California Lawyers for the Arts

California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 to provide legal services to artists and members of the creative community. In 1987, Bay Area Lawyers for the Arts (BALA) merged with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts-Los Angeles (VLA) to form CLA as a statewide organization. CLA offers legal support, alternative dispute resolution, educational programs, and advocates for justice reform. Its mission is to protect and promote artists, while its vision emphasizes the arts as a driver of democratic engagement, innovation, and positive social change.