UCLA To Open Free Law Clinic To Help Documentary Filmmakers

LOS ANGELES, CA — Documentary filmmakers needing assistance in understanding legal issues pertaining to their projects can soon turn to a UCLA School of Law clinic focusing on a wide variety of issues, including contracts, intellectual property, licensing and the First Amendment, it was announced Tuesday.

Taking advantage of UCLA Law's location in the heart of the moviemaking industry, the Documentary Film Legal Clinic will provide pro bono services to clients needing help with legal issues. The clinic, set to open in UCLA Law's spring 2018 semester, will include 14 second- and third-year students, working under the guidance of two experienced attorneys.

Dale Cohen, special counsel to the PBS documentary series "Frontline" and co-author of one of the field's preeminent texts, "Media and the Law," will direct the clinic, which is part of UCLA Law's Ziffren Center for Media, Entertainment, Technology and Sports Law.

UCLA Law alumni work as attorneys and executives at the highest levels throughout all areas of the movie business, and the school has held the No. 1 position on the Hollywood Reporter's ranking of the nation's top entertainment law programs since 2014.

"Given its geographic location in Los Angeles and status in the industry, UCLA Law is the perfect place to house a clinic specializing in the legal aspects of documentary production," Cohen said. "Through the clinic, independent filmmakers will get top-notch legal guidance, and students will work side-by-side with these journalists and artists, learning about the filmmaking process and helping to tell stories that are increasingly important to our democracy."

In the past year, UCLA Law has opened new clinics in immigration policy, human rights and services for veterans. In addition to documentary film, the school plans to launch clinics in immigration advocacy and music law in the coming year.

"Documentary films identify important issues of social justice and cultural change, and they are a proving ground for talented artists and storytellers," said Dean Jennifer L. Mnookin. "This program will propel emerging filmmakers and train the next generation of great media and entertainment lawyers."

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock