if the items themselves cannot be recovered. This case is related to Case # 13015 although the Volunteer Attorney who accepts this case is not obligated to take on both cases.

Contract/Copyright - Back to Top

Film
13105 - On Review
Client is a screenwriter who wrote a film script jointly with Adverse Party. Client sought to clarify the term “joint author” within copyright law, specifically wanting to know what each joint author could or could not with the film script without the permission of the other. Client further seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney in drafting a contract to clarify each party’s rights for the script. Client may also have potential fair use issues with the script.

13034 - On Review
Client is a documentary filmmaker. Client and his Business Partner met Adverse Party, a real estate developer, during a real estate project. Adverse Party suggested that the three of them create a documentary together of one of his development projects, which would cover the project’s transformation of abandoned buildings into living and work spaces for artists. Client and Business Partner decided to create the documentary, and began working on it. Creative issues arose with Adverse Party. Client and his Business Partner have always insisted that they should maintain creative control and have been clear that they do not expect payment from Adverse Party. Client seeks legal assistance negotiating any potential ownership and creative claims with Adverse Party.

Literary
13148
Client wrote a children’s book that was published by Adverse Party (AP) in the 1990s. AP paid Client royalties until 2000, then stopped. Client recently learned that her book is being sold domestically, including on Amazon, and abroad. Client no longer has her copy of the contract she signed with AP, and her attempts to contact AP have been unsuccessful. Client needs an attorney and to get AP to pay her any royalties that she is owed.

Visual
13075
Client is a photographer and co-founder of a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to photojournalism. The Organization’s website displays several photographs taken by Client. There appears to be an inconsistency in Client’s contract with the Organization regarding ownership of these photographs, because the contract refers both to their joint ownership of the photographs and to the photographer’s exclusive control over sale of the images. The Organization claims ownership of the photographs. Client claims that the Organization has limited permission to display the photographs on the website without cost, while Client retains the copyright and the right to respond to sale offers. Client has lost at least one opportunity to sell photographs, because the Organization refused to divert an offer of purchase to Client. Despite multiple requests by Client, the Organization has not taken down the photographs. Client successfully removed some of the photographs himself before the Organization withdrew his editing access. The Organization has stopped all payments to its photographers, including Client. Client is most concerned about getting his photographs removed from the website quickly, and would like to recoup the money that he is owed by the Organization. He is also somewhat interested in getting the Directors ousted for mismanagement.

Fashion
13121 - On Review
Client is an independent jewelry designer that sells her items online and at local markets. Client has been wholesaling jewelry with vintage components to a company (Adverse Party. “AP”) that sells clothing and jewelry online. AP’s website previously attributed the jewelry to Client and included Client’s story on the website. AP stopped ordering the Client’s jewelry and has been manufacturing and selling copies with contemporary components. Client wants the design company to stop selling copies of her jewelry and wants to be compensated for lost profits.

Film
13026 - On Review
Client is a New York-based screenwriter. Client collaborated with Collaborator in developing an idea for a script, which Client turned into a written work-product. Adverse Party (“AP1”), a director, asked to write with Client and contributed AP’s own characters and script lines for the film project, but ultimately, Client edited and organized all the characters and lines into a final script. The relationship between AP1 and Client deteriorated due to irreconcilable differences, and it was agreed that AP1 could keep her own characters and Client would keep his. Thereafter, AP1 created a film production company with Adverse Party 2 (“AP2”), an actor that Client had also been working with on the original film project. Collaborator is also an actor for the film company. Subsequently, the film company developed a film using large portions of Client’s own work even though AP1 claimed that AP1 would not even use the same subject-matter. Client seeks pro bono attorney assistance in resolving the copyright ownership issues over the script and negotiating credit and compensation for Client’s work.

