Featured Intern: Sarah Cullen

Sarah Cullen is currently enrolled at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Her most recent legal opportunities were as a intern and extern at Wells Kappel (music law firm) and Law Clerk at Levin & Perconti.

Q: How did you first learn about LCA, and what motivated you to apply for an internship with us?
A: I first learned about LCA through my law school’s career services. My motivation to apply stems from a long-standing commitment to supporting the entertainment industry.  While studying Music Business and Live and Performing Arts Management at Columbia College Chicago, I became acutely aware of the injustices that artists often face, which inspired me to go to law school to help address these issues. With a background in music since the age of 13 and experience as a former manager of a comedy club, I have personally witnessed the challenges that artists face. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the unique hurdles that creative individuals encounter and have fueled my passion for pursuing a legal career to help address them. My internship at LCA provided the perfect opportunity to further my goal of providing legal support to artists and other creative individuals.

 

What were your initial expectations when joining LCA, and did anything about the experience surprise you?
I expected to work on typical arts-related issues like copyright and trademark law. What surprised me was the wide range of legal challenges artists face, from property law and employment issues to business organization and contract disputes.

 

Many of our interns come to us with unique backgrounds in the arts. Do you have any personal background or experiences in the arts that you feel have contributed to your time at LCA?
I believe that my background in Music Business and Live and Performing Arts Management, coupled with my experience as a performing musician and working at a comedy club, enabled me to connect with clients on a deeper level. This allowed me to comprehend the specific challenges they encountered and address legal issues with empathy and insight gained from my personal experiences.

 

In what ways has your experience at LCA connected with and enhanced what you’ve been learning in law school? Did you enter LCA with gaining experience in a specific area of law in mind? If so, has your experience influenced or changed your interests? 
I found it very rewarding to apply what I’ve learned in law school, especially in the areas of trademark and copyright law, to real-life cases at LCA. Initially, my goal was to gain experience in these areas, but working with LCA has further solidified my interest in intellectual property law.

 

Discuss the significance of learning about arts law from a practical perspective and how this exposure has added value to your education. Additionally, reflect on your overall experience in a law office setting at LCA – in what ways has this contributed to your professional growth and understanding of legal practice?
Learning about arts law in a practical setting has been invaluable. My time at LCA has enhanced my legal skills through conducting interviews. It was great to interact with clients so much, which provided me with firsthand insight into the challenges they face.

 

Can you share some of your favorite moments or projects from your time with LCA and why they stood out to you?
When I wasn’t conducting intake interviews, I worked on a research project about Copyright and AI. It was fascinating to see how rapidly AI is evolving and how the law is trying to catch up with these changes.

 

What are your plans following the completion of your degree, and do you feel your time at LCA has helped shape these plans? Do you have any intentions of volunteering with LCA after obtaining your degree, and if so, why?
I will be graduating in 2025 from Chicago-Kent with a JD and certificate in IP Law. I am looking for a post-graduate job that involves copyright and trademark, particularly in the arts and entertainment sectors. I am eager to volunteer with LCA after graduation because I am passionate about supporting the arts community and want to continue contributing to their legal needs.

 

Reflect on the broader impact of the work that LCA does in the arts community and share your insights on the organization’s role in shaping the legal landscape for the arts. Additionally, in your opinion, what unique value does an organization like LCA bring to the arts community? Consider your experiences working with clients at LCA and any insights or lessons gained from these interactions.
LCA plays a crucial role in the arts community, providing pro bono legal assistance to creative individuals who face daunting legal barriers. Many artists struggle to access legal support due to financial constraints, and that’s where LCA steps in, transforming lives with its invaluable services. By offering pro bono legal aid, LCA empowers artists to protect their creative endeavors and confidently navigate legal challenges. From my experience working with LCA clients, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that access to legal support can make. LCA’s commitment to supporting artists, regardless of their financial means, underscores its unique value and impact on the arts community.

 

Which TV show, movie, song, or book have you recently finished, and would you recommend it to your peers?
I recently finished Everything You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the music industry and entertainment law.

 

Thank you Sarah for all of your hard work as an intern this quarter! Check the website or follow us on social media for future intern profiles and other exciting content.