Washington Lawyers for the Arts offers Arts Legal Clinic in Spokane for Eastern Washington's Artists Community

Low-Cost legal consultation for all artists and arts organizations on issues related to arts and entertainment law available October 8 and December 3 at Gonzaga University

September 18, 2007 Washington Lawyers for the Arts (WLA), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the arts in the state of Washington, announced that its Arts Legal Clinic will be available this fall for all Eastern Washington artists and arts organizations seeking consultation on any issue related to entertainment and the arts issues that may include copyright or trademark licensing, fair use, contract issues and other intellectual property issues.

Brought to Spokane in partnership with Gonzaga University School of Law and with support from J. Michael Keyes from the law firm of K&L Gates, the clinic will be offered at the Gonzaga University Legal Clinic on October 8 and December 3, 2007. On these two evenings, Gonzaga University professors and experienced intellectual property attorneys will offer 30 minute confidential consultations to Spokane area artists and arts organizations wanting arts-related legal consultation.

Spokane Clinic Details:

Who is this for? The clinic is open for artists to discuss art, entertainment, business and intellectual property law issues. All issues discussed must be related to your artistic discipline. Some business issues (like reviewing contracts and whether it is appropriate to incorporate or become a non-profit) are fair game. Patent law, employment law and tax law issues are not appropriate for the clinic.

What is it? The WLA Arts Legal Clinic offers low-cost, private legal consultations to artists and arts organizations in the state of Washington. For artists, appointments are required for a 30 minute, confidential consultations with an attorney who specializes in arts and entertainment law.

When is it? October 8 and December 3, 2007. Artists are welcome to make appointments for either date. Appointments are available between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Where is it? Gonzaga University Legal Clinic, 721 N Cincinnati St, Spokane, WA 99220-3528. Directions will be provided upon the scheduling of appointments.

How much does it cost? We ask for a $20 dollar donation to the organization for your 30 minute appointment to be paid during the clinic. The donation is not tax deductible.

What can I expect from the consultations? Each consultation with an experienced intellectual property attorney lasts for thirty minutes. While you are welcome to provide materials in advance (such as contracts), please do not expect that the attorney has reviewed these materials.

Clinics are popular and fill up quickly. Please please call 206.328.7053 or e-mail info@thewla.org to reserve your time.

About the Washington Lawyers for the Arts:
Washington Lawyers for the Arts (WLA) makes legal resources accessible to artists and arts organizations of all artistic disciplines. WLA is Washington's only non-profit arts legal service organization. For more than 30 years, WLA has helped thousands of musicians, filmmakers, writers, painters, actors, dancers, designers and many others facing legal issues. Artists call on WLA when they need specialized legal expertise, and when the services of an attorney are cost-prohibitive. WLA's invaluable offerings include the Arts Legal Clinic, Brown Bag Seminars, Speakers Bureau, and Legal Referral Service. More information can be found at www.TheWLA.org.

Photos from our 30th Anniversary Party. Click each image to advance.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2006

Robert Cumbow Honored for 15 Years of Service to the Washington Arts Community

November 14, 2006--SEATTLE—Washington Lawyers for the Arts announced today that it has awarded Robert Cumbow, partnering attorney at Graham & Dunn with the Robert C. Cumbow Brio Award at the Washington Lawyers for the Arts (WLA) at their 30th anniversary celebration on November 2, 2006. This first time award was created in Bob’s honor celebrating his tremendous contribution to the arts community. As part of this award, the Northwest Film Forum has donated space for Bob to host a private screening of a film of his choosing. In addition, a Robert C. Cumbow Brio Award plaque will be mounted permanently at The Northwest Film Forum.

The award was originally designed as a thank you for Bob’s past 15 years of service with the WLA. During Bob’s time on the WLA board he has served as President, Vice President, and Secretary. Over the years he has been with WLA, Bob has been a tireless volunteer both at the Arts Legal Clinic (a collaboration of WLA with the Seattle University School of Law) and as a speaker on numerous Intellectual Properties issues in WLA’s brown bag series, and at seminars at schools and arts organizations around the Puget Sound area. Students who studied with him at Seattle University, now practicing law, remember the inspiration they gained from the work and, yes, brio he put into his teaching, and that in the breadth of his knowledge he is truly a Renaissance Man. And many artists from all disciplines who have had occasion to consult with Bob have found in him a friend as well as a counselor.

Bob first became involved with WLA in 1983 before he was an attorney. He came to seek legal advice when he was getting his first book (on films) published. In 1995, now an attorney, he was engaged by Jamie Hook and Deborah Girdwood to help establish a post-production studio for Seattle’s independent film makers, then named Wiggly World, now The Northwest Film Forum. He continues to provide pro bono assistance for film makers associated with the Forum. He has taught at Seattle University School of Law since 1997.

Bob is the first—of what the WLA hopes will be many—to be honored by the award, which will celebrate individuals who exhibit exceptional energy, vitality and dedication in the community that bridges law and the arts, thus exemplifying the mission of the WLA: a mission dedicated to supporting the arts in Washington State by creating alliances and making legal resources accessible to artists and arts organizations of all disciplines.

contact:
Washington Lawyers for the Arts
Cal Kinnear, administrative manager
6512 23rd Ave NW, #320 Seattle, WA 98117

Phone: (206) 328-7053 Fax: (206)545-4866

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