Film/TV
12904
Client is a producer who retained Adverse Party to develop a loose script for a short film and TV pilot with the understanding that Client would be the sole owner of the project. Client paid Adverse Party for the ghostwriting of Client’s work, and Adverse Party agreed to direct the short film as a return favor to Client from a prior project. However, Client and other crew members were not pleased with the directing and Client had to take over. Adverse Party, who possesses a digital copy of all of the raw footage, is now claiming the right to use the footage for various purposes Client does not authorize, including releasing a Director’s Cut. Client has not yet released the film but has registered his copyright in the footage with the U.S. Copyright Office. Client seeks the assistance of a pro bono attorney to prevent—and, if necessary, obtain remedies for— the unauthorized use by Adverse Party. VLA will continue to provide assistance to the volunteer attorney taking on this matter.

Literary
13046 - On Review
Client is a New York-based singer/actress who was internationally cyber-stalked for 6 years. Client has written a non-fiction book detailing the experience and seeks legal counsel to provide an Advisory Opinion Letter for the purpose of obtaining errors and omissions insurance.

Mixed
12584
Client is a museum located in New York and is a not-for-profit with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Client uploaded entertainment and educational videos to Client's online account on a video-sharing website. Client contacted the company who licenses the video content and was told the licensing costs, which exceeded $10,000, did not apply to Client as a 501(c)(3). After Client uploaded the videos, the holder of the copyright of the video content filed a DMCA action, and the website blocked Client's videos. The website cited Client for two violations; a third violation will cause Client's account to be canceled. Client believes it is being slandered because the website has posted on Client's account saying the video contained copyright infringement. Due to the website's blocking of the videos, Client has lost viewers and comments. Client attempted to contact the website and filed a DMCA counter-claim. The website has not responded, and the video remains blocked. Client seeks the assistance of an attorney to write a letter to the website and the holder of the copyright to explain Client's right to use the copyrighted material and to unblock the video on its account.

Visual
13138 - On Review
Adverse Party (AP) posted Client’s photograph on AP’s website without permission from Client. Client has source code and other evidence of use of photo. Photo printed with watermark of copyright. Client seeks legal assistance to assess his options and get AP to take the photos down.

13104
Client seeks legal assistance in drafting a cease and desist letter and obtaining recovery of photographs potentially through litigation. Client is the former owner and president of a fireworks company (the “Company”). In his free time, Client took pictures at fireworks shows, some of which he permitted the Company to use, without any written agreements, in its marketing material. In 2005, Client suffered a brain-stem aneurysm and was hospitalized for almost a year. During that time a creditor gained control of the Company and subsequently terminated Client’s employment. Two employees, of the now creditor-owned company, entered Client’s home without his knowledge or consent, took Client’s computer and photographs from his computer. Client sued the Company in county court for the return of his property and won. The Company did not appeal and returned Client’s computer. The Company proceeded to use more than a dozen of the Client’s photographs in promotional material. Client insists that the photographs were not done in a work-for-hire capacity; rather, the company usually hired a professional photographer to take publicity photos.

Corporate - Back to Top

Fashion
13137 - On Review
Client, a New York fashion designer, is preparing to launch a new line of products that she is designing. She seeks legal advice regarding the formation of LLCs, registering a trademark for her logo, and contracts with factories to manufacture her products, especially non-disclosure agreements.

Film
12876
Client is a New York resident who formed a non-profit film organization several years ago, but the organization became inactive in 2001. The organization provided a means for international filmmakers to exhibit their work but did not keep many formal records of their governance. Organization did not pay any salaries and used all proceeds towards awards and expenses. Client began the process of dissolving the organization with New York State with another attorney and is seeking to access an account under the organization’s name to distribute unused funds to other non-profits. Former counsel to client proved unreliable and charged significantly more than discussed despite providing some work product. Client is unclear on what other steps are required to complete the dissolution process and would like an attorney to guide her through it as well as assess the possibility of sanctions or claims against former counsel.

Mixed
13231
*** Client is a visual artist who is working on a new multimedia art magazine project. Client is seeking pro bono legal assistance from a volunteer attorney for incorporation and trademark filing related to the magazine.

