Who We Are
MdVLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland artists’ legal rights. We believe it’s our responsibility to stand up for artists who need legal representation. Your work is precious. We can help protect it.
How We Do What We Do
Through the help of our professionally trained network of lawyers, we proudly provide pro bono legal referrals and services to artists in the state of Maryland. We hold lectures and seminars as well as Art Law Clinics for consultations, and we generate educational materials to keep you in the know.
Here’s How It Works
Step 2: We Determine Your Eligibility
Step 3: We Attempt to Match You with a Lawyer
Other Services We Offer
Lectures and Seminars
Art Law Clinic
We regularly hold lectures and seminars to educate you on your rights and the services available to you through our programs.
Through this program, our volunteer attorneys meet with artists for a 30-minute consultation to go over their short-form legal issues related to their creative endeavors.
Educational Materials
- May 17, 2025
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Art Law Clinic
May 17, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Are you an artist or creative in Maryland? Do you have legal questions or concerns?
Make an appointment for MdVLA's Art Law Clinic on May 17, 2025 from 1-4 pm on Zoom! You can snag a 30-minute consult with one of our volunteer attorneys to sort out any general issues or questions you might have!
Please note: there is no in-person component to this clinic.
*One appointment booking time per client(s). Double booking will result in a cancellation of one of your appointment times, no exceptions. Thank you!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-law-clinic-may-2025-tickets-1334101707119?aff=oddtdtcreator
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- May 21, 2025
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Partners for Justice Conference
May 21, 2025 8:15 am - 3:30 pm
The Partners for Justice Conference takes place annually, and presents a unique opportunity for about 300 attendees made up of legal services program staff, the public and private bar, members of the judiciary, human services agencies, elected officials, and others to gather for a day-long Conference to discuss critical issues facing people in poverty and the underrepresented across the mid-Atlantic region, and how we can improve access to justice.
On May 21st, 2025, the Conference celebrates its 26th year! Speakers and panelists from over 50 different organizations, government agencies, and law firms across Maryland and the nation will come to share their thoughts and ideas while leading discussions on key access-to-justice issues.
MdVLA's Christia Ravenell will lead a panel titled, "Freelance Isn’t Free: Protecting Freelance Workers in Maryland and Around the U.S." The conversation will assess opportunities to ensure Maryland freelancers, a significant segment of Maryland’s workforce, get paid on time every time. Learn more about the session here.
Register for the Partners for Justice Conference by May 16th!
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- May 27, 2025
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Copyright, Trademark, and Patent Law for Artists and Creatives
May 27, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
As a creator, your intellectual property is a valuable asset. Join MdVLA and the Maryland State Arts Council for a workshop about the basics of Copyright, Trademark, and Patent law. The presentation will discuss what these tools for protecting your intellectual property do and do not cover, issues in ownership, and steps you can take to prevent or address infringement of your work. Join if you’ve wondered what it means to share copyright with a co-author on song lyrics, if you can patent a clothing design, if you should register a trademark for your logo, or if you have any other questions specific to your work.
Registration link will be available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/maryland-state-arts-council-17190128438
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Call MdVLA at 410-752-1633.