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What is Arts Arbitration and Mediation Services (AAMS)?

AAMS, a program of California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA), has provided alternative dispute resolution to artists and entertainers since 1980. It was the first alternative dispute resolution program in the country to specifically tailor its services for the arts and entertainment communities, as a natural extension of the organization's mission to provide preventative education and appropriate means of self help for artists, who often become involved in business arrangements without being fully informed of the legal consequences. Recurring themes include the emotional issues involved with the content of artistic work, credit for work performed and the factors contributing to the production of the work. 

What type of services does AAMS provide?

• Mediation
• Arbitration
• Counseling
• Conciliation
• Meeting Facilitation
• Training

What kind of disputes does it mediate?
While disputes with AAMS are generally arts-related, the organization's volunteer mediators have helped parties resolve many types of disputes, including:

• Intellectual Property: Trademark, Copyright Ownership, Trade Secret
• Payment or Credit for Work Provided/Performed
• Damaged Artwork or Return of Artwork
• Collaboration or Partnership 
• Contract or Fee Collection 
• Landlord-Tenant and Real Estate
• Family Law, Co-Parenting, and Separation Issues
• Neighbor Disputes
• Barking Dogs

Please Note: AAMS staff are neutral and cannot give legal advice.  Also, they cannot review completed arbitration forms for accuracy. If you wish to arrange a consultation with an attorney, you may contact the Lawyer Referral Service of California Lawyers for the Arts at 888-775-8995.