Case List
To learn more about any of the matters on our current Case List, contact our Associate Director of Legal Services, Christopher Johnson.
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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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
22-0729 Pro Bono |
Other | Theater |
Business Licensing: Comedy 22-0729 Improv theater needs counsel to assist with the Chicago business licensing process. |
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22-0743 Pro Bono |
Contracts | Film/TV |
Contract Drafting: Producer Agreement: Film 22-0743 Client has been hired to serve as a producer on an upcoming documentary and needs counsel to draft a contract with the filmmaker to memorialize the agreement. |
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22-0763 Pro Bono |
Contracts | Visual Art |
Contract Drafting: Teaching Artist Agreement: Visual Arts 22-0763 Teaching artist has been hired to teach classes at a family support center and needs counsel to draft a teaching artist agreement to memorialize terms. |
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22-0494 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate, Contracts | Music |
Contract Review / Drafting: Catalog Agreement: Music 22-0494 DJ has started a company to administer the rights for DJ mixes. He has a broad Catalog Agreement, but he needs counsel to review the contract and adapt it to license/administer limited rights - mechanical, master use, and derivative works. |
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22-0770 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate, Landlord-Tenant | Performance Art, Theater |
Contract Review: Commercial Lease: Theatre 22-0770 Suburban community theatre company is planning to enter into a long-term lease for their performance space. They need counsel to review the agreement and assist with any necessary negotiations. |
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22-0775 Pro Bono |
Contracts | Music |
Contract Review: Producer Agreement: Music 22-0775 Musician and producer has been offered a Producer Agreement from a local production studio and needs counsel to review the agreement. |
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22-0582 Pro Bono |
Employment, Disputes | Music, Performance Art |
Contract Review: Separation Agreement: Literature 22-0582 Client, a classically trained vocalist, was recently terminated by a literary publishing company. She needs counsel to review the separation agreement and evaluate her rights. |
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22-0712 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement, Copyright Protection/Licensing | Other, Visual Art |
Copyright Clearance & Protection: Digital Art 22-0712 Digital artist and designer is developing a line of original 3D printable gaming models influenced and inspired by a line of miniatures released during the 90s and 00s. Artist needs counsel to evaluate whether his designs infringe on the earlier miniatures and advise on best practices for protecting his original works. |
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22-0713 Pro Bono |
Copyright Protection/Licensing | Other |
Copyright Registration: Board Game 22-0713 Organization focused on raising awareness for social justice needs counsel to help them obtain copyright registration for an online discussion board game they have developed that addresses impactful issues related to discrimination and inclusion. |
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22-0579 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Other | Music |
Dispute: Breach of Contract: Consignment Agreement 22-0579 Client consigned an extremely valuable violin to a violin dealer. Pursuant to the consignment agreement, client attempted to terminate the agreement. Dealer has not returned the violin or paid the client proceeds from any sale. Violin is insured, but insurer refuses to pay. Client needs counsel to help evaluate any claim for breach of contract, assist with the recovery of the violin, or assist with the insurance claim. |
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22-0362 Pro Bono |
Disputes | Literature, Visual Art |
Dispute: Breach of Contract: Literature 22-0362 Client is a visual artist and author. She has taken classes from a local writing school for many years. In the most recent session, she submitted a late payment, and the school expelled her. Client is seeking the return of the submitted payment. |
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22-0685 Pro Bono |
Contracts | Performance Art |
Dispute: Breach of Contract: Music 22-0685 Musician was booked to perform at a local venue. Venue cancelled the performance in violation of the signed agreement. Musician incurred expenses in reliance on the contract and needs counsel to evaluate a claim for damages. |
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22-0669 Paying |
Disputes | Visual Art |
Dispute: Breach of Contract: Visual Art 22-0669 Graphic designer was hired to design several issues of a magazine without a formal agreement. Designer completed work on 3 issues, but due to difficulties in the working relationship and ability to obtain payment, terminated the arrangement. Magazine has failed to complete payment for services rendered and has demanded that designer turn over all source files for the work completed. Designer needs counsel to assist with recovery of fees for services rendered and advise on her rights and obligations with regard to completed work. |