13142 - On Review
Client seeks legal assistance incorporating a for-profit music company. Client requires legal counsel to help client decide which entity to form.

Visual
13029 - On Review
Client is a New York-based artist and designer operating a greeting card design and printing business. She seeks legal advice regarding whether to operate as a sole proprietorship or to incorporate as an LLC. Additionally, she seeks legal assistance incorporating if she decides to form an LLC for her business. This case is related to VLA Case # 13028 (although a volunteer attorney is not obligated to take on both).

Dispute/Litigation - Back to Top

Film
13064
Client, a filmmaker based in New York and London, seeks to obtain possession of a large collection of original film and audio items related to a film made by Client’s late uncle. Client would like to use footage from his uncle’s film in order to restore it and use it in a new documentary. After the completion of the film, the original film and audio items were shipped from London to New York. The items were stored in a New York apartment, which was, and still is owned by Adverse Party, a poet and acquaintance of Client’s uncle. Ownership of the copyright in the films was passed to Client (and others) by Client’s grandmother. Client sought out Adverse Party to obtain permission to pick up the items. Adverse Party allowed Client to briefly inspect the film items. Adverse Party has stopped responding to or otherwise acknowledging Client’s attempts, and told Client that he believed the items to be owned by the heir of the film’s subject. Client feels that there is a significant danger that the film items will physically deteriorate, as they are not being properly cared for. Client now seeks advice regarding possible options for taking possession of the film.

Mixed
13193
Client is a branding consultant who brought branding and design work to Adverse Party (AP). AP stopped making commission payments to Client for projects he brought to the studio in accordance with their commission agreement. AP has made only the first out of 12 payments for this project. The breach is over $40,000. Client sued AP and the case is now in the discovery phase. Since Client's previous attorney passed away, Client is in need of representation to handle the remaining part of the litigation. This case is related to VLA Case # 13134, although the volunteer attorney taking on this case is not obligated to take on both.

13134
Client is an organization with members consisting of a branding consultant and a photographer. Late last year, the organization worked together with AP2 to create a magazine. Client has been sued by AP for the amount of $100,000 for an alleged breach of contract between Client and AP. However, Client was never a party to the negotiations or agreement. Rather the agreement at question was between AP and AP2. Client seeks legal assistance with litigation. This case is related to VLA Case # 13193, although the volunteer attorney taking on this case is not obligated to take on both.

Music
13097 - On Review
Client is a musician, whose parents purchased a high-end cello in 2005 on Client’s behalf. The seller of the cello (“AP”) claimed the cello was worth over $140,000, and Client’s family paid over $100,000. AP did not provide a certificate of authenticity, and Client did not ask for one at the time of the sale. In 2006, Client noticed deterioration in the sound quality of the cello. When Client tried to sell it to dealers, they requested a certificate of authenticity and refused to engage with Client without one. Client tried several times to get in touch with AP to request such a certificate. AP finally issued a certificate of authenticity in 2009. However, the certificate incorrectly identified the model of the cello in question. Client continued to struggle to find a dealer interested in buying the cello. Many of the dealers questioned the cello’s authenticity. In 2012, Client’s parents were finally forced to sell the cello at an online auction for about half the original price. Client now seeks to bring a lawsuit challenging AP’s fraudulent representations as to the cello’s authenticity, which caused substantial monetary loss and emotional distress for both Client and Client’s family.

