by Rachel Smith
25 May 2016
I know you’ve talked about contracts before on the blog, but is there somewhere I can go to for free media legal advice or a legal service that won’t cost an arm and a leg? I’m staring down the barrel of a truly ridiculous contract that I can’t possibly sign, but I really want to do the job! J
I love that you asked this question because it’s one I’ve often wondered myself! When I’ve been stuck I’ve gone to lawyer friends of mine hoping for a resolution but it’s such a specific area, I always find lawyers won’t advise you unless they work in that area. So, here are some resources – not all free, but some good starting points for when you need it.
The MEAA
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance offers a range of membership packages including Freelance Pro, which provides you with legal advice on contracts and other issues. However, you must be a MEAA member to access the legal team. In the services section, you’ll also find links to several firms offering discounted legal services or a free first consultation. MEAA membership fees are based on your self-reported income.
The Arts Law Centre of Australia
Free legal advice is available on everything from contracts and copyright to defamation and insurance. You have to submit a legal query by form between 9am Monday and 5pm Thursdays. Queries are dealt with in order (so you may have to wait a couple of weeks for an answer). They will provide either telephone legal advice or a document review via email. Telephone advice may incur a small fee and be between 15-45 minutes long.
Media Arts Lawyers
I chatted to partner Stephen King about how Media Arts Lawyers can help freelancers and he says its lawyers can advise on all areas of media and commercial law including music, film, television and theatre, digital media, design, fashion and the arts, defamation and image rights, intellectual property and trade marks and commercial and corporate matters. “We can offer advice in person, via email or over the phone. There is no waiting list as such but obviously many matters require specific advice and may involve research and so depending on the nature of the matter advice can be given quickly or over a longer period.” Costs can range from $150-450/hour according to the firm’s Costs Disclosure document. King adds: “Each lawyer within the firm has a prescribed hourly rate but we are happy to discuss each individual matter and provide a cost estimate. We are always happy to have a chat on the phone in the first instance.”
Have you sought legal advice on a media / freelance matter? We’d love to hear your experiences.
Depending on what the contract is, also try the Australian Society of Authors (https://www.asauthors.org/contract-assessment) if you’re a member of ASA or your state writing centre. It does contract assessment for literary and other purposes and the cost is between free and $180.
Thanks for that tip Adeline – good to know.