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22-0001 Pro Bono |
Landlord-Tenant | Visual Art |
Dispute: Commercial Eviction: Visual Art 22-0001 Visual artist has had a commercial lease on studio space for several years. Prior to the pandemic, he fell behind on rent. The lease eventually expired, but artist continued occupying the space and making attempts to pay off the amounts owed. Now, the landlord has served the artist with eviction paperwork, and the artist needs counsel to evaluate his case and advise as to his options. |
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22-0527 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement | Other |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Audio Documentary 22-0527 Documentarian produced an audio documentary about UFOs in the 70s. Someone has made the documentary available online without compensating the rightsholders. Documentarian needs counsel to help evaluate a claim for copyright infringement. |
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22-0215 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement | Music |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Music 22-0215 Client is a rapper who tells stories about the realities of living in Chicago. Client released a song and related music video in 2012. Several times throughout the last few years, another performer has posted music and videos online of a new song that uses the client's lyrics. Client needs counsel to help evaluate a claim for copyright infringement. |
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22-0455 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement | Music |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Music 22-0455 TIME SENSITIVE MATTER: Recording artist wrote, recorded, and copyrighted a song in 2017. Shortly afterwards, he sent a copy of the song to a well known music producer and artist. A year later, the producer and artist released a song with many similar elements, including title, chord structure, rhythm, and lyrics. Client is involved in ongoing copyright infringement litigation in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois over this dispute. Previous counsel had to withdraw and artist is seeking representation for the ongoing litigation. |
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22-0474 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement | Music |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Music 22-0474 Client is a songwriter and musician who separated from his band in 2019. Client wrote and registered copyright in 6 musical compositions that were performed by the band. The lead singer subsequently registered copyright in the same songs under different titles. Client wishes to challenge the lead singer's copyright registration and needs counsel to help evaluate a claim for copyright infringement. |
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22-0507 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement | Music |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Music 22-0507 DJ and composer client wrote and published song in 2014. Over the last several years, another company has been using a sample of the original sound recording in their releases. Client has filed several DMCA notices, and has received at least one counternotice. Client needs counsel to help evaluate a claim for copyright infringement. |
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22-0608 Pro Bono |
Copyright Infringement | Visual Art |
Dispute: Copyright Infringement: Visual Art 22-0608 Visual artist working on canvas recently discovered that prints of his artwork are listed for sale on a Russian website without his permission. He needs counsel to evaluate a claim for copyright infringement. |
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22-0585 Pro Bono |
Personal Injury/Damage to Property | Film/TV |
Dispute: Damage to Property: Visual Art 22-0585 Filmmaker hired an art studio/gallery to digitally reproduce a painting. Studio/gallery allegedly destroyed the painting. Filmmaker needs counsel to help evaluate a claim for conversion |
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22-0156 Pro Bono |
Other | Film/TV |
Dispute: Dissolution of LLC: Film 22-0156 Filmmaker client is a member of a film production LLC that was created to produce a film project about football. Client spent a great deal of his own money on the project and believes that he has not been properly compensated per the operating agreement, and wishes to dissolve the LLC and be made whole. Client needs counsel to review the relevant documents and evaluate his rights, and if appropriate, assist with his exit from, or the dissolution of, the LLC. |
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22-0330 Pro Bono |
Employment, Other | Visual Art |
Dispute: Employment Discrimination: Visual Art 22-0330 Visual artist was recently fired from a teaching position with a local art school. He believes he has a claim for race-based employment discrimination and needs counsel to evaluate his claim. |
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22-0699 Pro Bono |
Employment | Other |
Dispute: Employment: Arts Organization 22-0699 Former employee of a nonprofit organization that manages an artist retreat was repeatedly mistreated by her employer. She reported this treatment to the board and eventually resigned, and needs counsel to evaluate a claim of constructive discharge. |
