Local service organizations to provide legal counsel and advice to artists

Tuesday, April 3, 2007 WRITER: Katie Nolan, kan71883@uga.edu/Darren Rowles, drowles@uga.com CONTACT: Alexander Scherr, 706/542-5213, scherr@uga.edu; Katie Nolan, kan71883@uga.edu; Darren Rowles, drowles@uga.com; Linda Phillips, 706/227-1515, linda@nuci.org; Will Kiser, 706/227-1515, will@nuci.org Local service organizations to provide legal counsel and advice to artists ATHENS, Ga. - Nuci\u27s Space and the Public Interest Project at the University of Georgia School of Law are collaborating to bring free legal information to the local music and arts communities. Local artists who cannot afford an attorney can now get consultation, advice and referrals on legal questions. The Public Interest Project is part of the School of Law. PIP\u27s mission is to help people in the local community who cannot afford attorneys. Working with legal supervision, law students provide legal consultation and education to clients located in Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties. PIP students can talk with clients about a variety of legal topics including housing, families, consumer debt, benefits and health care. PIP does not take cases to court but, where possible, can provide referrals. Nuci\u27s Space is a nonprofit resource/support center dedicated to promoting the emotional, physical and occupational well-being of the music community. The organization provides an array of services to musicians and local artists, from affordable practice space to psychological and career counseling. PIP and Nuci\u27s Space have decided to join forces in an effort to help local artists. Inspired by Georgia Lawyers for the Arts, which provides advice and education to artists and arts organizations throughout Georgia, this new service should complement those already available to artists and musicians. Where possible, PIP students will provide information, informal advocacy and referral services to artists and musicians who cannot afford attorneys. Initial client meetings will be held at Nuci\u27s Space or at the Public Interest Project office located on the UGA campus at the prospective client\u27s convenience. All consultation with PIP will be kept confidential. Informational pamphlets are available at Nuci\u27s Space, located in Athens at 396 Oconee St. Interested members of the public may call the PIP office at (706) 542-5213 for more information or to set up an appointment. Callers are asked to identify themselves as potential clients of the Nuci\u27s Space project. #