Education > For Clients > VLA Workshops
VLA offers substantive legal and business classes and over a dozen additional outreach events for the arts community and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations throughout the year. VLA’s legal and business presentations included topics as diverse as immigration, estate planning, nonprofit incorporation and tax exemption, contracts, copyright and special genre-specific classes for visual artists, filmmakers and video artists, web designers, musicians and dancers, among others. VLA classes are often an artist’s first exposure to VLA, and play an important role in helping artists and arts organizations identify the important legal and business issues they face, and in teaching them how to protect themselves and their artistic endeavors.
Registration: To register for a VLA class please return the appropriate Registration Form to Joni Todd at Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. You may either return the form by mail or fax it to . No registration will be complete without accompanying payment.
Current Class Offerings
Nonprofit and Tax Exemption Workshops
Forming Your For-Profit Arts Business
Legal Issues in Contemporary Art: Copyright
Legal Issues in Film
Starting a Fashion Business
Starting Your Culinary Business
Social & Legal Issues in Fashion Series:
Embodied Branding and Self-Identity
The Role of Social Media and Virtual Reality
Outfitting Success: Sex, Dress, and Professionalism
CLE Financial Hardship Policy
Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop
"Thank you for your work!"
"Truly an interesting and informative class!"
"Sergio's instruction calls to mind a line from The Hagakure: "A man who has mastered an art reveals it in his every action."
"I really appreciated the seminar--it fleshed out a lot of the general information I had. The information was presented in a straight-forward and easy to understand way."
This was extremely informative. It very much helped us decide non-profit vs. for-profit. Thank you."
"Extremely informative. I have new insight on areas I thought I understood. Well presented and Sergio knows of what he speaks. "
"This class was informational and great in aiding in my assessment of my approach to operating an Non-profit organization."
"Sergio was fantastic!"
Classes will be held on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 1-4 pm *
Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 1-4 pm
Tuesday, November 9, 2010, 1-4 pm*
Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 1-4 pm
Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 1-4 pm*
Tuesday, February 8, 2011, 1-4 pm
Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 1-4 pm*
Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 1-4 pm
Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 1-4 pm*
Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 1-4 pm
Where: VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Arts Professional VLA Member: $75
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $100
VLA Legal Professional Member: $150
Legal Professional Non-Member: $200
(Additional individuals from the same start-up organization
may register for an additional $25 ea.
*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.
VLA requires all applicants seeking Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax Exempt Status services through VLA to attend one of these workshops before a volunteer attorney can be assigned to them.
All workshops held at our VLA location, 1 East 53rd Street (first floor auditorium). For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org . To register for the Nonprofit and Tax Exemption Workshop please fill out and return this workshop registration form.
This program is funded in part by The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation Nonprofit Assistance Program.
Forming Your For-Profit Arts Business
"Excellent - it was a great talk and now am moving forward on setting up the company. WIll be in contact with VLA again soon. Best wishes"
"Thank you for a great two hours yesterday afternoon. I learned a lot, and you covered the material in a very entertaining way."
"Elena was a great teacher!"
"Great class! Many thanks to Elena for taking the time and additionally for inviting me to participate!"
This workshop provides valuable information about starting an arts-related business. Covered issues also include: For vs. Non-Profit incorporation, fiscal sponsorship, selecting and protecting business names; the legal and tax characteristics of LLCs an publication requirements, partnerships, and type C and S corporations; choice of jurisdiction; financing your business; employees and independent contracts; and insurance.
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Arts Professional VLA Member: $75
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $100
VLA Legal Professional Member: $125
Legal Professional Non-Member: $175
Classes will be held on the following dates and times:
Thursday, September 9, 2010, 4-6pm
Thursday, October 7, 2010, 4-6pm
Thursday, December 9, 2010, 4-6pm
Thursday, February 10, 2011, 4-6pm
Thursday, March 10, 2011, 4-6pm
Thursday, May 12, 2011, 4-6pm
Thursday, June 9, 2011, 4-6pm
All classes will be held at VLA, 1 East 53rd Street (auditorium), NY, NY 10022.
This class will be taught by VLA's Executive Director, Elena M. Paul, Esq. To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org.
Legal Issues in Contemporary Art: Copyright
*2.5 CLE Credits, 1 Professional Practice, 1 Skills and .5 Ethics (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)
"Very creative and engaging presentation of important issues in copyright."
"Very well taught class with extremely useful information."
"Thank you - this was fun and Sergio is fantastic."
"Thank you Sergio. This was a great introduction to VLA. You made the subject very interesting even after a very long day."