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22-0467 Pro Bono |
Employment, Not for Profit Advice | Visual Art |
Dispute: Employment: Unemployment Contributions 22-0467 Nonprofit that provides social and emotional learning programming for schools was recently informed by the IDES that they are now required to contribute to the unemployment fund. Nonprofit filed an appeal and needs counsel to evaluate their current status and obligations, and provide advice going forward. |
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22-0739 Pro Bono |
Landlord-Tenant | Performance Art |
Dispute: Landlord-Tenant: Performing Arts 22-0739 Circus performer signed a lease for an apartment. Lease included rules for on-site laundry facilities. After the lease was signed, landlord disclosed more restrictive rules regarding the use of the on-site laundry facilities. Client would not have signed the lease if those rules had been disclosed earlier. Client notified landlord that she was breaking the lease and needs counsel to advise on her rights and obligations going forward. |
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22-0715 Pro Bono |
Contracts, Disputes | Music |
Dispute: Nonprofit Governance: Performing Arts 22-0715 Membership of a nonprofit performing arts organization needs counsel to evaluate their rights in the wake of a board vote to amend the bylaws of the organization to take away the right of the members to elect the organization's board of directors. |
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22-0697 | Disputes, Not for Profit Advice | Performance Art |
Dispute: Nonprofit: Governance 22-0697 Employees of nonprofit organization need legal advice regarding potential liability arising from ongoing corporate governance issues. |
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22-0098 Pro Bono |
Other | Literature |
Dispute: Tax: Comics 22-0098 Client is a renown comic book artist and author. Her publisher has classified her as an employee, and as a result, there is some confusion as to her filing status with the IRS. Client has not paid taxes in several years. Client needs counsel to evaluate her rights and liabilities. |
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22-0605 Pro Bono |
Trademark Infringement | Film/TV |
Dispute: Trademark Infringement: Film/TV 22-0605 Client is a chef and musician who creates and publishes cooking/music videos on YouTube and other social media sites. He has two registered trademarks. He recently discovered that a competitor is using the same name. He needs counsel to help evaluate a claim for infringement. |
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22-0771 Pro Bono |
Trademark Infringement | Music, Performance Art |
Dispute: Trademark Infringement: Music 22-0771 Musician registered the trademark in his stage name several years ago. He recently discovered another artist using the same name and needs counsel to evaluate a claim for trademark infringement. |
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22-0789 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate, Copyright Protection/Licensing | Other |
Dispute: Trademark Office Action: Culinary Arts 22-0789 Client is starting a business that sells gourmet tea blends inspired by local black artists and musicians. Client applied for a trademark in the name of the company and has received an Office Action refusing registration due to likelihood of confusion. Client needs counsel to help respond to the Office Action. |
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21-1168 Pro Bono |
Visa and Immigration, Not for Profit Advice | Dance |
Immigration: Dance Company 21-1168 Established Chicago dance company is starting a year long training program and has received inquiries of participation from international students. Company wants to accept these students and believes they need to obtain status as an SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved school. Company needs counsel to advise and assist them in this process. |
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22-0373 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate | Theater |
NFP: Bylaws: Theatre 22-0373 NFP theatre company that uses stage combat to tell stories that elevate the voices of underrepresented communities needs counsel to review and, if appropriate, update their bylaws. |
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22-0733 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate, Not for Profit Advice | Arts Education, Dance |
NFP: Dance Education 22-0733 Client runs pre-professional dance training program that is currently organized as an Illinois LLC. They require counsel to assist with the process of converting the LLC to an Illinois nonprofit corporation. |
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22-0584 Paying |
Not for Profit Advice | Music |
NFP: Dissolution: Choir 22-0584 Nonprofit choral ensemble is planning to wind down and dissolve the entity and needs advice on the dissolution process and options for distribution of the entity's assets. |
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22-0593 Pro Bono |
Not for Profit Advice | Dance, Other |
NFP: Dissolution: Dance 22-0593 Nonprofit arts history/education organization has begun the process of winding down and dissolving the entity and needs advice on the dissolution process. |
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22-0745 Pro Bono |
Not for Profit Advice | Music |
