Legal Assistance for Artists
There are several avenues for artists to receive legal
assistance. Most of these services are based on one's income level (like how
free health care is determined in MA.
General legal services
Volunteer Lawyers
for The Arts (MA) aka VLA (617) 350-7600.
This organization provides free and reduced fee legal services and educational
programs to Massachusetts artists and cultural organizations (it is actually
income/ need based - ie determined by one's income level).
ACLU- American Civil
Liberties Union
Boston chapter (617) 482-3170.
Try your local ACLU if you don't have a VLA in your area.
Women's Bar Association
of Massachusetts (WBA)
18 Tremont Street, Suite 730, Boston MA 02108 617-973-6666
This organization does some probono work for women in need of legal assistance
who can not afford it. If they can not help, they might be able to help locate
other legal assistance programs/organizations.
Legal services for health care related issues
Both the VLA and the WBA might be worth contacting but
the two following agencies are set up for this kind of support.
Health Care For All
30 Winter Street Boston, MA 02108 (617) 350-7279
This is a Massachusetts health care advocacy group especially for those who
are not insured. They also have an incredible WEB site, as well as legal help
for the uninsured. Their need based legal help is much more encompassing (ie
300% of the federal poverty line), thus more folks can qualify for free legal
help.
Massachusetts Coalition
for Occupational Safety and Health
MassCOSH, 12 Southern Ave. Dorchester, AM 02124 phone 617-825-7233
This organization has info on legal rights to a safe workplace, referrals
to attorneys, and other agencies.
