David H. Braff

David Braff joined the Animal Legal Defense Fund board in 2021, bringing 35+ years of experience as a litigator and legal advisor on regulatory and enforcement matters. David was inspired to join the board because he feels closely aligned with the Animal legal Defense Fund’s mission and is committed to making a positive difference through community service.

Originally from a semi-rural suburb of Cleveland, David grew up surrounded by his family’s dogs and horses, inspiring a lifelong interest in animal welfare. He attended public school in the Cleveland area, received a BA from Cleveland State University in 1980, and a law degree from Ohio State University in 1984.

After graduating from law school, David joined the New York City law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. Over nearly 40 years, he held numerous leadership positions within the firm, including member of the firm’s senior management committee, managing partner of the firm’s worldwide litigation group, managing partner of the Washington D.C. office, co-chair of the Diversity Committee, and General Counsel for the firm.

During the course of his career, David has provided pro bono counsel to the ACLU and Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, among others, acting as litigation counsel on high impact cases (including LGBT military service, domestic partnership employment benefits, first amendment rights, and transgender protections) and he previously served on the boards of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders). He also now serves on the board of the Laguna Art Museum.

Since retiring from active practice, David, his husband Niko, and their cocker spaniel Sophia have relocated to Laguna Beach, California. With the additional time retirement affords, David has continued his work on behalf of animals, not only as a member of the ALDF board, but also as the founder of, and principal advisor to, the Cleveland State University Animal Law Program, the first of its kind in Ohio. He also provides assistance to local rescues.