Student Animal Legal Defense Fund

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) chapters are student groups that are affiliated with the Animal Legal Defense Fund and share its mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.

SALDF News

The latest and greatest happenings with our SALDF Chapters. Do you have SALDF news to share? Let us know about it! Contact Nicole Pallotta.

Connect with SALDF and ALDF on Facebook!

Damages Recoverable for the Death of a Companion Animal?
December 2, 2011
Co-author Lisa Turner is the president of the Texas Wesleyan SALDF chapter. This article appeared in the November issue of the Texas Bar Journal, which was devoted to animal law.
Group Looks to Give Animal Law a Bit More Bite
October 14, 2011
Third-year Western Law student Teri Muszak has started up the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund at Western, much to the appreciation of Cash, a 6-year-old border collie mix.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2012 Summer Clerkships
September 16, 2011
Locations:
Cotati, California
Portland, Oregon
Deadline for applications is October 16, 2011.
Free ALDF Membership for New Law School Graduates
June 16, 2011
ALDF wants to support and encourage dedication to the field of animal law by offering recent law graduates a free attorney membership in ALDF's Animal Law Program for one year.
ALDF Advancement of Animal Law Scholarships Announced
June 15, 2011
Seven students received ALDF's Advancement of Animal Law Scholarship this year for their outstanding work in the growing field of animal law.
Animal Defense Group Created
March 23, 2011
New Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter forms at Mississippi College School of Law.
Lewis & Clark Animal Law Clinic Pushes for Laws on Behalf of Paws
January 27, 2011
Six students participating in a legal clinic at Lewis & Clark Law School are doing their small part to change the world.
Indiana Law Students Raise Awareness on Animal Welfare Issues
December 9, 2010
To learn more about a number of legal concerns that involve animal welfare - whether those issues involve pets, livestock, or even exotic animals - students at Indiana law schools have started organizations affiliated with the national Animal Legal Defense Fund.
Animals and the Law
November 1, 2010
Cailen LaBarge of Suffolk Law School discusses the mainstream's vast misconception of animal law and its place in out society.
ALDF Advancement of Animal Law Scholarships
October 15, 2010
Animal Legal Defense Fund Advancement of Animal Law Scholarships are available to second and third year law student members of our student chapters and will be awarded based upon demonstrated commitment to ALDF's mission.
2010-2011 Recipients of the ALDF Advancement of Animal Law Scholarship
May 27, 2010
Three students received ALDF's Advancement of Animal Law Scholarships this year for their outstanding work in the growing field of animal law: Katie Barnett, Vince Field, and Christina Fojas.
Why Chicago's Ban on Foie Gras Was Constitutional and What It Means for the Future of Animal Welfare Laws
May 15, 2010
While in his last year at Chicago-Kent School of Law, Josh Grant, co-director of the school's Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter, wrote an in-depth article discussing Chicago's ban on foie gras.
Student Inspired by Rescue Work to Found Animal Law Group at the University of Kansas
February 26, 2010
For the past decade, Katie Bray has dedicated her spare time to animal welfare and rescue work on the ground. Now, as a law student, she is arming herself with the knowledge and skills to defend animal interests in the legal system.
Law Students Get Out of the Classroom and Into the Courtroom
