AVANT-GARDE LAWYERS
The law should protect you. Never scare you.
ABOUT US
At Avant-Garde Lawyers (AGL), our mission is to ensure that artists can imagine and create freely, without fear of censorship, persecution, or legal challenges. Supported by international organizations such as the United Nations, we provide innovative legal strategies that protect the rights of artists around the world.
The term “avant-garde” originally refers to the vanguard—the forward-thinking pioneers who push boundaries and challenge conventions. At AGL, we embody this spirit by using the full extent of the law to defend artistic expression. Our approach is bold and unconventional, just like the artists we protect. We navigate complex legal issues and develop creative solutions that allow art to continue to inspire, challenge, and transform society.
MEET THE TEAM
Click here to meet the passionate advocates behind Avant-Garde Lawyers.
OUR APPROACH
CULTURAL RIGHTS DEFENDERS
AGL expertly navigates complex legal issues and international instruments to protect creators’ rights across various artistic domains. Partnering with top law firms and legal networks, AGL goes beyond simply matching artists with lawyers. The team analyzes each case, designs a legal strategy, and oversees its implementation from start to finish.
LEGAL ADVOCACY
We collaborate with in-country lawyers worldwide, building a global network based on shared values and trust. Each case contributes to a broader strategy, protecting and expanding the space for creative expression globally.
ARTS UNIQUE ONTOLOGY
We respect and protect the artistic process, ensuring the artist’s intent is accurately represented in court. Each case involves an interdisciplinary team that designs innovative legal strategies to challenge and rethink the legal protection of artistic expression.
PRO BONO CULTURE
Money should never prevent an artist from accessing legal support. At Avant-Garde Lawyers, we are committed to ensuring justice for vulnerable artists. We promote pro bono culture, making legal processes more transparent and accessible to support artists and their work.
“Artists should enjoy greater levels of protections for their contribution to public debate, essential in a free and open society.”
Andra Matei, AGL Founder
WHAT WE DO
- provide specialized legal assistance to artists unable to afford it
- ensure immediate support to at-risk artists by connecting them with local lawyers in our network and oversee the legal work for each case
- for each case, design a legal strategy, build a team to implement it and supervise its execution
- submit third-party interventions before international fora in cases dealing with freedom of artistic expression
- design and deliver tailored courses to lawyers
- maintain and grow our network of pro bono lawyers
- generate exchange and facilitate cooperation between lawyers from different jurisdictions but also between artists and lawyers through our Art Law Forum
OUR MISSION
AGL’s mission is three-fold:
- To ensure strengthened legal protection for artists.
- To promote an increased understanding of the right to freedom of artistic expression.
- To build a community of cultural rights defenders who collaborate together to defend artists’ rights.