
So You Wanna Be an Animal Lawyer?
You’re almost a senior in high school, or just starting college, and you think you might want to spend your life helping animals? What a great idea! Animals need your help and the next generation of animal lawyers is going to revolutionize animal protection laws. If you want to do something important help animals, and impress your parents with a smart career — animal law may be for you!
What classes should I take for a career as an animal lawyer?
A wide range of classes are useful, including sociology, political science, psychology, economics, history, anthropology, science, mathematics, logic, philosophy, and computer science. Make sure you keep a high GPA!
What is the average salary of someone working in the animal law field?
An average starting salary for a new animal lawyer is around $50,000. Many lawyers practice in the private sector and incorporate animal law into their practice. In this case, the pay scale would be based on salaries at private firms — and vary depending on the size of the firm, and the location.
What are some groups with job opportunities in the animal law field?
Animal rights nonprofits such as the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Mercy for Animals, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), employ animal lawyers. Many attorneys offer their services to the Animal Legal Defense Fund on animal related cases pro bono, or free of charge.
What are some skills needed in the animal law field?
Being an animal lawyer requires an above average capability in skills such as reading, writing, speaking, listening, and analysis. In addition to those skills, being an animal lawyer takes an incredible amount of patience.
Do I get to work directly with animals?
Overall, animal lawyers work indirectly with animals; however some cases may require the attorney to interact with animals. In addition to working with passionate coworkers (and maybe some friendly animal companions in the office), animal lawyers work with judicial employees, legislators, clients, and the public.
What does a day in the life of an animal lawyer look like?
This depends on the type of law you choose to practice. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has three main focuses: filing lawsuits, helping prosecutors charge animal abusers, and animal law education — working with law schools, law students, and law firms on incorporating animal law into their legal profession.
What else should I know?
Many consider the animal protection movement one of the greatest movements of our generation. It’s a great time to get involved because there is so much work to get done and each individual has the potential to have a major impact on making the world a better place for animals.
Related
-
California Court of Appeals Affirms SPCAs Can Enforce State Animal Cruelty Laws
The California Court of Appeals affirmed a ruling by a lower court recognizing Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty (SPCA) organizations’ ability to file lawsuits against entities that violate existing animal protection laws.June 9, 2022 Press Release -
Animal Legal Defense Fund Adds $5,000 to Reward in Case of Endangered Red Wolf Shooting
Reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for illegally shooting and killing a red wolf in Tyrrell County, North Carolina.May 24, 2022 Press Release -
Evidence Shows University of Wisconsin-Madison Illegally Censors Critics of Animal Testing
Animal Legal Defense Fund files motion for summary judgement with damning evidence against the universityMay 19, 2022 Press Release
Employment Opportunities
The Animal Legal Defense Fund provides a listing of available positions throughout the animal law field - including joining our team! Check out available opportunities now!