Laurel Zaeske

Laurel Zaeske joined the Animal Legal Defense Fund board in 2024, bringing with her more than 35 years of experience in litigation and accounting. She is a California licensed attorney and CPA. Prior to retiring from the international law firm of Brown Rudnick, Laurel represented a wide variety of clients in complex business litigation before federal and state courts with a focus on accounting and legal malpractice actions and complex fraud and commercial business disputes. Laurel has served on the board of various nonprofit organizations, including serving as head of the audit committee for many years of the Orange County Bar Association. Laurel learned about the Animal Legal Defense Fund from her long time friend, fellow USC Law School alum, and Animal Legal Defense Fund board member Heidi Hurd who’s enthusiasm for the organization and its goal of advancing justice for animals inspired her own interest and support of animal rights.

Laurel lives in Newport Beach, California and continues to serve on the boards of profit and nonprofit businesses. In her spare time, she loves nothing better than animal sitting for her friends and family.