Dispute/Litigation/Negotiation - Back to Top

Fashion
12806 - On Review
Client is a New York based garment design company that holds several patents. Client specializes in apparel designed to reduce chafing, including undergarments and legwear, with the goal of developing other types of garments using the invented technologies. The products often use proprietary fibers sourced from large fiber technology manufacturers. Client had an ongoing relationship with one such manufacturer that was acquired by Adverse Party, a large industrial company. Client entered into a licensing agreement to use Adverse Party’s proprietary fibers for a new line of undergarments designed to reduce chafing, which Client believed would define a previously- unexploited market. Client alleges that after entering into the agreement, Adverse Party used Client’s extensive proprietary market research to develop a line of products designed for the same market, using a slightly different fiber technology. Client alleges that Adverse Party shared Client’s proprietary materials as well as Client’s trademarked package designs with third parties, and that Adverse Party may have interfered with Client’s business relationships in order to keep Client’s own line of products off the market. Client seeks assistance from a volunteer attorney in pursuing any claims she may have against Adverse Party, including but not limited to intellectual property infringement, misappropriation of confidential and proprietary information, and tortious interference with business relationships. Client does not allege patent infringement.

Film
13111
Client is a New York-based non-profit organization, which encourages individuals to use theatre to portray and develop solutions to life challenges. Client collaborated with Adverse Party, a New York-based recording artist, to adapt Adverse Party’s song into a short film to further anti-bullying efforts. Client and Adverse Party orally agreed to the collaboration after Client presented Adverse Party with the idea for the film. Client and Adverse Party do not have a written production agreement. Client assisted with casting, scouting filming locations, and writing the script. Client and Adverse Party orally agreed that Client would not be entitled to financial gain from the film, but would receive production credits and be entitled to future use of the film. After production of the short film was completed, Adverse Party began demanding licensing fees, even though the parties had not initially agreed to such fees. Adverse Party also proceeded with the project and sought to exclude Client from further participation. Client offered to provide Adverse Party 100% of net ticket sales from the film’s premiere in exchange for permission to exhibit the film. However, Adverse Party unilaterally proceeded with the film’s premiere screening and distributed several free tickets, resulting in a net loss of ticket sale proceeds. Now, Adverse Party and the film’s director each have a physical copy of the film, but Client does not. Client seeks the assistance of an attorney to negotiate a settlement to the disputed ownership of the work, and future rights to the film, or to take legal action if necessary. Specifically, Client believes that it should, at minimum, have non- exclusive rights to screen the film for educational purposes and receive 100% of proceeds of future screenings arranged by Client.

Film/TV
12937
Client's incomplete film is being falsely advertised by unauthorized websites as being complete and available for free online download via their sites. The domain provider for these unauthorized sites claims no liability and therefore, no duty to comply with a prior removal request by the client. The film is not registered for copyright or trademark protection. Client simply wants the sites to take down the inaccurate posts, and to pursue no further legal action.

Mixed
13173
The clients are four principals of a performing and visual arts venue and collective that was operating out of a commercial space. The clients and various other artists lived at this premises and produced musical and other performing arts events and curated visual art exhibitions there. There was no certificate of occupancy or permits. The clients were the last in a long line of artistic types who had resided at the premises. There was no written lease and the landlord collected the rent in cash. The Fire Department and Police raided and barred the clients from the premises. The landlord made a demand for money for legal costs incurred, for costs in remediating the premises, code violations and for clean-up. The parties attempted to settle but were unsuccessful. Client opened at a different location as a legal performance and visual arts facility, with studios and artists-in-residence living in legal apartments. Last month, the landlord served the clients with a lawsuit, essentially restating the previous claims.

Music
13115
Client is a NY-based jazz musician and band leader who seeks legal advice regarding his copyright rights. Client previously terminated a distribution agreement with Adverse Party, a music distributor, with the help of a VLA pro bono attorney. Adverse Party acknowledged the termination via e-mail in July 2012. However, after Client posted a video of his original music on YouTube, he received a notice stating that Adverse Party licensed the content to a third party. Client seeks the assistance of counsel to confirm termination of the distribution agreement with Adverse Party and prevent further unauthorized licensing of his songs.

