Spotlight: Jiaqi “Vicky” Liu

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

I’m most proud of organizing the annual Animal Law Symposium hosted by our Duke chapter. This event has become a signature tradition, drawing close to 100 attendees from across the university and surrounding community. What makes it truly meaningful is the way it brings together grassroots organizations, legal professionals, students, and advocates under one roof to engage in powerful discussions around animal protection. Each year, we choose a unique theme and invite speakers from around the country, ensuring diverse perspectives and fresh insights. It’s incredibly empowering to receive emails and messages from attendees sharing how much they enjoyed the event or how it inspired them to make changes — whether by getting involved with advocacy or simply rethinking their consumer choices. Each year’s symposium shows me how people from all walks of life, regardless of resources or background, can play a meaningful role in advancing animal welfare and rights. Seeing the event grow each year is a reminder of the impact a passionate student community can have.

Any other noteworthy experience?

One other memorable experience was organizing a student trip to Jenna and Friends Animal Sanctuary. It was incredibly special to bring a cohort of students to a space where they could interact directly with rescued animals — especially the pigs, whose individual stories of resilience deeply moved us. We spent the day socializing with them, helping with daily care tasks (including the less glamorous but meaningful job of picking up after them), and simply learning to see them as individuals rather than abstractions. That connection helped shift perspectives in a way that classroom discussion often can’t. We later invited Anna, the founder of Jenna and Friends Animal Sanctuary, to speak at our symposium. Her heartfelt insights added so much depth to our event, and it meant a lot to be able to showcase the important work happening right in our region. The friendships and partnerships that came out of that visit felt like a beautiful example of community-rooted advocacy in action.

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

Having just completed a paper that takes a comparative look at cosmetic animal testing regulations, I’m excited to dive deeper into that area — exploring related topics such as regulatory loopholes, the role of scientific innovation in advancing non-animal alternatives, and the intersection of animal testing with consumer protection laws. In addition, I’m eager to broaden my understanding of legal protections for wild animals, particularly in the context of habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict.

For our ALDF student chapter, my goal is to strengthen our presence on campus and increase our advocacy impact. I hope to expand our educational programming, particularly around the legal status of animals and the growing movement toward legal personhood for certain species. These are complex and often misunderstood topics, and I believe that thoughtful, accessible programming can foster curiosity and action. I also plan to launch new initiatives — such as workshops and collaborative events with other student groups — to reach a wider audience and create more entry points for engagement with animal law and ethics.

What are your plans/goals for post-graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a legal career that allows me to build strong foundational skills while continuing to advocate for animals in meaningful ways. Regardless of the specific path my legal practice takes, I’m committed to staying actively involved in animal protection work — whether through pro bono opportunities, policy advocacy, or supporting organizations that align with my values. I also hope to explore how animal law can be more meaningfully integrated into law school curricula. Expanding the presence of animal law in legal education is essential to cultivating future advocates and ensuring that animal-related legal issues receive the attention they deserve within the broader legal community.

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

Don’t underestimate the impact of small actions, and trust that your passion is enough to start meaningful change. When I first got involved, I sometimes worried I didn’t know enough or that I couldn’t make a real difference — but I quickly learned that showing up, being consistent, and creating space for others to care makes all the difference. Surround yourself with people who share your values, and don’t be afraid to reach out to organizations, professors, or community members — you’ll be surprised by how many are eager to support your efforts. Most of all, enjoy the process. The connections you build and the moments of shared purpose will stay with you far beyond law school.

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