Staff Attorney

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Inc. (“VLA”) seeks a Staff Attorney.

Mission and Programming

Since 1969, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) has been the leading provider of low-cost and pro bono legal services to low-income individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations in the New York tristate area. VLA addresses a broad range of needs that low-income artists cannot otherwise afford, including legal counseling, educational programs, advocacy, and alternative dispute resolution. Without our help, some of the most creative and vulnerable members of our society would be left without a means to protect themselves and their creative endeavors.

Staff Attorney Role & Responsibilities

VLA seeks a highly motivated self-starter to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment as Staff Attorney. The Staff Attorney reports to the Director of Legal Services and provides legal services and educational classes to VLA’s constituents as well as conducting outreach on behalf of VLA. The Staff Attorney also will work on projects with the Executive Director and Director of Legal Services, as needed. This position provides an excellent opportunity to work hands-on within a wide variety of legal and artistic disciplines. This position has an opportunity for hybrid work, at our mid-town office and remotely in the New York City metro area.

Legal Services

• Advising artists and arts organizations on legal issues involving contracts, corporate formation and governance, nonprofit law, copyright, trademark, patent, litigation, trusts and estates, real estate, immigration, and employment, among others.
• Advising artists from a variety of artistic disciplines, including film, fine art, music, theater, TV, dance, fashion, literary, graphic design, and visual arts.
• Managing a team of 8-14 interns and legal fellows.
• Overseeing the VLA/USPTO Pro Bono Patent Program.
• Supervising artist intakes.
• Overseeing placement for clients with pro bono volunteer attorneys.

Education

• Working with the VLA team developing, preparing, and teaching CLE and non-CLE courses.
• Organizing educational panels and courses with industry lawyers.

Outreach

• Managing VLA’s non-educational programming, such as New Attorney Orientations, job fairs, and resource fairs.
• Building relationships with other organizations and volunteer attorneys.
• Serving as teacher, panelist, speaker, or VLA representative as needed.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the NY State bar in good standing with at least 3 years related work experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in at least two relevant practice areas, such as contracts, intellectual property, or corporate governance.
• Demonstrated interest in art and entertainment law.
• Prior work in a law firm or at a nonprofit legal services organization.
• Experience with project management.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work with a variety of constituencies.

Closing Date: Open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity: VLA is committed to enhancing our diverse workforce and actively encourages applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, gender identity and physical abilities to apply. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status, marital status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. EO/AA Employer.