Media Arts Lawyers launches Pro Bono Initiative for sexual harassment cases

Media Arts Lawyers is stepping up its support for survivors of harassment and assault in the creative industries.

The Melbourne-based law firm launches the WXIM Pro Bono Initiative, which provides legal advice to WXIM in the creative industries at no cost on civil matters related to sexual assault, sexual misconduct, harassment or intimidation.

Announced today (12th August), the initiative pledges legal support to female, female identifying, non-binary and gender non-conforming artists and music, film and creative industry professionals.

Media Arts Lawyers

According to a statement, Media Arts Lawyers’ “powerhouse” female legals are offering free half-hour phone consultations on any legal issues on employment, copyright and other IP issues, defamation, contract law, and related fields.

The initiative, however, is unable to provide advice on criminal matters.

For more, email probono@mediaartslawyers.com with your name, a short description of your issue and the name of the other person or company involved, all of which is which is kept confidential.

Boasting partners David Vodicka, Stephen King and Julian Hewitt, Media Arts Lawyers is one of the best-known boutique entertainment law firms in Australia and New Zealand.

Over its 20-year-plus history, the enterprise has represented the likes of Courtney Barnett, Flume, Gotye, Tame Impala, Kylie Minogue, Daniel Johns, AIR, IMNZ, MMF New Zealand, and many more.

Don’t Be That Guy

Media Arts Lawyers’ Pro Bono pledge follows on the heels of the Music Industry Collaborative Commitment, a shareable tool and resource for artists to use as they enter into one-to-one situations with collaborators or potential business partners.

The ‘Don’t Be That Guy‘ campaign was designed with the “acknowledgement that there are systemic and harmful power imbalances within the music industry, and a commitment to help create change,” a statement reads, and it comes after a raft of Australian artists and industry professionals came forward to share their own experiences of being subjected to sexual assault and harassment.

Three years ago, a line-up of industry leader launched Your Choice, a campaign to end sexual assault and anti-social conduct at concerts and festivals.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.