Natalie Zisa

As a Criminal Justice Program Fellow for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Natalie Zisa works with the Criminal Justice Program to advance the interests of animals in the legal system and to ensure justice on behalf of animal cruelty victims. Natalie holds a B.S. in International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries, with a double minor in Sustainability and Economics (magna cum laude) from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. After graduating, she worked in Development at Catskill Animal Sanctuary in New York’s Hudson Valley, where she formed strong bonds with farmed animals rescued from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Her experience at the sanctuary inspired her to pursue a legal career to provide justice on behalf of animal cruelty victims.

Natalie earned her J.D. with pro bono distinction from Widener University Delaware Law School. During law school, Natalie reactivated Delaware Law’s Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter and served as President. Prior to joining the Criminal Justice Program as a Fellow, she worked with the Criminal Justice Program as an Extern during her 3L year. In 2023, Natalie received a first-place award for Legislative Drafting and Lobbying in the National Animal Law Competitions. She was also a 2024 Recipient of the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Advancement of Animal Law Scholarship.

Natalie lives in New Jersey with her boyfriend and their rescue dog, Salvatore. In her free time, Natalie enjoys veganizing Italian American dishes, listening to music, reading and spending time with her family.