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
- February 24, 2026
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Legal Issues for Musicians
February 24, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Are you performing, composing, or producing, and seeking a better understanding of how the law protects your work? Join the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) and MDVLA for a high-level overview of the legal issues that commonly affect musicians and sound artists. This session will introduce key areas of law relevant to your creative practice, including copyright, fair use, licensing, royalties, collaboration agreements, and more. Whether you are a musician or sound artist, join us for more information about how to safeguard your rights and strengthen your creative career.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legal-issues-for-musicians-tickets-1981764104785?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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- March 2, 2026
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Business Entities for Artists
March 2, 2026 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
1300 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, USAAre you looking to protect yourself and your art? Join MICA and MDVLA for a session on the different business structures available to creatives and the advantages and disadvantages of each. We will cover sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), C- and S- corporations, non-profit organizations, fiscal sponsorship, and more! Join if you are at the beginning of your journey as a creative entrepreneur, already have a business entity and are considering restructuring, or have any other questions specific to your business.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWmlaP65CVAUxqcNRd1S-1xv7P6foZ8MWDY0iz8X0oHw0Jjg/viewform
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- March 17, 2026
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Legal Issues for Writers
March 17, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Are you a novelist, journalist, playwright, or other kind of writer hoping to better understand how the law protects your work? Join Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) and MDVLA for an overview of legal issues that affect writers. This session will explore copyright, contracts, defamation and privacy concerns, and more. We’ll also discuss common challenges, such as the unauthorized use of written work. Whether you’re just beginning to share your writing or are an established writer, this workshop will offer useful information to help you protect your ideas and sustain your creative career.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legal-issues-for-writers-tickets-1981765841981?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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Call MdVLA at 410-752-1633.