When to Call a Lawyer: Legal Essentials for Artists
Session Description:
Join Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MdVLA) for a workshop designed to help artists and creatives navigate the legal landscape around engaging in creative work. Whether you’re an independent artist, run a small arts organization, or engage in some type of creative business, understanding your legal rights is essential to protecting yourself and your art. In this session, we’ll break down the basics of contracts, intellectual property, and business entity structures. We will also consider recent changes at the state and federal levels that are affecting how artists and creative organizations operate. This workshop will give you the tools you need to know when it’s time to call a lawyer.
Presenter: Christia Ravenell
Christia Ravenell (she/her) is the Staff Attorney at Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. As Staff Attorney, Christia provides legal assistance to MdVLA clients, develops legal resource guides and professional development workshops, supports volunteer attorneys, and participates in advocacy and stakeholder initiatives on behalf of MdVLA and its constituents. A Baltimore native, Christia holds degrees from Howard University (Journalism-Public Relations, BA), NewYork University (Music Business, MA), and Georgetown University (JD). After a series of detours, including a clerkship, a law firm, and a career in corporate law, Christia has returned to her passion–supporting artists. When she’s not at an Art Law Clinic, you can catch her dancing, reading, or digging through crates at your local record store
Presenter: Adam Holofcener
Adam Holofcener, Esq. (He/They)is the Executive Director of Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, anon-profit organization that provides pro bono legal services and education to Maryland based artists andarts organizations. In his legal practice, Adam counsels artists and musicians on matters of copyright,trademark, contract, business entity formation, constitutional law, and other issues. He taught a seminaron Art and Media Law at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law from 2017-2023.Adam is also a practicing musician and sound artist. He is a dad who lives in Baltimore City.
Date, Time, and Location
Tuesday June 17th
Breakout Session 1: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Room: CPA 105 ACE