Like most artists, at one time or another, I have a legal issue I need to attend to, but don't have a big bank account to pay a lawyer to address it. Luckily, a friend told me about a gem of an organization called Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) with whom I met yesterday. If you're an artist, please read on and spread the word.

VLA's Legal Services program is the central focus of our activities and resources. The program includes a wide range of services including: the Art Law Line, a legal hotline; the VLA Legal Clinic for VLA members; in-house appointments with VLA staff attorneys; and pro bono placements for low-income artists and nonprofit arts organizations with one of over 1,200 volunteer attorneys. I spoke with a lawyer friend last night, who said the pro bono attorneys that work with VLA are some of the best in the city. God, I love New York. Click here for more and here for contact info.

The first step: call the Art Law Line. VLA’s Art Law Line provides the arts community with legal and business advice, referrals, and information about both substantive legal questions and VLA’s services. Last year, VLA answered over 10,000 telephone calls, letters, and internet inquiries. Through the Art Law Line, low-income artists and nonprofit arts organizations are scheduled for an in-house consultation with a VLA staff attorney. Click here here for info and the telephone number.

Seriously, every creative should know about VLA. I met with the coolest in-house attorney yesterday who's putting me on their list to get counsel and because I qualify (aka don't make a lot of money), the attorney will be pro bono. It's organizations like these that make me realize that when all is said and done, there is good in the world. There are people out there who are willing to give back and help artists, who often face a myriad of obstacles that can make being an artist in New York difficult.

If you're not in New York, check out this list of attorneys in cities around the country.