Animal Legal Defense Fund Justice for Animals Fundraising Gala 2018 Student Chapter Writing Contest

The Animal Legal Defense Fund provided a unique opportunity for students to attend the annual Justice for Animals Gala in Los Angeles, CA through its Gala Writing Contest. Law student chapter members were asked to submit a one-page paper describing their motivation to protect animals using the legal system. While many inspiring submissions were received, three winners were selected for their creativity, insight, and reflection on animal advocacy and the justice system. The winners (along with their guests) will attend the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s upcoming Justice for Animals Gala, where they will eat delicious plant-based food and network with Animal Legal Defense Fund staff members and supporters.

We would like to thank all the law students who applied and for all their tremendous work advocating for animals through the legal system. We also would like to give special thanks to the generous donor who donated the gala tickets for students.

Tickets for the gala are still on sale, so be sure to get yours today! It will be held on September 8, 2018 at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.

2018 Winners

Kate Barnekow

Kate Barnekow is a 3L at Harvard Law School, where she is Co-President of the HLS SALDF chapter. She worked as a legal clerk for Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Litigation Program this summer, and she has previously worked as a legal intern for Compassion Over Killing and the PETA Foundation, and as a Research Assistant to the Harvard Animal Law and Policy Program. Kate has also worked as an Article and Line Editor for the Journal of Law and Gender and has served on the board of the Environmental Law Society. Before law school, she served as a Fulbright Scholar in Ireland, where she earned an MA in Sexuality Studies, and graduated from Rollins College with a BA in Philosophy and Sexuality, Women’s, and Gender Studies. Kate enjoys spending time with her rescue pup, Benedict; trying new plant-based recipes; and traveling. Read Kate’s submission.

Terry D’Aloia

Terry D’Aloia is a 2L and President of Albany Law’s SALDF chapter. Having long been involved in large breed dog rescue, it wasn’t until her post-undergrad career working in Philadelphia that she became more deeply involved with animal rights on a broader scale. Her passion for issues related to industrial animal agriculture ultimately prompted her decision to return to Albany to attend law school. When she is not working on dog adoptions or studying, her free time is spent with her fiancé and their XXL English Mastiff, Creasy Bear. A vocal animal rights proponent, she hopes to have a successful career as a passionate advocate working to make real change for animals through litigation or policy-work. Read Terry’s submission.