When:
TBD
Where: VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Artist (VLA member): $15
Artist (non-member): $20
VLA Legal Professional Member: $130 (incl. materials)
Legal Professional Non-Member: $150 (incl. materials)
With the recent increase in copyright issues and lawsuits, visual and performing artists need to be aware of copyright laws and the legal issues that may affect their practice and the presentation of their art work. This class will focus on copyright law, with a primer on some of the more pressing legal concerns for artists today, such as digital media, the use of appropriated logos and images, fair use, as well as moral rights. This class will give an overview of a few cases that clearly illustrate the recent explosion of copyright lawsuits: Associated Press v. Shepard Fairey; Patrick Cariou v. Richard Prince; Gaylord v. United States. We will also discuss the legal issues related to blogs, websites, and website aggregators.
This VLA workshop is open to artists, arts administrators, and serves as an introduction to copyright law for admitted attorneys.
This class will be taught by Sergio Muñoz Sarmiento, Esq., VLA's Associate Director.
Legal Issues in Film
*2.5 CLE Credits, 1 Professional Practice, 1 Skills and .5 Ethics (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)
This class will provide an overview of the legal issues and common business arrangements used in film and television projects. In addition, option agreements for the acquisition of literary properties; distribution agreements and a comprehensive release for reality based television program will be discussed. We will also take a look at legal issues surrounding recent films such as Borat. Reading materials for the class will be emailed one week prior to the class.
When::
Thursday, November 18, 2010 4:00-6:30 pm
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 4:00-6:30 pm
Thursday, May 19, 2011 4:00-6:30 pm
Where:
VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Full Time Student $20 (must bring valid student ID to class)
Arts Professional VLA Member: $25
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $35
VLA Legal Professional Member: $130
Legal Professional Non-Member: $150
To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. You will receive a confirmation email one week before the scheduled date of the class. Info or questions? Please email Kathleen Mallaney .
(A limited number of 50% partial hardship scholarships for arts professionals are available. Please email Kathleen Mallaney .)
Starting Your Fashion Business
"Thank you very much. You made it fun. Loved the moderator, Eleana was informative and real. "
"I liked the enviroment created because it allowed for open dialogue as opposed to lecture. "
This workshop provides valuable information about starting a business in fashion, apparel, and design, including jewelry. This class will cover important issues that every fashion and design entrepreneur needs to know including: selecting and forming a business entity; using a business plan; financing; common issues in product development, production, marketing, and sales; regulatory issues and business licenses; branding, licensing, and intellectual property (copyrights, trademarks, and design patents); and contracts.
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Full Time Student (Valid I.D.): $25
Arts Professional VLA Member: $75
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $100
VLA Legal Professional Member: $125
Legal Professional Non-Member: $175
Classes will be held on the following dates and times:
September 28, 2010, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Where: VLA Auditorium, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022
This class will be taught by VLA's Executive Director, Elena M. Paul, Esq. To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts & Friends of the FCI Presents: Starting Your Culinary Business
This workshop provides valuable information about starting a culinary business, including restaurants, bakeries, bars, and catering companies. This class will cover important issues that every start up business person needs to know including: the selection of a business entity, incorporation; financing, branding, licensing (including liquor licenses, cabaret permits, out door seating permits), taxes and regulatory compliance. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the French Culinary Institute (FCI).
The Friends of the FCI is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable corporation that raises money for scholarships and financial aid to FCI career students based on financial need and ability to complete the program they desire. The organization was founded based on the belief that money should not stand between talented, motivated, deserving students and a first-rate culinary education.
When:
September 7, 2010, 4:30 - 7pm
December 7, 2010, 4:30 - 7pm
March 9, 2011, 4:30 - 7pm
June 8, 2011, 4:30 - 7pm
Where:
VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
Registration Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Current FCI Student: $25
FCI Alumni: $50
Other Culinary Professionals: $100
Other: $100
To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Elena M. Paul at 212.319.2787 x17. Class registration is being handled by Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA).
Social & Legal Issues in Fashion Series: Embodied Branding and Self-Identity
*2.0 CLE Credits, 1 Professional Practice and 1 Skills, (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)
This second workshop in a four part series examines the strategic conceptualization and creation of your personal brand, the way in which you communicate your product to consumers. Our bodies and identities, like products, are produced, presented, and marketed, as we transform ourselves into brands personified. Anna E. Akbari, Ph.D, founder of Closet Catharsis, discusses the sociological perspective of body branding via tattoos; designer logos; the consumer-demand for customization; and the rise of multi-sensory branding. Elena M. Paul, Esq., will look at the topic from a legal perspective touching on how to use the law to assist in the creation and protection of your brand.
