Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers For the Arts

27 Jan, 2025
Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers For the Arts logo

What inspired the founding of PVLA, and what is its primary mission?

Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (PVLA) was founded in 1978 to address the legal needs of the arts and culture community in the Greater Philadelphia region. Our mission is to empower underserved artists and arts organizations by providing access to free legal services, knowledge, and resources. 

PVLA believes that art and artists are essential and that knowledge is power. By connecting clients with our volunteer lawyers, PVLA works to ensure that creativity is protected and that artists and arts organizations can focus on their craft.

What are some of the key challenges your clients face, and how do you help them overcome these hurdles?

Some of the key challenges our clients face are related to intellectual property such as copyright and trademark matters, drafting and reviewing of contracts and breach of contract, business formation and establishing business entities, tax compliance, and dispute resolution. 

When an artist or arts organization experiencing a legal challenge comes to PVLA, they must fill out an intake form which is then reviewed by PVLA to make sure eligibility requirements are met. If the matter becomes a case for PVLA, our team works to match the client with one of PVLA’s volunteer attorneys from within our network. When placed, the attorney will work with the client to resolve the matter.

How does PVLA balance the demand for services with the resources you have?

Artists and arts and culture organizations in our community face so many legal challenges, and the need for support has never been greater. In addition to our ever-growing network of volunteer lawyers, PVLA also has a long-running internship program, where law students get real-world experience while also contributing to PVLA’s day-to-day needs. They’re an essential part of what makes PVLA tick!

PVLA also believes that knowledge is power, and we’re passionate about equipping artists with the tools they need to navigate legal challenges. That’s why we team up with community partners and fellow arts and culture organizations to host educational workshops and presentations on the legal issues creatives encounter most often. We want to be the bridge between artists and the legal know-how that they need to protect themselves and thrive.

How does your organization measure success?

PVLA measures success from the number of clients we are able to serve, the number of cases that we are able to resolve successfully, and the positive feedback we receive from our clients. We also are always looking to add more volunteer lawyers to our network so that our capacity to take on more cases is greater. Another way we measure success is when a former LSC becomes a PVLA volunteer lawyer and continues to advocate for artists and the creative community!

Are there any legal or societal emerging trends that impact the work you do?

Like many nonprofits, PVLA faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to pivot quickly to continue supporting our clients effectively while also ensuring the organization remained fiscally sound and capable of fulfilling our mission.

One of the more recent developments impacting our clients is the rise of artificial intelligence and its implications for the creative community. To address this, we’ve hosted a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) event focused on the legal issues surrounding AI and the arts, with plans for more in the future. 

What partnerships or collaborations in Philadelphia have helped your organization succeed?

One of PVLA’s goals is to continue to build relationships and partnerships with organizations and firms in the Greater Philadelphia region. As part of our mission, PVLA seeks to provide legal education and resources to artists and arts organizations. Over the years, PVLA has presented and participated in many panels, workshops, and events to provide core legal knowledge to artists and arts organizations on issues creatives often face, like protecting their work and contracts. PVLA has worked with fellow arts and culture organizations (like CraftNow, NextFab, BlackStar, Broad Street Review, CultureWorks, and many more), local universities (Drexel University, Villanova University, Temple University, and more), and law firms to share information, educate and provide CLE credit, and engage both the arts and law communities.

Are there any specific projects or initiatives you’re currently working on that you’d like to highlight?

One of  PVLA’s foundations is our intern program, which offers law students a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience. By working directly with artists and creative professionals, our interns get to develop hands-on legal skills while also cultivating a deep understanding of the critical role legal advocacy plays in supporting the arts community.

Looking ahead to 2026, Philadelphia will take center stage globally as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding in our historic city. We are excited to partner with other regional organizations in showcasing the incredible artists and creativity that make our city so special, while highlighting PVLA’s unique role in supporting and protecting this vibrant community on the world stage. That same year, PVLA will also host the annual meeting of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts organizations, bringing together legal service providers from across the country to collaborate, share resources, and refine best practices.

Our top priority has always been serving our artist clients. We are constantly working to refine and enhance our processes, data collection, and communications to ensure we provide effective and meaningful support to the creative community we are honored to serve.

What do you wish more people knew about nonprofit legal organizations and their role in the community?

Nonprofit legal organizations like PVLA help to level the playing field, ensuring that those individuals or organizations who may not have access or the financial means for legal support receive it. When underserved populations receive the legal services, education, and resources they need to continue their craft and maintain their livelihood, it empowers them and helps contribute to a more equitable and vibrant community.

If I wanted to learn more about PVLA, what are the best ways of doing so?

Please visit us at pvla.org! Or follow us on social media (IG @phillyvla, LinkedIn @Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, or FB @phillylawyersforthearts). You also drop us an email at pvlalegal@pvla.org.

Special thanks to Mari Kraske, the Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives at PVLA, for helping organize this interview.

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