NFP: Donor Restrictions: Music 22-0745 Nonprofit organization dedicated to making classical music more accessible has been approached by a donor wishing to establish a endowment on the condition that the nonprofit hire the donor's personal investment advisor, who has no prior experience with endowments, to manage the endowment. Nonprofit needs counsel to advise on this opportunity and any associated risks. |
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21-0870 Pro Bono |
Not for Profit Advice | Film/TV |
NFP: Fundraising Regulations 21-0870 Illinois NFP needs help evaluating whether they are permitted or need special licensing to use a Facebook spinning wheel game to facilitate fundraising. |
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22-0717 Pro Bono |
Other, Not for Profit Advice | Film/TV |
Nonprofit Compliance: Film 22-0717 Nonprofit (501(c)(6)) organization that advocates for the Illinois film production community needs general advice and counsel regarding their state and federal compliance requirements. |
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22-0734 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate, Not for Profit Advice | Music |
Nonprofit: Amended Registrations: Music 22-0734 Nonprofit music school was initially incorporated as a religious organization, but no longer operates as such. Nonprofit needs counsel to identify any registrations with the Secretary of State, Illinois Attorney General's Office, or the IRS that will need to be updated to reflect this change in mission. |
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22-0606 Pro Bono |
Disputes, Not for Profit Advice | Arts Education, Performance Art, Visual Art |
Nonprofit: Complaint/Conflict Resolution Procedure: Visual Art 22-0606 Nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting visual artists needs counsel to prepare a complaint/conflict resolution procedure for the artists served by the organization. |
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22-0640 Pro Bono |
Not for Profit Advice | Arts Education, Music |
Nonprofit: Conflict of Interest Policy: Music 22-0640 Pending nonprofit organization is planning to obtain tax-exempt status to raise scholarship funds to pay for music lessons for children provided by a for-profit music school. Organization needs general nonprofit advice and assistance with a conflict of interest policy. |
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22-0790 Pro Bono |
Not for Profit Advice | Music, Theater |
Nonprofit: Dissolution: Theatre 22-0790 Nonprofit theatre company has begun the process of winding down and dissolving the entity and needs advice on the dissolution process and options for distribution of the entity's assets. |
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22-0610 Pro Bono |
Other, Not for Profit Advice | Literature, Non-Profit |
Nonprofit: Governance: Museum 22-0610 Museum focused on a famous local science fiction writer is currently operating as a program of a larger nonprofit organization. Museum needs counsel to advise on this structure, options for the future, and potentially draft an agreement to formalize the arrangement with the larger nonprofit organization. |
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22-0776 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate | Film/TV |
Start-up: Film 22-0776 Filmmaker plans to produce a self-funded film and needs general start-up advice and assistance with LLC formation. |
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22-0603 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate | Visual Art |
Start-up: Photography 22-0603 Collective of Chicago photographers that presents exhibitions and regular meetings would like to create a formal entity and needs counsel to assist with choice of entity and entity formation. |
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22-0604 Pro Bono |
Business Startup/Corporate | Fashion, Visual Art |
Start-up: Visual Arts/Fashion 22-0604 Visual Artist and fashion designer is planning to start a business and needs general start-up advice and help with choice of entity. |
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22-0798 Pro Bono |
Trademark Infringement, Copyright Protection/Licensing | Music |
Trademark Protection: Music 22-0798 Local band has been using a certain band name for 10+ years. They were recently contacted by a band with a similar name that seems to be requesting that the client band refrain from using the name in the future. Client band needs counsel to advise on their rights and potential risks. |
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22-0702 Pro Bono |
Trademark Protection | Film/TV, Visual Art |
Trademark Registration: Film/Photography 22-0702 Photographer/videographer needs counsel to assist with trademark registration for his artist name. |
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22-0701 Pro Bono |
Trademark Protection | Visual Art |
Trademark Registration: Visual Art 22-0701 Parent of talented child artist needs counsel to assist with trademark registration for two word marks representing the the brand/artist names the child artist uses for her work. |
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22-0574 Pro Bono |
Other | Dance |
Vaccine Requirements: Dance 22-0574 Longstanding NFP dance company that presents dance classes needs general advice on requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for students, reasonable accommodations, and related privacy concerns. |
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