Contracts are notorious for being written in an obscure language, otherwise known as “legalese.” However, contracts are the backbone of professional collaboration and can truly make or break your success as a freelancer or business owner. Whether you’re signing a contract or delivering one, there are some common components that every creative should be looking for and know how to decipher. We will dissect the basic elements of a standard contract so you can be better informed and protected.

This interactive workshop will be led by Dave Ratner from Creative Law Network.

Speaker Bio:

Dave Ratner

It isn’t often that you run into a band manager turned lawyer. But that’s Dave Ratner. During his career in the music and entertainment business as a tour manager, publicist, band manager and founder of his own management agency, Dave learned first-hand the important legal considerations and challenges creative professionals face – whether they’re musicians, painters, poets, app developers, videographers, or any other creative professional.

Dave channeled his passion for music – and all creative arts – into Creative Law Network, a law firm built specifically for creative professionals. With a portfolio of clients who are not only traditional artists, but also creative individuals and entities, Dave advises both creative and general business clients on all aspects of intellectual property and business law.

Dave has been one of 5280’s Top Lawyers for Entertainment Law since the magazine began publishing its list of top lawyers and has been named both Client’s Best and Barrister’s Best Entertainment Lawyer by Law Week Colorado. Dave is a graduate of Cornell University and the University of Denver College of Law. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver College of Law, Chair of the Entertainment & Sports Section of the Colorado Bar Association, Advisory Committee Chair of Colorado Attorneys for the Arts, on the Board of Swallow Hill and the Center for Visual Art, and a graduate of both Leadership Denver and Leadership Arts.

Meredith Badler

Meredith (she/her/hers) has been at Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) since July 2013 and enjoys making a positive impact through creativity and community partnerships every single day. Meredith oversees all of CBCA’s programs, including the Leadership Arts leadership development program and alumni activities, Colorado Attorneys for the Arts' pro bono legal referral service and workshops, monthly cultural events for CBCA members, quarterly Arts + Industry Forums, the annual Business for the Arts Awards and the biennial Economic Activity Study of Metro Denver Culture. She also manages CBCA’s social media communications. Formerly, Meredith worked as a strategy consultant for the nonprofit and public sector at Corona Insights and in patron services for Curious Theatre Company. She received a B.A. in Comparative Literature and French Studies from Smith College. You can chuckle at her on stage at the Bovine Metropolis Theater and other local venues where she performs long-form improv comedy.

About CBCA’s Colorado Attorneys for the Arts program:

CBCA advances Colorado’s creative economy by connecting business and the arts. Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA), a CBCA program, is a pro bono legal referral service connecting limited-income artists and creative entities to volunteer attorneys.

Links:

Creative Law Network:

• https://www.creativelawnetwork.com
• https://www.facebook.com/creativelawnetwork/
• https://www.instagram.com/creativelawnetwork/

CBCA:

• https://cbca.org/
• https://www.instagram.com/_cbca_/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/colorado-business-committee-for-the-arts-cbca-/
• https://www.facebook.com/Colorado-Business-Committee-for-the-Arts-CBCA-46610606328/

CAFTA:

• https://cbca.org/colorado-attorneys-for-the-arts/
• https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoAttorneysForTheArts/