Quick Tip: How to Find a Good, Affordable Lawyer for Your Art Business

You never know when you might need a lawyer - or especially when you need urgent legal advice for your art business. So it's a good idea to have a name and a card handy so you can call someone when the need arises.

Try these three tips to find the right lawyer:

1. Ask for referrals

The best place to start is with your network. Seek references and talk to other artists, business people in the community, and neighbors. Many lawyers talk to artists for free to make sure they're a good fit.

2. Visit non-profit arts organizations.

Another way to find a good lawyer and get a referral is to use connections with non-profit organizations. Many artists participate in non-profit organizations or sit on the boards of non-profit organizations. This means they have access to people who are willing to help members of non-profit organizations. Nonprofits are a great resource to find someone at a good price.

3. Work for free

Many lawyers work pro bono to some extent or offer reduced rates on cases that interest them. It is part of the ethical principles of a lawyer that he or she does a certain amount of work for free. This is useful for most artists, especially emerging artists with low margins who cannot afford to pay the full cost of a lawyer.

Still not sure if you need a lawyer? Verify .