Visual
12868
Client is a jeweler who hired Adverse Party to produce and manufacture a collection of jewelry. Client paid Adverse Party to produce jewelry pieces of a certain quality. Upon delivery, Client found that Adverse Party had produced pieces of a much lower quality, including several pieces with a reduced amount of plating, missing stones, the wrong type of plating, and the wrong size chains, among other non- conforming elements. Additionally, Adverse Party often sent shipments late and to the wrong locations, despite client’s clear, written, advance shipment instructions. Client has paid Adverse Party approximately $45,000, not including additional consequential damages. Client seeks legal assistance to resolve this dispute. VLA will continue to provide assistance to the volunteer attorney taking on this case.

Employment - Back to Top

Mixed
12951
Client is a New York-based interior designer who was hired as an in-house designer liaison by a furniture showroom. After working for eight weeks, Client was abruptly fired without explanation. At the time of his termination, Client was owed four weeks of unpaid salary which has still not been paid after numerous written requests. Client seeks the assistance of an attorney to recover his unpaid salary and health benefits in the amount of $12,000. Client does not wish to pursue litigation, but is open to various forms of resolution.

Immigration - Back to Top

Film/TV
13096 - On Review
Client is a screenwriter with an expiring O-1 visa. Client seeks legal assistance to determine whether to file for a green card or another O-1 visa, and to help her file her papers. Client’s sponsor is an agency that specializes in adapting existing works into film scripts.

Music
13169
Client is a European pianist who works on a music production in the US. The production involves displaying classical music in combination with visual art, and they plan to have their opening performance after the summer. Client got her current US Visa (O-1) one and a half years ago. Client's sponsor is a production company that she works with. Client seeks legal assistance with the renewal of the current visa, which expires in December 2013.

Non-Profit - Back to Top

Dance
13143
Client seeks legal assistance reinstating the tax-exempt status for her non-profit dance company (the “Company”). Client founded the Company ten years ago in Pittsburgh, PA. When Client moved to NY she left the Company to another artistic director. The Company eventually became inactive, and the tax- exempt status of the Company was revoked. Client would like to reinstate the Company’s tax- exempt status federally and apply for tax exempt status in NY. Client also seeks legal assistance filing the necessary paperwork to bring the Company to NY. The Company is a youth and professional performance company, dedicated to dance education for youth and adults. The Company will perform dance works that celebrate African-American life and culture and will provide a greater presence of African-American contemporary dance to the North Bronx, White Plains, and Westchester areas.

Mixed
12929
Client is the President of a New York state domestic NFP organization. Client’s organization was formed in order to help preserve, maintain, and transfer to a local library materials related to a sacred dance created by a spiritual leader with an international following. Client’s organization was formed with assistance from a related NFP entity in Philadelphia with a similar mission to that of Client’s organization. Client’s organization does not currently have 501(c)(3) status. The organization is currently suffering from internal conflicts, has no bylaws, no best practices, no reporting or administrative procedures, and no formal budget. Further, the organization’s Board of Directors is comprised of only Client and the organization’s treasurer, in contravention of New York state law requiring a minimum of three Board members. The only formal document known to Client is a two-page mission statement, which the organization’s treasurer will not release to Client. The organization also has a corporate counsel, who along with the treasurer, refuses to cooperate with Client and to act in the best interests of the organization, and has withheld invoice payments to vendors and outside contractors over personal disagreements. Client seeks advice regarding the restructuring of the organization and its Board of Directors in order to bring the organization in compliance with state laws. Client would like to resign as President and wants to ensure that a qualified replacement for him is found, and that the organization’s mission is carried out. Additionally, Client inquired about what actions he is authorized to take as President in these circumstances, and whether he could fire the corporate counsel without Board ratification or order payments to the organization’s vendors.

Music
13194 - On Review
Client is a New York-based not-for-profit organization that produces opera shows and provides opportunities to African-Americans and other minorities. Client has been inactive for some years, and has lost its tax-exempt status after failing to make necessary filings and payments. Client seeks the assistance of an attorney to renew its tax exempt status federally and in New York.