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Full Time Student (Valid I.D.): $20
Arts Professional VLA Member: $25
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $35
VLA Legal Professional Member: $130
Legal Professional Non-Member: $150
When: Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, 4 TImes Square, New York, NY 10036
This class will be taught by VLA's Executive Director, Elena M. Paul, Esq. and Anna Akbari, Ph.D.
To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. Please note, you are not registered until full payment is received. You will receive a confirmation email approximately one week prior to the class. For more information, please call Kathleen Mallaney at 212.319.2787 x12.
Social & Legal Issues in Fashion Series: The Role of Social Media and Virtual Reality
*2.0 CLE Credits, 1 Professional Practice and 1 Skills, (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)
This third workshop in a four part series points its lens at the role of new media in shaping and redefining fashion. New media --fashion blogs; street fashion; social media like Twitter and Facebook; virtual worlds like Second Life; online luxury from the Gilt Group --are radically transforming what constitutes fashion and who has access to it. Anna E. Akbari, Ph.D, founder of Closet Catharsis, explores the possibilities and politics of mediated style in the 21st century. Elena M. Paul, Esq., will approach the subject from a legal perspective, including issues related to property ownership in a virtual world as well as copyright, trademark, and right of privacy and publicity issues.
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Full Time Student (Valid I.D.): $25
Arts Professional VLA Member: $25
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $35
VLA Legal Professional Member: $130
Legal Professional Non-Member: $150
When: Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, 4 TImes Square, New York, NY 10036
This class will be taught by VLA's Executive Director, Elena M. Paul, Esq. and Anna Akbari, Ph.D.
To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. Please note, you are not registered until full payment is received. You will receive a confirmation email approximately one week prior to the class. For more information, please call Kathleen Mallaney at 212.319.2787 x12.
Social & Legal Issues in Fashion Series: Outfitting Success: Sex, Dress, and Professionalism
*2.0 CLE Credits, 1 Professional Practice and 1 Skills. (Approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys)
This fourth workshop in a four part series explores the relationship between fashion and power in the workplace. What does success look like? Is fashion friend or foe to the career business woman? From power suits to casual Friday, office dress is complex and confusing. Anna E. Akbari, Ph.D, founder of Closet Catharsis, examines the role that fashion plays in the negotiation for power and distinction, as well as the delicate balance between femininity, sexuality, and professionalism. Elena M. Paul, Esq., addresses the topic from a legal perspective, including labor and employment law, civil rights and discrimination issues as well as the First Amendment.
Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Full Time Student (Valid I.D.): $20
Arts Professional VLA Member: $25
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $35
VLA Legal Professional Member: $130
Legal Professional Non-Member: $150
When: Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, 4 TImes Square, New York, NY 10036
This class will be taught by VLA's Executive Director, Elena M. Paul, Esq. and Anna Akbari, Ph.D.
To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. Please note, you are not registered until full payment is received. You will receive a confirmation email approximately one week prior to the class. For more information, please call Kathleen Mallaney at 212.319.2787 x12.
CLE Financial Hardship Policy
Full and partial scholarships to attend VLA’s Continuing Legal Education programs are available to persons with demonstrated financial hardship. To apply, applicants must submit a request, on letterhead if possible, stating the reason for their interest, proof of income or an explanation of their financial hardship, and a completed course registration form. Scholarships will be awarded on a space-available basis, with preference given to applicants in order of date submitted.
Additional information about VLA's financial hardship policy and an application form is available here . All applications must be accompanied by a $15 non-refundable application fee. Applicants may pay by check or credit card. Any applications submitted without this fee will not be considered.
List of Courses Taught (note: not all courses are taught on a frequent basis)
- Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax-exempt Status
- Contract Basics for Arts and Entertainment Professionals
- LLC, “C” Corp, or “S” Corp: Choosing the Right Corporate Structure For Your Arts Business
- Managers in the Arts & Entertainment Industry
- Film School for Attorneys: Produce, Write & Direct Independent Feature Films
- Legal Issues in the Music Industry
- Intellectual Property (copyright, trademark, patents)
- Contracts (music, performance, literary, visual art)
- Legal Issues in Dance (including ownership of choreography)
- Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA)
- Digital Media and Intellectual Property
- Landlord Tenant Issues Affecting Visual Artists
- Differentiating Employee and Independent Contractor Status
- Taxes and Financial Planning for Artists
- Legal Issues in Filmmaking
- First Amendment: Free Speech, Defamation, Privacy, Right of Publicity
- Institutional Advancement and Grant-Writing for Nonprofit Arts Organizations
- Visual Culture and Law
- Law and Film