Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

Your Work Is Precious. Let Us Help You Protect It.

At MDVLA, we lawyer differently. We know the legal side of the art world can feel confusing. Artists are expected to give a lot. They are part of the economy and the culture, but often lack resources and support to properly build a business. That’s why we’re here to make legal support accessible, affordable, and solution-focused. With us, artists have the tools to advocate for themselves, protect their work, and build a thriving creative business.

About Us

Legal Services

If you have a legal issue, we may be able to help. To get started, please complete a Lawyer Request Form.

Volunteer With Us

Help protect artists’ and arts organizations’ legal rights while empowering them to advance their creative work. Find out all the ways to get involved.

Donate

Support MDVLA’s mission to make artist-centered legal support accessible.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyer for the Arts

Your Work Is Precious. Let Us Help You Protect It.

At MDVLA, we lawyer differently. We know the legal side of the art world can feel confusing. That’s why we’re here to make legal support accessible, affordable, and solution-focused. With us, you’ll have the tools to advocate for yourself, protect your work, and build a thriving creative business. Artists are expected to give a lot. They are part of the economy and the culture, but often lack resources and support to properly build a business or advocate for themselves. At MDVLA, we help artists advocate for themselves. This lets them take back their time, focus more on their practice, their lives, and their passions because they have a solid business foundation.

About Us

Get Legal Help

If you have a legal issue, we may be able to help. Learn about the opportunities available to you by contacting our intake team.

Volunteer

Your time and skills can change someone’s experience with the legal system—from facing it alone to having an advocate beside them. Get involved by volunteering, taking a case, or accessing our trainings.

Donate

Be there when our clients reach out for help. Discover the ways you can support MDVLA.

How To Get Started

#1 Apply

Apply for a legal referral to help get started.

#2 Assess

Connect with one of our team members to discuss your issue and assess options for support.

#3 Support

Let us match you with a program or a lawyer who can help.

Services We Offer

Art Law Clinics

In these monthly 1:1 sessions, we connect artists with attorneys who understand the unique challenges of creative work.

Workshops

Our workshops provide artists with an opportunity to learn more about legal topics that affect their creative businesses.

Legal Representation

MDVLA matches artists and arts organizations with pro bono attorneys for representation on matters that impact their ability to create and thrive..

MDVLA Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events.

02 March 5:00pm

MICA Workshop: Business Entities for Artists

Take part in our in-person 2026 workshop series with the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, who will be covering a range of topics geared toward providing valuable business tips for artists and creative entrepreneurs.

Find Out More

11 August 2:00 PM

MSAC Workshop: Legal Issues for Filmmakers

Join MDVLA for a session on common legal issues for filmmakers. We’ll cover topics such as collaboration agreements, location agreements, copyright concerns, music licensing, and more. This workshop is designed to help you understand your legal obligations and rights so you can navigate the filmmaking process with greater confidence.

12 August 7:00 PM

Virtuous Con Workshop: Establishing the Right Structure for Your Business

Knowing the right legal structure for your business can set you up for success and save you a world of headaches down the road. But how do you know which structure is right for you? What's the difference between an LLC with one member and a Sole Proprietorship? Do you need a lawyer to establish your business and acquire an EIN? What about a 501(c)3? Find the answers to these critical questions and more in this workshop brought to you by MDVLA.

18 August 6:00 PM

Black Artist Fair

This resource fair is designed to connect Baltimore’s Black creatives with resources to benefit their creative careers. Through curated guest speakers, workshops, networking, free photography headshots, and food, this event has everything you need to expand your creative network and knowledge. MDVLA will have a table at this event.

19 August 7:00 PM

Virtuous Con Workshop: Protecting Your Intellectual Property in the Age of AI

In the age of AI, the internet, and unregulated “sharing”, it can feel like an impossible task to protect your work from theft and misuse. But there are things we can do as artists to protect ourselves and our legacies. Do you have copyright questions? Do you understand what a trademark is and how it works? Do you want to? Find the answers to these questions and more in this workshop presented by MDVLA.

25 August 2:00 PM

MSAC Workshop: Demystifying Fiscal Sponsorship

Join MDVLA for a session that explains fiscal sponsorships from a legal perspective. Fiscal sponsorship can open doors to accessing grant funding, accepting tax-deductible donations, or building organizational capacity—all without forming and maintaining a nonprofit organization. This session will cover different fiscal sponsorship models and contract terms to help any creative realize their organizational goals, whether they’re seeking funding for a one-time project or exploring longer-term options.

Educational Resources

Find our resource guides in Spanish here.

Our 2025 Community Impact

Community Legal Education

Educated about 1,500 individuals through 54 workshops and community events

Legal Consultation Support

Provided artists and arts organizations with 130 individual legal consultations

Pro Bono Pairings

Paired 54 cases with attorneys who worked to support each case at no charge to the individual or organization

Artist Legal Support

Spoke with about 350 artists about their individual legal issue

Art Law Clinics

Hosted 10 Art Law Clinics

#1 Apply

Apply for a legal referral to help get started.

#2 Assess

Connect with one of our team members to discuss your issue and assess options for support.

#3 Support

Let us match you with a program or a lawyer who can help.

Art Law Clinics

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.

Lectures and Seminars

Our workshops provide a chance to connect with fellow creators and legal professionals who understand the creative world. These gatherings bring together artists and attorneys in spaces where creativity and legal knowledge flow freely.

Pro Bono Program

MDVLA matches artists and arts organizations with pro bono attorneys for representation on matters that impact their ability to create and thrive. This program is available to creatives who qualify for pro bono services through MDVLA.

Artist Testimonials

“After completing the legal work we were able to remove a lot of stress and anxiety that haunts artists when legal elements are involved. MDVLA is a resource that is truly set in place to protect artists. Legal representation is expensive and many artists do not have direct lines to people in the legal field. It feels very comforting to be represented by people who truly have the best interest of the artist and their work at the foundation of their practice.”

“My work with MDVLA on this broadcast ban case was extensive and all the more rewarding for it. The entire case took more than five years and is a notable first amendment case in the State of Maryland. Among the strange, unexpected stakes of this was that there is now something called "Soderberg v. Carrion" about this case. That's kinda wild!…Without MDVLA, we would not have been able to challenge this rule at all. It would have put my work and livelihood at great risk.”

“I was coming from a place of knowing nothing about entertainment law. Working with MdVLA was not only a professional experience but, most importantly, an artist-friendly one. It gave me the guidance I needed and truly opened doors for me. The work I initiated with MdVLA has brought connections, opportunities, and support into my career.”

“When I first came into MDVLA’s orbit over a decade ago, I was like so many artists. I was intimidated, unsure, and completely out of my depth when it came to legal matters. The idea of working with a lawyer felt inaccessible, expensive, and, honestly, a little scary. But after connecting with MDVLA, that fear melted away. I quickly learned that legal support isn’t a luxury for artists—it’s a necessity.”