13180
Client is a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is dedicated to promoting public interest in classical music performance, particularly among youth. The organization puts on concerts in public schools, as well as more formal venues and supports the creation of new works by contemporary classical composers. The organization received a substantial donation in early 2013. The representative of the organization (“President”) is the founder, president, and classical pianist performer. Client seeks advice on President’s compensation from these funds for serving as the president and as a performer in the organization. The President would like to be paid on a per-performance basis. The other members of the board will not be compensated and have indicated their approval of President’s proposed compensation. Client now seeks legal assistance to determine the appropriate amount that Client can be compensated in accordance with the law. Client also seeks assistance in drafting and executing the necessary paperwork.

13174 - On Review
Client is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to research, perform, and disseminate a specific genre of music, and seeks assistance maintaining tax-exempt status. Client is incorporated under the laws of New York. Client originally obtained non-profit status in 1986 with the assistance of VLA. Client recently received a letter from the IRS stating that its tax-exempt status had been revoked, referring to a prior letter that Client never received. Client seeks legal assistance re-obtaining tax exempt status federally and in New York.

12597
Client is a nonprofit which was incorporated and received tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) in California in 1977. The nonprofit obtained a certificate of approval to transact business in NY in 2009. Client currently has zero board members. Client's annual operating budget is $0. In 2009 Client attempted to present two concerts, but the concerts were cancelled due to insufficient funding. Because Client committed to pay various pre-concert fees, the nonprofit may owe fees based on Client's cancellation. In addition, Client's founder has been in communication with a college to develop music programming. The name of the nonprofit appears in the episodes's credits followed by the copyright symbol, but it is unclear whether the nonprofit or the founder, as an individual, engaged with the college to develop the programming content. It is also unclear to whom the intellectual property belongs. Client seeks the assistance of an attorney to address 1) contract obligations, 2) IP issues, and 3) whether or not the nonprofit should restructure or dissolve.

Theater
13126 - On Review
Client is an incorporated organization which seeks assistance filing for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Client’s mission is to bring high-quality, professional theater to Northern Manhattan; and to provide training and education to actors, directors, playwrights, and others involved in theater production.

Non-Profit start-up - Back to Top

Film
13219 - On Review
*** Client is a New York-based not-for-profit group devoted to supporting independent filmmakers. Client seeks assistance incorporating and filing for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service and with obtaining New York state tax exemption.

Visual
13240
*** Client is a New York- based unincorporated organization dedicated to empowering and enriching both youth and the community through visual arts. The youth program participants are comprised of underprivileged and “at-risk” youth populations, as well as criminal youth offenders, who will create artwork to be exhibited publicly and donated to the community. Client seeks assistance incorporating as a not- for-profit arts organization and obtaining tax-exempt status federally and in New York.

13213
*** Client would like assistance in incorporating and obtaining tax-exempt status for a New York non-profit organization that aims to foster cultural exchanges between New York City and the Middle East through architecture, design, and urban regeneration projects. Client seeks to revive underutilized public spaces through activities such as research, design, educational programs, and exhibitions. Client seeks legal assistance incorporating in New York State and filing for tax-exempt status federally and in New York.

Nonprofit Start-up - Back to Top

Dance
12885 - On Review
Client, a New York based cultural performance organization, formed as a non-profit organization in 1992 and received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. At that time, their accountant advised them that unless their income was above a certain threshold, they would not have any responsibility to file with the IRS each year. Due to either a misunderstanding or a change in the law, this was not accurate for recent years, and the IRS revoked Client’s tax-exempt status in May 2011 for failure to file for three consecutive years. Client became aware of the loss of tax exemption last fall when a grant application was rejected because of the lack of tax-exempt status. The organization seeks assistance with reinstating the tax-exempt status.

