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
- November 8, 2025
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Art Law Clinic
November 8, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722, USAArt 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 itEach 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 virtual component to this clinic.
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/251876907289071
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- November 10, 2025
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Legal Issues in Succession Planning
November 10, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join MDVLA and the Maryland State Arts Council for a workshop that takes a proactive approach to helping nonprofit leaders and board members prepare legally and strategically for leadership turnover. Leadership changes can pose legal and operational challenges for nonprofits. This session will explore key topics in succession planning, such as bylaws and governance policies, compliance with state and federal regulations, fiduciary duties, contract and employment law considerations, and mitigating legal risks before they arise. You’ll gain practical guidance to protect your organization’s legal standing and ensure continuity amidst change.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legal-issues-in-succession-planning-tickets-1852502016399?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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- November 18, 2025
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Understanding Contracts in Public Art
November 18, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join MDVLA and the Maryland State Arts Council for a workshop that covers the basics of various legal issues commonly encountered by public artists, whose work regularly involves many stakeholders, contracts, and unforeseen complexities. This session will cover copyright, the Visual Artist Rights Act of 1990 (VARA), relevant agreements, incorporation as a business entity, and more.
Artists who have ever been asked to sign a lengthy contract with a government entity, or who wonder how to appropriately protect themselves during a multi-year project, are encouraged to attend.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-contracts-in-public-art-tickets-1852548565629?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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Call MdVLA at 410-752-1633.