Long-time arts union lawyer, Leonard Leibowitz, has been accused of embezzling over $150,000 from the Independent Artists of America, representing about 80 ballet dancers and stage managers. Mr. Leibowitz, a well-known union lawyer in artsy circles, asked for an advance on his retainer in 1997, and it seems he has been writing himself checks ever since. Evidence of a number of forged signatures has also been found. If convicted, Mr. Leibowitz faces up to five years in prison. The Independent Artists, which broke from the larger American Guild of Musical Artists with the help of Mr. Leibowitz in 1994, has returned to the Guild since his embezzlement came to light. They have asked the American Guild to once again represent them.
See "Dance union's lawyer accused of embezzling", Simon Akam, The New York Times, July 14, 2009