Contracts and Documents
I can draft, review or help you negotiate contracts, agreements, releases and other legal documents relating to any aspect of artistic and creative practice. This includes agreements concerning business structures, marketing and brand protection, e-commerce, IP licences, employment and privacy.
Strategy and Planning
Major arts and cultural projects now cross disciplines and platforms and involve layers of stakeholders. I have extensive experience with large multi-disciplinary projects requiring interlocking agreements with many different rights holders. At the initial planning stage, I can assist you to ensure that legal rights are secured, expectations and financial shares are clear and understood, and exit strategies are in place. I advise on digital marketing and delivery, web design and social media issues.
Intellectual Property
I advise clients how intellectual property is created, how to protect it and how to extract value from it. Whether it’s copyright, trademarks, confidential information or artistic moral rights, my approach starts from the foundation principle that creator’s rights should be respected and acknowledged, from within a framework that understands the commercial realities of doing business in the 21st century.
Non-Profit and Governance
I advise incorporated and unincorporated entities as well as executive management and boards on compliance, governance, business structures, and contracting matters. With over 10 years’ experience as a non-executive director on several non-profit boards, I understand the governance and business issues that small arts organisations face.
Indigenous Culture
I have over 10 years’ experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists and the organizations that support and work with them in urban, remote and regional Australia. I have expertise in Indigenous governance and the protection of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. I advise on the design of frameworks for institutions managing collections of cultural significance and creative projects wanting to collaborate with Indigenous culture in a culturally appropriate and respectful way.
Dispute Resolution
As a litigator for over 25 years and a trained mediator, I know that real and lasting solutions to disputes usually lie outside a court room. I understand that artistic integrity has a value even if it can’t always be quantified in dollars. My objective is to help you craft a realistic, practical and cost-effective outcome.
Advocacy
The arts and cultural sector in Australia needs clear and articulate voices speaking passionately to government, policy makers, corporate Australia and influencers. Disruption in the arts means constantly evolving to meet the challenges of a dynamic digital age. I can help you develop an advocacy strategy to pursue your policy agenda including drafting submissions, dealing with media and pursuing test cases.