Consultations
The OVLA legal clinic provides legal consultations with volunteer attorneys for legal issues that help you create!
Our volunteer attorneys can answer questions for legal issues such as contracts, cease and desist letters, copyright, trademark, and business formation.
Consultations are limited to 50 minutes. In some situations, OVLA may be able to provide additional support after the consultation depending on the issue and the volunteer attorney’s availability. Apply below.
Scheduling
OVLA pairs approved applications with volunteer attorneys on a monthly basis. If you submit an application this month and are approved, OVLA will work to pair you with an OVLA volunteer attorney in the clinic cycle next month.
Clinic appointments are currently being held remotely by phone or video conference, and meeting dates and times are flexible. Your paired volunteer attorney will coordinate the meeting with you if you are accepted for a legal consultation.
Eligibility
The legal clinic is available to people and organizations who are not able to hire an attorney because of financial difficulties.
Applicants must be an Oregon resident, an organization incorporated or organized in Oregon, or have a legal matter involving an Oregon resident or Oregon business.
Applicants are limited to one clinic session a year.
Excluded Matters
OVLA does not accept matters that require investment advice of any kind or involve active litigation as part of its legal clinic. For assistance with excluded matters, please use the Oregon State Bar lawyer referral service.
Clinic Fee
A $20 administrative fee payment is suggested after your consultation. You will receive an email after your consultation with a payment link.
Quick Question?
If you don’t need legal advice regarding your specific situation, but just have a quick question, we can answer informational questions such as:
Where do I file copyright or trademark applications?
How do I start a company or corporation in Oregon?
Where can I get the permit or license I need for my business activity?
The people answering your questions may include volunteer attorneys or students.
Need a Referral?
If you don’t need pro-bono services, but are just looking for lawyers who specialize in matters that affect artists, we keep a list of attorneys who practice in relevant areas.
OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Business Basics • Contracts • Cease and Desist • Copyright • Trademarks • Estate Planning
“The OVLA was very gracious and easy to communicate with. I was surprised at how quickly I found myself opposite a lawyer, who seemed genuinely enthusiastic about helping me. It was overall a great experience, and I'm very thankful such a service exists for Oregon creatives!”
— Rachel, Writer and Magazine Publisher
Volunteer as a Lawyer
Helping artists, performers, and arts organization in your community not only provides a much needed service, it also sharpens your skills and helps train the next generation of lawyers. Sign up to volunteer for OVLA’s pro bono clinic and other programs.
