Employment Opportunities
Looking for a job, career, internship, clerkship or fellowship in animal law?
The Animal Legal Defense Fund offers a list of our current employment opportunities plus additional opportunities at various law firms and non-profit organizations across the country.
If you are a law firm or non-profit organizations, you can submit your opportunity and we will consider it for publication on aldf.org.
Opportunities at the Animal Legal Defense Fund
Junior Staff Counsel, San Francisco SPCA's Shelter Policy and Legal Services program
San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
San Francisco, California
Position Title: Junior Staff Counsel, Shelter PALS
Department: Advocacy
Campus: Mission, Hybrid
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Date: August 2025
Summary:
Shelter Policy and Legal Services (Shelter PALS or SPALS) is the country’s first and only pro bono legal-aid program dedicated exclusively to the needs of animal shelters and rescue groups. Shelter PALS’ programs and projects have impact on companion animals statewide and provide legal advice on a variety of animal welfare areas including shelter management, animal care, animal cruelty, and access to veterinary care for all California pet owners.
We champion policy change through active legislative work, counsel shelter and rescue group clients throughout California to improve outcomes for animals and oversee and support advocacy litigation in connection with our mission and goals. We are seeking a staff counsel to work closely with the Lead Counsel to support the initiatives of the Shelter PALS program.
This role will assist with legal research, policy development, responding to client questions, litigation support, and advocacy efforts related to all aspects of companion animal welfare issues.
This position will support both SPALS and the SF SPCA General Counsel. The majority of support is allocated to SPALS.
Essential Duties and Functions:
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive legal research on animal welfare laws, regulations, and case law, particularly as they pertain to shelter and rescue animals, and humane treatment.
- Assist SPALS Lead Counsel in drafting legal documents, including advocacy materials, litigation briefing, policy briefs, shelter contracts, and compliance documents, ensuring alignment to organizational goals and legal standards.
- Supporting the SF SPCA General Counsel:
- monitor, route, and escalate legal notices and privacy compliance inquiries
- Support routine Legal Department administration
- Prepare vendor contracts, from drafting to execution
- Provide corporate governance support as needed
- Prepare client-facing legal communications, from drafting to delivery
- Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer and SPALS Lead Counsel to develop and implement strategic initiatives to influence legislation and public policy that enhances animal welfare.
- Track relevant legislation and regulatory developments, preparing summaries and recommendations for the team to inform advocacy
- Counsel shelters and rescues with respect to compliance with local, state, and federal laws related to animal welfare and shelter and rescue
Safety
- Ensure a safe work environment; following safety guidelines and modeling safe work
- Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put staff members, volunteers, clients, animals, or the organization at risk
- Maintain a clean, healthy, sanitary work area; following pest/rodent protocols
- Participate in keeping the SF SPCA campus clean and well maintained
Open Communication
- Facilitate and participate in open, direct communication with the CEO and SPALS Lead Counsel, and in all interactions throughout the
- Embrace and promote the Society’s direct communication
Diversity and Inclusiveness
- Work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and
Volunteers
- Work cooperatively with all volunteers and recognize the talent and commitment they bring to the Society
Education and Experience:
- Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law
- Experience: 1+ years of relevant legal experience, ideally in animal law, nonprofit advocacy, or public interest law.
- Skills: Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively.
- Commitment: A genuine passion for animal welfare and experience in community outreach or advocacy is
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a collaborative approach to teamwork.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficient in legal research tools and standard office
- Knowledge: Understanding of legislative processes and current issues in animal welfare is a
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
- Regularly sits at a computer station and operates electronic equipment 6 to 7 hours per day
- Frequently lifts, carries and positions objects weighing up to 15 pounds when moving supplies and managing special events
- Typically stands, bends, stoops and crouches while working special events
- Periodically moves about the campus to coordinate work
- Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available
Reporting Relationships and Contacts:
- Reports to the VP of General Counsel and works closely with SPALS Lead Counsel
Salary and Benefits:
The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including: Paid Time Off and holiday pay, medical, dental & vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, tax-deferred retirement plan, student debt relief, pre-tax commute expense deductions, and discounts on retail and pet supplies. Regular, part-time positions over 20 hours/week are eligible for a benefits package that is adjusted based on their total hours. Part-time under 20 hours a week, On-Call, Temporary, and Seasonal positions are eligible for only those benefits provided by law. All positions are eligible for discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic at Mission Campus.
The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions, and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.