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VLA
Attorney Resources
How
Does the Program Work? - A Review of VLA Procedure
The
goal of the VLA program is to match clients with qualified attorneys
in a timely manner. To accomplish this, we ask that you fill out
a brief application that idenftifies your areas of expertise and
interest. Once we receive your application, you will be included
in the following process:
- An
artist or arts organization (client) submits an application to
the Arts Council.
- Each
month the Arts Council reviews all new and outstanding client
applications, and sends a summary of the requests to the active
Volunteer Lawyers (VLAs).
-
Each VLA reviews the summary of requests and contacts the Arts
Council for more information about requests that match his/her
interest or expertise.
- the
Arts Council sends the requested information to the VLA for review,
and
asks that the VLA: 1) contact the client within 10 business days
if s/he is able to provide assistance, OR 2) contact the Arts
Council if s/he cannot provide assistance with the request.
- When
the attorney and client have concluded the working relationship,
the Arts Council asks that the attorney complete a brief Final
Report, which summarizes the outcome and lists the services provided.
Eligibility:
Attorneys
- Members
of the VLA are covered by the same malpractice insurance that
covers other ACBA pro bono programs, and therefore must practice
inside of Allegheny County.
-
Eligibility: Attorneys licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania
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Desire to serve artists and arts organizations that otherwise
would not have access to legal expertise.
VLAs
join a volunteer pool of attorneys who are contacted to provide
services when artists or organizations contact the Greater Pittsburgh
Arts Council for assistance. the Arts Council maintains a database
of attorneys' practice areas to help make appropriate matches
between attorneys and clients.
Links and Other Resources
The
following resources are available to you as a member of VLA:
Questions:
Contact Susan
Blackman, Director of Arts Programs, or David
Seals, Programs Manager at 412.391.2060.
| The
above applications are in .pdf format. If you do not have Adobe
Reader, click on the Adobe logo to receive a free downloadable
copy. |
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