VLA New York Artists Over Sixty Program

Matthew E. Syken earned a JD from Touro Law School before embarking on a career in corporate and finance law that has spanned more than a decade. Outside of his professional life, Matthew Syken has given back to the community through his volunteer efforts with nonprofit groups, such as the New York chapter of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA).

The leading legal-aid organization dedicated to arts and artists, VLA offers free and low-cost legal services to artists in a range of disciplines, including painters, video-game designers, filmmakers, and poets. In addition to these services, the organization hosts regularly scheduled classes and workshops on arts-specific topics, such as contracts and creating a nonprofit group.

VLA also maintains several programs targeting special populations within the artist community. Among these is the Artist Over Sixty initiative, which helps older artists navigate age-related issues such as trusts, wills, and estate law, as well as general legal guidance. All Artists Over Sixty participants receive a free initial consultation with VLA volunteers, which is followed up with pro bono work.

Additionally, VLA offers Artists Over Sixty participants discounted classes, access to legal clinics at partner law firms, and unlimited free legal consultations for those who meet income guidelines. To learn more about the VLA Artists Over Sixty program, please visit vlany.org/artists-over-sixty.

OCBJ Awards Recognize General Counsel Contributions

Matthew E. Syken serves as the general counsel and chief legal officer of Parex USA, where he holds the responsibility of overseeing international trade compliances, real estate holdings, and national and international securities. A legal professional with more than a decade of experience, Matthew Syken received a nomination for the Orange County Business Journal’s (OCBJ) 2017 General Counsel Awards. 

OCBJ’s General Counsel Awards celebrate the contributions of general counsels in the business community and the role they play in achieving success. The annual program provides awards in four categories: General Counsel of Public Company, General Counsel Privately Held Company, Specialty Counsel, and In-House Legal Team. The Specialty Counsel Award recognizes an attorney who focuses on a certain area of law, and the In-House Legal Team applies to teams with two or more members. 

General counsel professionals and legal teams must receive a nomination to win an OCBJ Award and subsequently consent to participation in the award program. OCBJ releases nominee finalists in a special General Counsel Advertising Supplement and announces the winners at an awards dinner.

ACC Mid-Year Meeting Advances Professional Skills

Parex USA general counsel and chief legal officer Matthew E. Syken brings more than a decade of legal experience to the position, managing the company’s legal and compliance departments. Matthew Syken belongs to the Association of Corporate Counsels (ACC), which will host its 2018 ACC Mid-Year Meeting in April.

The ACC Mid-Year Meeting explores the changing legal landscape and the role of in-house counsels, presenting attendees with the necessary knowledge and insight to become respected business advisors. From mergers and acquisitions to contracts and business training, the meeting addresses critical topics for professional advancement in the field. Programming combines innovative learning tracks with engaging spaces to help attendees align their education with their specific needs and interests.

Attendees will also receive the chance to participate in Xchange, an interactive scene that offers a variety of networking and learning opportunities. Xchange sessions take place between the morning and afternoon sessions, during which time attendees can network with others, engage in roundtable discussions, and listen to TED-style talks. Additionally, attendees can join learning groups to talk about concerns, questions, and topics of interest.

Registration rates for the meeting covers written materials, courses, and scheduled meals and receptions, although prior sign-up is required for some events. Attendees must arrange their own travel and housing. The 2018 ACC Mid-Year Meeting will take place April 22-24 in Washington, DC.