Spotlight: Elly Ren

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

I am proud of our leadership’s work in getting the Emory SALDF chapter reactivated and revitalized. We have been working hard to recruit new members and educate Emory students and staff about our work. Thanks to these efforts, our membership has soared from just 2 to 31 and counting. One of the events that was very successful was co-hosting a “Recess” with our SBA, where we were able to bring therapy dogs to remind our students to relax and take care of themselves during the midterm season. It was rewarding to see the happiness the dogs brought while also bringing awareness to our student chapter. Our chapter is starting from the ground up, so I am looking forward to further growing our membership and energizing our law school community around animal law issues.

Any other noteworthy experience?

Another noteworthy experience has been building strong connections with organizations and professionals beyond the law school. While volunteering at a local animal sanctuary, I met the president of the Emory Lifestyle Medicine Group, who has organized many successful events, including a sanctuary visit for students with provided transportation. We are now exploring exciting opportunities to collaborate on future events that engage both law students and the broader Emory community. Additionally, I connected with a new career counselor who is passionate about animal law and has a substantial network of professionals. These relationships have opened the door to future partnerships and resources that will help strengthen our chapter and support our members’ interests and career development.

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

After spending my 1L year immersed in foundational coursework, I am excited to apply my legal research and writing skills specifically to animal law in the upcoming academic year. This summer, I will be serving as a legal intern with the Society for the Protection of Insects and working as an animal law research assistant alongside Professor Ani B. Satz.

For our SALDF chapter, my goal is to build on the solid foundation set by our graduating E-board by organizing engaging speaker events and expanding our community outreach. Through these initiatives, I hope to further increase the visibility of animal law at Emory and inspire more students to get involved in this rapidly evolving field.

What are your plans/goals for post-graduation?

After graduation, I plan to stay involved by serving as a mentor and resource for my student chapter, connecting current students with alumni working in the field and sharing relevant opportunities as they arise. Regardless of where my legal career takes me, I also hope to continue volunteering at my local animal sanctuary.

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

My biggest piece of advice is to be intentional about seeking connections beyond the traditional boundaries of your law school. As I mentioned above, with my experience meeting the president of the Lifestyle Medicine Group while volunteering at an animal sanctuary, some of the most valuable collaborations and unexpected opportunities can arise from student groups, academic departments, community organizations, or professionals who don’t seem connected to animal law at first glance. Stay open-minded and curious about who might share overlapping values — you never know where an interaction might lead!

Learn more about the other 2025 Advancement in Animal Law Scholarship winners.