RHODE ISLAND BAR ASSOCIATION

LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS PROGRAM

PHONE: 401.421.7799     E-MAIL: ldawson@ribar.com

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

If you are an artist and think you have a legal problem, the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Lawyers for the Arts Program may be able to direct you to an attorney with the expertise you need.

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AND WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

The Lawyers for the Arts Program provides three levels of service based upon your income. These are regular fee, reduced fee and pro bono or no charge service. A referral fee of $25.00 is required and is payable at the time of the consultation for regular and reduced fee clients. Checks should be made payable to the Lawyer Referral Service. If it is determined that additional legal work is required, it will be your decision to continue legal services. It is suggested that you discuss the attorney’s fees and the cost of any further services beyond the initial half-hour consultation during your first visit. If you decide to hire the attorney, you will be responsible for any additional legal fees. There is no obligation on your part or the lawyer’s to go beyond the one half-hour consultation and $25.00 referral fee. If you qualify for pro bono service, you will not be required to pay the $25.00 referral fee. You may be required to pay court fees or other minor litigation costs. These can be discussed with your attorney.

HOW DOES THE SERVICE WORK?

When you call the Lawyers for the Arts Program, you will be asked to state your problem briefly (any information you provide will be held in the strictest confidence.) After listening to your problem, the program coordinator will take your name, address and telephone number. Based on the information you provide, you will be given the name of an attorney. Should you will to apply for Reduced-Fee or Pro Bono service, you will need to provide information. You will be given further information concerning eligibility and program requirements before a referral is made.

WHAT KIND OF LEGAL HELP IS AVAILABLE?

The Lawyers for the Arts Program handles arts related matters such as the following: First Amendment, Intellectual Property, Entertainment, Employment/Labor, Real Estate, Landlord/Tenant, Contracts, Insurance, Immigration, Tax Exempt Organizations, Tax, Bankruptcy, Trademark, Copyright.

Remember, if you have a legal problem, you should have legal representation. The Lawyers for the Arts is designed to serve any artist who can afford the services of a lawyer. If you are financially eligible, a Reduced-Fee service or Pro Bono service is available. Persons who have a legal problem and cannot afford a lawyer will be directed, if possible, to another public service program or human service agency for assistance.

NOTE

This piece is produced as a public service by the Rhode Island Bar
Association and intended to provide background information. This is not a
substitute for legal advice and representation by a licensed attorney of the
Rhode Island Bar.