Case List
To learn more about any of the matters on our current Case List, contact our Acting Director of Legal Services, Jed Enlow.
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You can also view the matters listed below as a PDF document.
And, thank you very much for your interest in helping LCA clients!
The following is a current list LCA matters within the identified Categories.
To learn more about any of the matters on our Case List, please contact ou Associate Director of Legal Services, Christopher Johnson, at (312) 837-3521 or cjohnson@law-arts.org.
Available Video Law Library Programming in Blue
Available Materials in Green
Thank you very much for your interest in helping LCA clients!
Case # | Legal Category | Arts Category | Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-0611 Pro Bono |
Contracts |
Contract Drafting: Literature Publishing 25-0611 Client is planning to collaborate with an author to write a book which could also become a film or series. Client would like assistance to draft an agreement with the writer to establish a timeline and description of duties. |
Request Info | |
25-0595 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate, Contracts, Copyright Protection/Licensing |
Trademark Registration: Visual Art 25-0595 Client is starting a business which focuses on artist residencies, and would like to evaluate the ability to register trademark in the business name. |
Request Info | |
25-0590 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate, Not for Profit Advice, Copyright Protection/Licensing | Music |
Copyright Protection: Music 25-0590 Client is a music performance group, and would like assistance to evaluate copyright risks and protection strategy for their arrangements and recordings. |
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25-0586 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement, Copyright Protection/Licensing | Theater |
Content Clearance: Theater 25-0586 Client is a theater company with an upcoming production based on a popular film property. Client needs assistance to review and clear the material for a determination of fair use or licensing. |
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25-0583 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement | Music |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Music Theater 25-0583 Client has a group which performs a musical revue containing songs from a popular theatrical and movie production. After several performances, client received a demand for payment based on past performances, from a theatrical rights organization representing the production. Client needs assistance to respond to the letter and negotiate license terms. |
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25-0578 Pro Bono |
Landlord-Tenant | Visual Art |
Dispute: Breach of Contract: Visual Arts 25-0578 Client is a design and visual arts company with a commercial lease for studio space in a multi-use artist community building. The lease required ninety days notice for termination, but landlord management company terminated client’s lease with two days notice, and then improperly revoked security access, depriving client of access to their leased property as well as equipment and personal property. Client needs immediate assistance to evaluate the ability to reinstate possession and if necessary bring action for breach of the lease. |
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25-0576 Paying |
Disputes | Photography |
Dispute: Collection: Photography 25-0576 Client is a photographer who has performed work for an advertising agency over the course of several years for various campaigns. The agency refuses to pay multiple invoices, and repeatedly acknowledges the unpaid balance and promises to provide an update soon. Client needs assistance to write a demand letter, and file a legal action if necessary. |
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25-0567 Paying |
Other, Estates | Theater |
Estate Planning: Actor/ Director 25-0567 Client is a freelance actor and director, and would like assistance with estate planning and to draft a will. Client is slightly over the pro-bono threshold, and would like a reduced rate. |
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25-0559 Pro Bono |
Contracts | Film/TV |
Contract Drafting: NFP Collaboration: Film 25-0559 Client is an entity created for a documentary film. The film has been in production for many years, and received several prestigious grants. The film is currently in post-production, and plans to collaborate with a nonprofit organization advocating for exonerees. Client would like assistance to draft a memorandum of understanding with the NFP, outlining obligations and expectations. |
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25-0558 Paying |
Contracts | Design |
Contract Drafting: Design Services 25-0558 Client is a graphic design and brand creative company, and would like assistance to draft an agreement with a client for reduced rate services in exchange for fundraising proceeds. Client is slightly above pro-bono threshold and would like a reduced rate engagement. |