Film/TV
13044
Client would like assistance in incorporating and obtaining tax-exempt status for a New York based organization aiming to produce educational films. Client seeks the assistance of counsel to make the necessary filings with the New York Board of Regents. Additionally, Client wants advice on how to create this non-profit in such a way that establishes a relationship with his other NYS non-profit education corporation chartered by the Board of Regents.

Mixed
13244
*** Client is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to be a symphonic orchestra for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (“LGBTQ”) community in New York City. Client will rehearse, produce, and present performances of classical and popular symphonic music with specific focus on LGBTQ composers. Client seeks the assistance of an attorney to help the group obtain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Client has already drafted a Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and seeks an attorney’s assistance to review and edit the documents.

13242
*** Client is a New York- based not-for-profit group devoted to cultivating and developing public interest in traditional folklore, crafts, and customs of immigrant communities living in New York City. Client seeks the assistance of an attorney to help the group incorporate in New York and obtain 501(c)(3) tax- exempt status. Client has already drafted a Certificate of Incorporation and seeks an attorney’s assistance to review and revise the document.

Music
13151 - On Review
Client is a music teacher who wishes to start a not-for-profit organization in order to put on a chamber opera and other similar projects created by her and her colleagues. Client seeks legal assistance incorporating in N.Y. and applying for tax-exempt status federally and in N.Y.

13117 - On Review
Client is a musical start-up New York group, that seeks to commission new works and develop integral relationships with emerging composers. Client seeks legal counsel to incorporate and obtain tax exempt status in NY and federally.

Patent - Back to Top

Fashion
13144
Client is a fashion designer who has created a fashion accessory that can be attached to certain types of footwear to give them a more modern or stylish look. Client believes that the way in which the accessories attach is original and may qualify for patent protection. Client therefore seeks legal assistance from a patent lawyer who can assess whether this function can get patent protection and, if so, assist with the application process.

Literary
13211 - On Review
*** Client is a New York-based author who invented a unique format for presenting children’s storybooks. Client seeks a patent attorney to assess whether his invention is patentable, and if so, to file a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Visual
13238
*** Client is a New York- based visual artist who created a stylus for painting/drawing on a touchscreen tablet. Client seeks the assistance of a Pro Bono attorney to execute a patent search and file a provisional patent application.

13172
Client is an architect and industrial designer who designed silverware specifically with ergonomic features to assist those with limited dexterity. Client seeks pro bono patent prosecution assistance to assess whether the invention is patentable, and to acquire patent protection of the invention, if the volunteer attorney determines that the invention is patentable.

Real Estate / Landlord/Tenant - Back to Top

Visual
13189 - On Review
Client is a New York-based visual artist who had his artwork destroyed by a water leak that resulted after his landlord renovated the floor above his apartment. The landlord never compensated Client for the damages. Accordingly, Client filed a claim in New York Civil Court and served the landlord with papers. Client is seeking an attorney to represent him in pursuing his claims against the landlord.

Trademark - Back to Top

Fashion
13099 - On Review
Client is a textile designer and patternmaker. Client created a logo for her design work and would like assistance with registering the logo and her pattern designs with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

Wills, Trusts or Estates - Back to Top

Visual
13136 - On Review
Client, a prominent artist whose works are exhibited in NYC museums and galleries, seeks an attorney to draft his will and assist with his estate planning. His paintings are very valuable, but he is concerned that his estate will not have adequate liquid assets to pay estate taxes unless the estate sells his art at greatly discounted prices. He wants advice on structuring his assets to plan for paying estate taxes and protecting the value of his artwork. Client is considering distributing his assets to his step-son upon his death.

13057
Client is a United States permanent resident and a citizen of the United Kingdom, who seeks a legal counsel to draft a pour-over will and set up a living trust. Upon his death, Client would like to have a trust that can sell and distribute all his art work and property, and subsequently use the proceeds for a scholarship or equivalent. Client has no children or spouse. The majority of his assets are currently located in the United States, both in New York and New Mexico. The bulk of his artwork collection is work that is created by the Client himself.