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 1: Apply for a Legal Referral

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 21, 2026
  • Virtual Art Law Clinic

    February 21, 2026  1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    Art Law Clinics are your first step for getting legal support for your creative practice. In these monthly 1:1 sessions, we connect artists with attorneys who understand the unique challenges of creative work.

    These consultations are perfect for artists who:
    🎯 Are ready to take their creative practice seriously
    💫 Want clear, actionable legal guidance
    📝 Have specific questions about contracts, copyright, or creative business
    🌱 Are building something meaningful and want to protect it

    Each 30-minute session gives you direct access to an attorney who understands both legal complexities and creative realities. Bring your questions, concerns, and goals—leave with clear next steps and greater confidence in your practice.

    Whether you're finalizing a collaboration, protecting your work, or planning your creative business, we're here to help you build a stronger foundation.

    Please note, there will be no in-person component to this clinic.

    Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/251876907289071

    See more details

February 24, 2026
  • 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

    See more details

March 2, 2026
  • Business Entities for Artists

    March 2, 2026  5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
    1300 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA

    Are 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

    See more details

Call MdVLA at 410-752-1633.

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