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25-0556 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Disputes | Film/TV |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Film 25-0556 Client is a filmmaker who worked on a project with a friend for several years, but was unable to come to an agreement about ownership rights. Client has determined that the former partner plans to release the film project without necessary rights, and would like to evaluate legal action to protect client’s contributions. |
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25-0554 Pro Bono |
Disputes;Landlord-Tenant | Visual Art |
Dispute: Real Estate: Visual Art 25-0554 Client is an artist and teacher. Several years ago, client was evicted from a condominium that she owns, based on an unpaid balance from the condominium association. Client does not believe that the eviction process was performed correctly, and has not been able to obtain current information from the management company in order to reinstate rights to the property. Client needs assistance to evaluate the ability to regain possession. |
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25-0547 Pro Bono |
Visa and Immigration | Music |
Immigration: Visa 25-0547 Client is a classical pianist, and Uzbek citizen staying on her OPT F-1 visa in the U.S., which expires on June 8th, 2025. She is looking for a lawyer to help her apply for an O-1 visa so she can continue living in the U.S. |
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25-0545 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Copyright Protection/Licensing | Film/TV |
Contract Drafting: Contest: Film/ TV 25-0545 Client is a NFP supporting workers in the television and film industries, and would like assistance to draft rules and terms and conditions for an upcoming acting contest they are conducting. |
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25-0535 Paying |
Rights of Privacy and Publicity | Theater |
Content Review: Theater 25-0535 Client is a playwright whose work was selected to be performed at a theater festival. Given the nature of the play’s content, client needs assistance to review and evaluate the script for defamation concerns, to review disclaimer language and evaluate the need for errors and omissions coverage. |
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25-0525 Pro Bono |
Literature |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Literature 25-0525 Client is an author, and suspects that manuscript work has been stolen by a former writing professor in an elaborate email and cloud drive hacking incident(s). Client believes that some works have been incorporated into already released literary and television works, and others have been circulated for future publication. Client needs assistance to evaluate a claim for copyright infringement. |
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25-0502 Pro Bono |
Trademark Infringement | Music |
Trademark Infringement: Music 25-0502 Client is a member of a regional touring band, and owns the trademark in the band’s name. Another band has infringed this trademark and refused to comply with a cease and desist letter. Client needs assistance to evaluate and file a lawsuit for trademark infringement. |
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25-0470 Paying |
Contracts | Film/TV |
Dispute: Video Production Nonpayment 25-0470 Client is filmmaker and photographer who creates multimedia content for corporate clients. Client completed several videos under an agreement for services, and then was terminated in violation of the agreement. Client needs assistance to evaluate a claim for the remaining balance, and to send a demand letter for payment. Client is just over the pro-bono threshold and is seeking a reduced rate representation. |
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25-0039 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Disputes | Visual Art |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Visual Arts 25-0039 Client is a local artist and painter who conducted a revenue sharing exhibition with a successful local gallery. The gallery refused to pay certain amounts in breach of the agreement. Client filed a small claims court action against gallery. Gallery is threatening client, and continues to display client’s works as marketing for their business. Client needs assistance to evaluate and take legal action to enforce contract and infringement issues. |
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25-0008 Pro Bono |
Trademark Infringement | Film/TV |
Dispute: Trademark Infringement 25-0008 Client is a musician, chef and media producer, and has registered trademarks in variations of “Rock and Roll Kitchen” under classes for media production and a physical bar and restaurant. Client identified an infringing business in New Orleans, Louisiana, and contacted them with no adequate response. Client would like assistance to evaluate a cause of action and draft a cease and desist letter. |
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25-0007 Pro Bono |
Disputes, Personal Injury/Damage to Property | Theater |
Disputes: Defamation 25-0007 Client is a local theater actor with several lead role credits. In a recent role, client developed a personal relationship with the co-star, and then the relationship ended poorly. The co-star and another actor have spread rumors among the theater community and one company in particular, alleging inappropriate behavior and improper stage protocols. These rumors have directly lead to lost work and relationships. Client would like assistance to evaluate a cause of action and draft a demand letter. |
