Business Details
50 Years
experience
Legal Support for Artists in Washington State
Founded in 1976, Washington Lawyers for the Arts has dedicated over four decades to bridging the gap between legal resources and the arts community in Washington state. Our organization was established to address the unique legal challenges faced by artists and arts organizations, creating a network of legal professionals committed to preserving creative expression. Through our legal clinics, we provide direct one-on-one consultations where artists receive tailored advice on intellectual property, contracts, and other critical legal matters. Our educational workshops offer in-depth exploration of legal issues affecting the arts sector, led by experts in relevant fields. We maintain a comprehensive attorney referral system connecting artists with specialized legal representation beyond initial consultations.Our board comprises legal professionals with deep ties to the arts community, ensuring our services remain aligned with creative needs. We collaborate with local arts organizations to expand access to legal education and resources. Our volunteer network includes attorneys, artists, and community advocates who share our mission of protecting artistic expression. We have maintained continuous operations since our founding, adapting to evolving legal landscapes while preserving our core commitment to the arts. Our work has supported thousands of artists across all disciplines, fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem in Washington state.
Services
Legal Clinics
Workshops
Legal Referrals
Copyright Guidance
Contract Review
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience supporting artists with legal matters.
- Our board includes attorneys with direct experience in arts-related legal issues.
- We offer specialized legal clinics tailored to artists' unique needs.
- Our volunteer network connects artists with pro bono legal professionals.
- We maintain partnerships with local arts organizations across Washington state.
Services
Legal Clinics
Our legal clinics provide 30-minute appointments with experienced attorneys specializing in arts-related legal matters. Artists receive personalized guidance on intellectual property protection, contract disputes, and business formation. These sessions offer practical solutions for navigating legal challenges in creative professions.
Workshops
We conduct in-depth workshops covering critical legal topics for artists and arts organizations. Sessions explore copyright law, licensing agreements, and nonprofit governance with expert-led discussions. Participants gain actionable knowledge to protect their creative work and professional interests.
Legal Referrals
Our referral service connects artists with qualified attorneys for extended legal representation. We maintain a network of specialists in entertainment law, intellectual property, and arts-related litigation. This service ensures continued legal support beyond initial consultations.
People
Rebecca Lanctot
Chair
Chair of Washington Lawyers for the Arts, Rebecca Lanctot has served on Amazon's legal team since 2017, supporting research and development for Amazon Web Services and Prime Video. She previously worked as in-house counsel at Insight Editions, a boutique book publisher in California, and was an active member of California Lawyers for the Arts. She holds a JD from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and an MBA from the University of North Dakota.
Luis Adan Jimenez
Board Member
Luis Adan Jimenez specializes in copyright law for artists. Previously worked at Amazon's licensing compliance team and interned at Artists Rights Society. He has extensive experience in intellectual property protection and estate management for artists, combining legal expertise with family ties to the arts community.
Melinda Raebyne
Board Member
Award-winning filmmaker Melinda Raebyne focuses on social justice issues through her work. Recipient of the Right Now Today Humanitarian Award for her film 'Asylum' addressing domestic violence trauma. She mentors emerging filmmakers and creates documentary projects that foster empathy and social connection through personal storytelling.
David Jaquette
Board Member
Senior Corporate Counsel at Microsoft, David Jaquette specializes in advertising, IP, and privacy law. Former trademark attorney with experience in trademark and advertising litigation at international law firms. Combines legal expertise with personal passion for music and the arts, currently playing acoustic guitar.
Lucas S. Michels
Board Member
Lucas S. Michels is a registered U.S. intellectual property attorney with experience in trademark prosecution, copyright management, and IP licensing. He represents clients in state and federal litigation and serves as a copyright agent for online platforms. He frequently authors works on online IP protection and maintains active involvement in arts advocacy.
Questions
What legal services do you offer for artists?
We provide legal clinics, workshops, and attorney referrals covering intellectual property, contracts, and arts-specific legal issues.
How can I schedule a legal consultation?
You can schedule a 30-minute legal clinic appointment through our website or contact form.
Do you offer educational programs for arts organizations?
Yes, we conduct specialized workshops on legal topics relevant to arts organizations and professionals.
Are your services available statewide?
Our services are available to artists and arts organizations throughout Washington state.
How can I get involved with your organization?
You can volunteer, become a member, or join our email list to stay informed about opportunities.
