California Lawyers for the Arts
Legal ServicesCalifornia, United States51-200 Employees
California Lawyers for the Arts is a legal services organization based in San Francisco that supports the creative community through education, representation, and dispute resolution. Its Lawyer Referral Service operates under the authority of the State Bar of California, connecting artists, arts organizations, and others with arts-related legal matters. The organization handles a range of issues including copyright, trademarks, patents, licensing, contract drafting and negotiations, nonprofit questions, landlord/tenant matters, organizational tax, employee and independent contractor issues, as well as mediation and arbitration services. Its client base includes individual creatives and arts nonprofits seeking access to legal expertise tailored to the arts sector. The group positions itself as a facilitator within California's legal services landscape for arts-related needs, with contact points in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. In May 2026, CLA participated in the 18th Annual Artistic License Awards in Santa Monica, reflecting ongoing engagement with the arts community.