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24-1239 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement | Literature |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Literature 24-1239 Client is an author with several successful titles. Client recently discovered that many titles have been uploaded to digital book rental and archiving services, which are collecting fees and donations for access to Client books, with no consent or royalty streams. Large publishers have been successful in suing these companies for similar acts. Client would like to evaluate a cause of action to recover lost revenue from these sources. |
Request Info |
24-1193 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Rights of Privacy and Publicity, Copyright Protection/Licensing | Literature |
Evaluation: Copyright Protection 24-1193 Client is a Literary & Arts Magazine LLC, interested in obtaining NFP status. Client has been commissioned to create works for a financial for profit organization, and needs assistance to review and evaluate the rights implications from this arrangement and to review any paperwork. |
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24-1190 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement, Disputes | Music |
Evaluation: Copyright Infringement: Music 24-1190 Client is a producer who has posted some works on Youtube, and believes one of his beats was used by a major label producer and artist. Client would like to evaluate a claim for infringement. |
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24-1168 Pro Bono |
Trademark Infringement, Not for Profit Advice | Literature |
Dispute: Trademark Infringement 24-1168 Client NFP publishes the New Art Examiner. Client needs assistance to enforce a trademark use agreement against a foreign publisher using their marks, as well as help to recover domain control from a former board member. |
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24-1129 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Disputes | Theater |
Dispute: Breach of Contract: Theater 24-1129 Client is a musician who was hired to perform sound design for a suburban theater production of The Christmas Carol in 2023. Client’s agreement had a specific right of first refusal to perform the same services in 2024. The Producing entity did not engage client for 2024, and when asked, claimed a termination of client’s agreement for cause, without any explanation of the specific cause. |
Request Info |
24-1078 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Copyright Protection/Licensing | Music |
Evaluation: Accounting: Music 24-1078 Client represents the estate of a well known deceased gospel artist. Client needs assistance to determine what rights and royalties are controlled by the estate, and the extent to which compositions can be licensed to third parties. |
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24-1071 Pro Bono |
Not for Profit Advice | Visual Art |
Dispute: Nonprofit Governance 24-1071 Client is a Nonprofit print studio. The founder and former board member obtained and SBA loan on behalf of the organization. Client needs assistance to compel cooperation with SBA to manage and pay the loan. |
Request Info |
24-1059 Pro Bono |
Disputes | Product Design |
Litigation: Real Estate: Zoning 24-1059 Artist’s iconic property of 27 years, a Bucktown worker cottage with an historic front setback of 66’, is threatened by a pending adjacent development of an intrusive single-family home spread across the breadth of 2 lots. The development sought significant front setback relief that would lay ruin to artist’s property value, quality of life and long-established, community-facing gardens. These gardens and home are a routine part of neighborhood tours, which plays host to musicians and visual artists during the Bucktown Garden Walk, an annual event that raises short-funds for area public schools and civic engagement. |
Request Info |
24-1047 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Copyright Infringement, Estates | Music |
Contract Drafting: Music 24-1047 Musician client needs assistance to determine rightsholder, and if necessary draft a content license to record a song based on a poem by a deceased author/ poet. He has had positive discussions with the wife of the deceased poet. |
Request Info |
24-1045 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate, Not for Profit Advice | Performance Art |
Start-up: Performing Arts 24-1045 Client is an existing NFP Youth Theater Dance and Performance Academy, and would like to provide services to its students which are typically performed by a talent agency. In order to support this endeavor and establish credibility within commercial talent community, client will serve as a talent agency with paid commissions. Client would like assistance to determine if the NFP can register and operate as a talent agency, or if not, to form a separate business entity. |
Request Info |
24-1000 Pro Bono |
Visa and Immigration | Literature |
