“I appreciated both the attorney’s and the law student’s insightful consideration of my issue from all possible angles. They were easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and seemed to genuinely care about my project. I’m more confident about moving forward with it since our meeting.”
Legal Clinic
About the Clinic
OVLA provides 50-minute one-on-one legal consultations with volunteer attorneys who specialize in arts and entertainment.
Our volunteer attorneys can answer your questions about contracts, cease and desist letters, copyright, trademark, business formation, and other issues.
In some situations, OVLA may be able to provide additional support beyond the consultation depending on the issue and the volunteer attorney’s availability.
Excluded Matters
OVLA does not accept matters that involve active litigation as part of its legal clinic. For assistance with litigation matters, please use the Oregon State Bar lawyer referral service.
Scheduling
OVLA pairs approved applications with volunteer attorneys on a monthly basis. If you submit an application this month and are approved, OVLA will work to pair you with an OVLA volunteer attorney in the clinic cycle next month.
Clinic appointments are currently being held remotely by phone or video conference, and meeting dates and times are flexible. Your paired volunteer attorney will coordinate the meeting with you if you are accepted for a legal consultation.
Eligibility
Individual artists must have an annual household income of less than $45,000. Non-profit creative organizations must have an annual budget of less than $100,000.
Applicants must be an Oregon resident, an organization incorporated or organized in Oregon, or have a legal matter involving an Oregon resident or Oregon business.
Applicants may seek clinic representation once during any 12-month period.
Clinic Fee
A $20 administrative fee is required prior to your consultation if your application is approved and OVLA is able to locate a volunteer attorney to meet with you.
You will receive an email about that fee and a PayPal invoice for $20. Other payment arrangements (e.g. cash, check) are possible.
Submit an application: OVLA Legal Clinic Application Form
Thank you!
Please note: the application link will close if our waitlist for clients gets too big.
OVLA requires all applicants and volunteers follow our code of conduct.
Applicants must agree to the Limited Representation Agreement.
Legal Information Request Form
Please Note: This service is NOT for legal advice.
If you are interested in legal advice regarding your specific situation, please apply to OVLA’s legal clinic above.
The legal information request form can help you answer informational questions such as:
Where do I file copyright or trademark applications?
How do I start a company or corporation in Oregon?
Where can I get the permit or license I need for my business activity?
The people answering your questions may include volunteer attorneys or students.
Ask your question by using this form.
Thank you for your interest in the legal information request form!