Menu
Log in
Forgot password


Member Legal Services
Entcounsel Law Firm

How the service works and who you're working with

This guide walks you through the process from start to finish, so you know exactly what to expect before you submit a request. Member Legal Services is designed to be accessible, transparent, and built around the realities of an artist's practice.

This service is currently in its pilot phase; your experience will help shape what it becomes.

Your path through the service
1
Sign up, renew, or confirm your membership
Member Legal Services is available exclusively to CARFAC Ontario members. If you're not yet a member, join here — membership starts at $25/quarter. Already a member? Log in to confirm your status.
Required first step
2
Attend a free info session (optional but recommended)
Drop-in virtual legal community clinics are free for all members and offer general legal information and summary advice — a great way to get oriented before submitting a request.
Upcoming sessions:
May 28 — Drop-In / Info Session  ·  Link will be available soon
Free *Available for non-memebrs for the launch period
3
Review the Fees list in the member portal
Once logged in, you can view the full Fees list — special rates available exclusively to CARFAC Ontario members. Rates are provided to help you plan; every case receives a tailored quote.
A note on fees: We prioritize value-based billing. It will not always be hourly — whenever possible we will provide fixed rates. We will work with you to get creative with financing your legal needs and are open to discussing group legal consultations with shared fees, payment instalment plans, and accommodating your specific financial needs.

Not a member yet? Reach out here and we can schedule a time to chat, or attend one of our information sessions.
Members only
4
Submit your intake request
Submit your request through Entcounsel's secure intake portal. You'll be asked to describe your situation and what kind of help you need. Have your CARFAC member number ready — you can find it in your member profile or on the fees page.
Identity verification: The Law Society of Ontario requires lawyers to verify your identity before services begin. This is handled securely through Stripe Identity. A valid government-issued photo ID is required.
5
Vandana reviews your request
Your request is reviewed by Vandana Taxali at Entcounsel. She'll assess what you need and confirm whether the service is the right fit. If it falls outside the scope of the pilot, you'll be directed to appropriate referrals or self-help resources.
6
Receive your quote and confirm
You'll receive a confirmation of the matter, service options, and a quote. Review it, ask any questions, and confirm when you're ready to proceed.
7
Sign, pay, and get started
Once you accept, you'll sign the CARFAC Member Legal Services Agreement and an Engagement Letter. Payment is processed securely via Stripe. After that — work begins.
What you'll sign:
→ CARFAC Member Legal Services Agreement
→ Sample Engagement Letter

Payment: Processed via Stripe. Invoice issued through the Entcounsel portal.

Important information

Associate and Institutional Members

Associate and Institutional members of CARFAC Ontario can access legal services at special CARFAC rates. All services provided are informed by, and consistent with, guidelines developed by CARFAC to benefit visual artists in Canada, including the CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule, and the Ontario Status of the Artist Action. For more information, please see the CARFAC Member Legal Services Agreement – Standards and Conflicts, Clause 13.

Conflict of Interest

The CARFAC Member Legal Services Program offers support for both individual artists and the individuals and organizations that engage them. If a conflict of interest arises between an artist member and an associate or institutional member, Entcounsel will prioritize the artist and decline to represent the associate/institutional member. For more information, please see the CARFAC Member Legal Services Agreement – Conflicts of Interest and Joint Representation, Clause 14.

What to expect along the way

  • Clear communication at every stage
  • A tailored quote before any work begins
  • Special rates exclusive to CARFAC members
  • Secure digital identity verification via Stripe
  • Non-litigation services only (see FAQ for scope)
  • Referrals provided if your need is out of scope
  • Feedback welcomed — this is a pilot program
  • Support from CARFAC Ontario throughout
Your legal counsel
Vandana Taxali
Founder, Entcounsel Law Firm
Vandana Taxali
IP Lawyer · Art-Tech Entrepreneur · entcounsel.com
Vandana Taxali is a lawyer for creators, startups, and businesses — practicing in intellectual property, contracts, licensing, business law, and emerging technology. She is the founder of Entcounsel Law Firm, a virtual law firm built for the creative industries.

Vandana works at the intersection of art, digital media, IP law, AI, and innovative technologies. With degrees in both Canadian and American law, she has navigated the complex landscapes of blockchain, AI, VR, and the metaverse within the creative industries — advocating for creator rights and pioneering IP protection strategies in the digital space.

She is the founder of Artcryption, an art-tech-law platform that combines innovative technology to safeguard and monetize creative assets. She also works as an art agent and lawyer, curating exhibitions, facilitating brand collaborations, and managing international gallery exhibitions. Notable clients and projects include Harry Rosen, Royal Canadian Mint, Old Navy, Freed Developments, and Nike.

Vandana holds a law certificate from Christie's Auction House and is a certified art arbitrator with the International Court of Art at The Hague. She is an active participant in the Standard Council of Canada's blockchain committee and the Art Identity Standard (AIS) NFT Working Group, and a startup mentor for accelerators including FuelArts and the Fineline Accelerator supported by OCAD University.

Intellectual Property Copyright Contracts & Licensing Business Law AI & Emerging Tech NFTs & Web3 Artist Rights Dispute Resolution
Recent initiatives & events
  • Brampton Arts Organization x ALAS Ontario: Creative Ownership in the Age of AI
  • CARFAC Ontario x ALAS Ontario: Artist Legal Drop-In — Working with Galleries

Ready to get started?

View the full Fees list and submit your intake request — all in one place.

View Fees & Access Entcounsel →
not sure where to start?

CARFAC Ontario is supported by our members and the following organizations:

          

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software