Visa/Immigration: Literature 24-1000 Writer, music journalist, and stand-up comedian needs counsel to assist her in obtaining a EB-1 Visa. |
Request Info |
24-0976 Pro Bono |
Disputes | Visual Art |
Dispute: Real Estate: Visual Art 24-0976 Ceramic Artist formerly held permanent easement over the roof of a building adjacent to her property for use as emergency exit from her 3rd floor apartments. In an agreement with a developer signed in October 2023, Ceramic Artist relinquished the easement on the condition that the developer construct a code compliant steel fire escape and stairwell system that would be accessible for all units of her building. Developer submitted code compliant drawings for fire escape system several months ago, but the building’s power utility moved Ceramic Artist’s gas meters without her consent, rendering the original, agreed upon design impossible. Developer then submitted secondary plans for a spiral staircase, which Ceramic Artist opposes, citing safety concerns for daily use for anyone with mobility or balance issues. Ceramic Artist needs counsel to help evaluate their rights and, if appropriate, compel the Developer to construct a more appropriate fire escape. |
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24-0955 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Trademark Protection, Copyright Protection/Licensing | Film/TV |
Evaluation: Chain of Title: Film 24-0955 Filmmaker has been producing a film for the past 13 years and is currently completing the finishing touches. He needs counsel to evaluate, and help perfect, chain of title. |
Request Info |
24-0903 Pro Bono |
Not for Profit Advice, Estates | Music |
Nonprofit: Planned Giving: Music 24-0903 Non-profit recording studio is developing a new planned giving program and need counsel to develop standard language for prospective donors’ estate planning documents and assistance preparing to accept non-cash gifts. |
Request Info |
24-0884 Pro Bono |
Disputes | Visual Art |
Dispute: Collection: Visual Arts 24-0884 Visual artist was the victim of a scam perpetrated by a commercial landlord. Previous LCA counsel was able to obtain a judgment in her favor for the full amount of damages. She now needs counsel to help enforce the judgment. |
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24-0789 Pro Bono |
Disputes | Literature |
Dispute: Publishing Account Access: Literature 24-0789 Children’s book author set up a self-publishing account with a large online book distributor more than 10 years ago. They are no longer able to access the account, as they no longer have access to the original phone number on file. They need counsel to communicate with the distributor and regain access to the account. |
Request Info |
24-0637 Pro Bono |
Personal Injury/Damage to Property | Visual Art |
Dispute: Visual Artists Rights Act: Mosaic 24-0637 Nonprofit visual arts school specializing in mosaic art rents operates a physical location with a back patio/parking lot. This area shares a fence with the restaurant next door. The school and restaurant are tenants of the same landlord, and the shared fence is a common feature owned and maintained by the landlord. The school installed three mosaic works on their side of the fence with the permission of the landlord. Recently, the restaurant decided to expand portions of their back patio area, and, without permission from the school or landlord, instructed contractors to cut portions of the fence as part of this expansion, including portions of the fence where the mosaics were hung. The contractors cut off sections of two of the three mosaics. The school needs counsel to help evaluate a claim under the Visual Artists Rights Act, or any other form of appropriate recourse, and, if appropriate, assist with recovery of damages. |
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24-0617 Pro Bono |
Copyright Protection/Licensing | Film/TV |
Content Clearance: Attorney Opinion Letter: Film 24-0617 Producer of a documentary about a local martial artist needs an Attorney Opinion Letter to support their application for errors and omissions insurance. |
Request Info |
24-0312 Pro Bono |
Trademark Protection, Estates | Literature |
Estate Planning: Visual Art/Literature 24-0312 Artist and writer needs counsel to help develop an estate plan that addresses her artistic and literary legacy. |
Request Info |
24-0269 Pro Bono |
Disputes | Performance Art |
Dispute: Breach of Contract Defense: Performance Art 24-0269 Artist used to volunteer for a nonprofit organization that celebrates Mongolian heritage. In 2022, she signed a contract with a performance venue on behalf of the nonprofit for a holiday celebration organized by the nonprofit and several other individuals. After disputes amongst the organizers, the event ended and the cash proceeds were split amongst the individual organizers. The nonprofit failed to pay the amount owed to the venue. The venue filed suit against the nonprofit and the Artist for breach of contract. The Artist was never served, all notices were sent to the registered address of the nonprofit. A default judgement was entered in February 2023. Artist was not notified of the situation until February 2024. They need counsel to help defend against this suit. |
Request Info |