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.