Spotlight: Anna Maidment

What Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter activities are you proudest of and why?

I am proud to say that we have reached this year’s goals of reviving our student chapter with a strong and passionate board of directors. The chapter raised over $500 for the Aloha Animal Sanctuary and testified at the Hawai‘i State Legislature to oppose Octopus Farming in Hawai‘i. Next year, I am excited to increase connections with local animal law advocates and offer law students a variety of opportunities to provide a legal voice for animals.

Any other noteworthy experience?

Outside of law school, I came to realize that while Hawai‘i is a leader in shark protection, many of these laws are still difficult to enforce in practice. Working as a shark safety diver and eco-tour professional gave me firsthand experience in educating the public about marine conservation and responsible wildlife interactions, but it also showed me the limitations of small-scale educational impact alone. That experience ultimately motivated me to pursue law so I could contribute to broader animal protection efforts at the legislative and policy level.

I also worked for over two years as a TLC Specialist at Aloha Animal Sanctuary, where I helped rehabilitate and care for injured and abandoned farm animals. That hands-on experience deeply shaped my perspective as an advocate and reinforced my commitment to strengthening legal protections for animals.

In addition, last fall I represented the University of Hawai‘i as a delegate to COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where I engaged in international discussions focused on climate resilience, sustainability, and environmental policy.

What is an animal law related goal of yours for the upcoming academic year?

One of my goals for the upcoming academic year is to strengthen our chapter’s role as partner with ALDF as an advocate on legislative testimony and policy issues related to animal protection. I also hope to build stronger connections in Hawaiʻi between local animal law advocates and William S. Richardson law students by creating more opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. In addition, I would like to continue expanding our chapter’s involvement in volunteer and community-based animal protection efforts so students can gain meaningful hands-on advocacy experience outside the classroom.

What are your plans/goals for post-graduation?

After graduation, I hope to pursue a career focused on advancing legal protections for captive animals, marine ecosystems, and ocean conservation. Living in Hawaiʻi, I am especially interested in the intersection of animal law and environmental law, particularly issues involving aquatic animals, habitat protection, and the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems. I hope to be a legal voice for animals who cannot advocate for themselves.

What is one piece of advice that you’d like to pass on to other Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter leaders?

Use your individual strengths and passions to inspire the team around you so that you can work together to be strong advocates. Balancing law school while serving as a student chapter leader requires organization, devotion and adaptability, so it’s important to lean on the skills and perspectives of your chapter board and volunteer members. Also, growing up in Canada and now living in Hawai‘i, I am reminded that indigenous communities and traditional cultural practices hold generations of knowledge about environmental stewardship, coexistence, and respect for animals. There is a great deal we can learn from those perspectives as we work toward more the most effective animal advocacy.

Learn more about the other 2026 Advancement in Animal Law Scholarship winners.