In the courts, an animal and a chair are often valued equally. That's where Fran Ortiz steps in, as she explains in her ALDF blog "What is a Dog's Worth?"

Jonathan Schopf is a trial attorney with the Vincelette Law Firm in Albany, New York, where he represents individual, business and nonprofit clients.

Historically, the law has treated companion animals like replaceable property, worth only their "market value." But things are starting to change, thanks in part to attorneys like David Zaft.

Tara’s impressive history includes working as the CA Director and Legal Coordinator of a wildlife program for Earth Island Institute, clerking for the Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center and for In Defense of Animals, serving as a legislative extern for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and managing the Golden Gate Audubon Society.

Animal law requires hard work, especially in cases that can continue for years. This is why the Animal Legal Defense Fund was so delighted to have Morgan Hector step aboard as a pro bono lawyer in our foie gras suit against the USDA.

Students are the future of animal law, and ALDF is thrilled about the animal law courses Jerry Simonelli is offering at both the University of Windsor, in Canada, and at Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan.

When the Animal Legal Defense Fund sought to ensure compliance by the Palm Springs Animal Shelter with state and local laws regarding the animals in its care, we were fortunate to get this kind of tireless assistance from Evan Dwin.

The laws intended to protect animals in this country are only as strong as the people willing to defend them. Thankfully for a lonely tiger named Tony, there are legal professionals like Monica Frois, Erin Pelleteri, and Brandy Sheely.

The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) has enjoyed tremendous success thanks to Pamela Frasch, assistant dean and executive director of CALS, and Kathy Hessler, clinical professor and director of the Animal Law Clinic at CALS -- the only animal law clinic in the country.

Complementing her passion for compassion, Meena is the executive director of HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers), a non-profit public charity that is a full-service humane education provider in the New York City and Chicago areas.

In addition to her teaching endeavors, Megan is a partner at the law firm of DeWitt Ross & Stevens in Madison, Wisconsin, where she concentrates her practice on complex civil litigation and appellate advocacy.

ALDF would like to recognize the contributions of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Assistant State Attorney Michael Von Zamft for their efforts in a brutal crime spree where 19 cats were found killed and mutilated in neighborhoods throughout Florida's Miami-Dade County.

With a personality that radiates warmth, "Sunny" enthuses about rescuing animals, teaching animal law at the John Marshall Law School and coaching students for the Harvard Law School's National Animal Advocacy Closing Argument Competition.

An attorney with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, Rene recently assisted with drafting an alliance agreement between ALDF and Lewis and Clark Law School, resulting in the first-of-its kind Center for Animal Law Studies.

There are countless avenues by which people are prompted to give more consideration to non-human animals. For Robert Knaier, it was philosophy.

You'd think a busy attorney would be satisfied that her standard work load and untold pro bono hours were enough. Not Nicole Roth.

For Gabriela Sandoval, nothing is more important than helping those in need. And as part of ALDF's volunteer attorney network, she is putting her skills to work.