The Iowa Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (IAVLA) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization providing legal services to artists and arts and culture-related organizations. The IAVLA operates a referral network of attorneys around the State of Iowa that have indicated their willingness to assist artists and arts-related organizations in Iowa on a pro bono basis. Those individuals and organizations that qualify are asked to complete an Application and submit it with the Application Fee.
IAVLA volunteers help photographers, painters, poets, musicians, playwrights, graphic artists, dancers, craft groups, filmmakers, theater companies, orchestras, neighborhood arts councils and others pursuing artistic endeavors. Often we are asked to provide assistance in protecting intellectual property, negotiating drafting and reviewing contracts, landlord-tenant issues, formation of businesses, copyright protection, trademark protection, licensing issues, and obtaining not-for-profit tax-exempt status. If your legal issues are in any way related to arts and culture, we would be happy to try to assist you.
IAVLA determines the financial eligibility on the basis of the individual’s family income or the organization’s operating budget and then refers the qualifying applicant to a volunteer. If you are ineligible for free services because of your income or annual budget, IAVLA may provide names of lawyers who are accepting clients at a discounted rate.
IAVLA also operates an arts mediation service by providing low cost private mediation of disputes within the arts community.
IAVLA also offers a variety of educational programming for the arts community in various locations around the state. Please contact us for further information.
CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION FORMS AND OTHER INFORMATION