February 9, 2010
This past weekend, law students from around the country converged on Harvard Law School to compete in the National Animal Law Competitions, put on by the Center for Animal Law Studies.
National SALDF Fundraising Contest Now Open!
September 15, 2009
The Animal Legal Defense Fund is launching a new annual fundraising contest for our SALDF chapters. The contest challenges our chapters to hold a fundraiser (or fundraisers) of their choice during the fall semester and donate the proceeds to ALDF's legal programs to help animals.
ALDF's "Mother of Animal Law" Receives Advancement of Animal Law Award
July 29, 2009
Welcome ALDF Summer Clerks!
June 15, 2009
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our summer clerks, who will be spending ten weeks gaining valuable experience working for either our Civil Litigation Program in California or our Criminal Justice Program in Oregon.
SALDF Students Win 2009-10 ALDF Advancement of Animal Law Scholarships
April 9, 2009
We are proud to announce outstanding SALDF students Mary Race (McGill University) and Akisha Townsend (Georgetown University) have been awarded the ALDF Advancement of Animal Law Scholarship for 2009-10.
Join SALDF on Facebook
April 2, 2009
We're happy to announce the launch of our brand-new SALDF Facebook page. Check out our SALDF Facebook page and become a fan today!
Texas Tech SALDF President Chosen to Represent Law School
March 12, 2009
ALDF received this great news from Robyn Katz, President of the Texas Tech University Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF).
Connecticut State Bar Association Magazine Publishes Article by Quinnipiac SALDF President
November 13, 2008
Kerry Patton’s article entitled, "Justice for Animals: The State of the Law in Connecticut," appears in the most recent issue of Connecticut Lawyer.
Building Bridges
September 2, 2008
Alexis Fox & Andrew Brighten, ALDF's 2008 summer law clerks, share their experiences as clerks and some advise for other law students.
Animal Law Gaining Ground in the United States
February 28, 2008
As attitudes have evolved during the past 20 years, animal law practice and education have steadily increased, and they continue to gain ground.
Virginia Animal Law Society Vice President Wins Animal Law Writing Competition
February 2, 2008
Elisabeth Custalow recently won the inaugural Pet JD animal law writing competition for her article, "Protecting Virginia’s Animals: What Treatment Is Required by Virginia Law of Animals in the Commonwealth?"
Work to End Greyhound Racing in Massachusetts
November 15, 2007
Marissa Dirks, Harvard SALDF president, wrote this editorial about the cruel dog racing industry, which appeared in The Record, the independent newspaper at Harvard Law School.
Pet Peeve
June 15, 2007
Quinnipiac Animal Law Society works to increase legal protection for animals.
Helping Animals Through the Law
June 7, 2007
Tamara McElyrea, vice president of Thomas M. Cooley Law School SALDF chapter discusses why animal law is here to stay.
Harvard Law School Hosts National Animal Advocacy Competitions
March 1, 2007
In February, law students from all over the country competed at the fourth annual National Animal Advocacy Competitions (NAAC) at Harvard Law School.
"Alert Status Red:" Animal Law Conference a Success
February 4, 2007
The University of Victoria School of Law's second annual conference on animal rights and the law left attendees craving more.
New Student Group Helps Bring Animal Law Class to University of Texas Law
January 22, 2007
Animal Law is being taught this spring for the first time at The University of Texas School of Law thanks to the school's SALDF members.

Events

Check out the following conferences, academic symposiums and speaking engagements around the country relating to animals and the legal system.

Animals, Ethics, and Law Symposium
March 2-3, 2012
Knoxville, Tennessee
Animal Law Symposium
March 30, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland
9th Annual National Animal Law Competitions
February 24-26, 2012
Los Angeles, California

Law Students & SALDF Chapters

The Animal Legal Defense Fund has numerous resources for law students interested in the field of animal law.

Law Student & Student Animal Legal Defense Fund Chapter Resources:

How Law Students Can Get Involved in Animal Law
Law students interested in this cutting-edge field must be inventive and proactive in seeking out opportunities to become involved. Here are some suggestions for getting involved in animal law.
Opportunities in Animal Law
A resource guide for students and graduates interested in this dynamic and cutting-edge area of the law.
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund Website
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) chapters are student groups that are affiliated with the Animal Legal Defense Fund and share its mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.
Animal Law 101
Developed for law students and law professionals, this tutorial focuses on fostering the growth of animal law in academia and legal practice. Animal Law 101 is in its new format and can be viewed online.
The Early History of Animal Law
The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund of the John Marshall Law School presents "The Early History of Animal Law," a lecture by ALDF Founder and General Counsel Joyce Tischler.
Bar Association Animal Law Sections and Committees
Bar Association Animal Law Sections and Committees are established in many states and assist legal professionals interested in animal law.
Animal Law Books & Periodicals
The Animal Legal Defense Fund has compiled a concise list of animal law publications, academic journals and selected books.
Law Student Application for Animal Law Program Membership
Join Animal Legal Defense Fund's Animal Law Program! As a law student member, you'll receive ALDF's newsletter, The Animals' Advocate, a bi-annual subscription to Animal Law Review, email updates and more.
Animal Law Courses
The Animal Legal Defense Fund offers this comprehensive list of animal law courses offered throughout the United States and Canada.
How to Start an Animal Law Class at Your School
The Animal Legal Defense Fund suggests the following steps to start an animal law course at your law school.
Q&A with ALDF Staff Attorney about Pursuing a Career in Animal Law
ALDF Staff Attorney Matthew Liebman offers some insights for undergraduates who are interested in pursuing careers in animal law.
Where Should You Go To Law School?
Selecting a law school to attend is a critical decision for future animal attorneys. ALDF offers these tips to finding the school that's right for you.
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund Chapters
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) chapters are ALDF's law student groups, representing on campuses across the nation our mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.
How to Start a SALDF Chapter at Your School
The following materials are designed to help you with the process of forming a Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) chapter at your law school.
SALDF Project Grants
The process of applying for a Student Animal Legal Defense Fund grant for your chapter is discussed on this page.
SALDF Project Ideas
There are many ways your chapter can advocate on behalf of animals and raise awareness about animal law on campus and in the wider community. Here is a list of suggestions to help you get started.
SALDF Speaker Suggestions
Looking for a speaker for your SALDF event? Here is a helpful list of suggestions.
SALDF Film Screening Suggestions
This list includes films that have been screened by SALDF chapters at their events.
Press Coverage for SALDF Projects
Reaching out to your local press outlets is an excellent, inexpensive way to let your community know about your work for animals, and to educate countless people about the growing field of animal law.

Employment

Looking for a career in animal law? ALDF offers a list of current employment opportunities at various law firms and non-profit organizations across the country.

Visiting Animal Law Faculty Position
Lewis & Clark Law School
Portland, Oregon
Volunteer Executive Director
Four Feet Forward
Director, Animal Law LL.M. Degree Program
Center for Animal Law Studies
Portland, Oregon

Clerkships, Internships & Fellowships

Law students looking for clerkships, internships or fellowships can find a comprehensive list of opportunities here.

Spring 2012 Internship
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Washington, D.C.
Mercy For Animals Legal Internship
Mercy For Animals
Chicago, Illinois
Summer Litigation Intern Position
Compassion Over Killing
Torrance, California
ALDF Summer Clerkships
Animal Legal Defense Fund
Cotati, California
Portland, Oregon
Summer 2012 Law Clerk
Meyer Glitzenstein & Crystal
Washington, D.C.
Animal Law Ontario Articling Position
Lawyers for Animal Welfare
Ontario, Canada
Equal Justice Alliance Externships / Internships
Equal Justice Alliance
Telecommute
David Reuben Legal Clerkships
Animal Legal Defense Fund
Cotati, California
Portland, Oregon

Other Opportunities

Find other exciting opportunities in the field of animal law such as scholarships, writing competitions, grants, and more.

2012 Student Grant Program
Animal Welfare Trust is currently seeking applicants for the 2012 Student Grant Program. Applications are due on March 1, 2012.
Essay Contest
The topic for the 2012 Hogan/Smoger Access to Justice Essay Contest is "Are Factories Hog-Tying People's Rights? Right to Farm and Ag-Gag Laws." The deadline for the essay is March 31, 2012.
Student Writing Competition
In honor of its fifteenth anniversary, the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas announces its first annual student writing competition. Entries must be received by December 5, 2011.
Free ALDF Membership for New Law School Graduates
ALDF wants to support and encourage dedication to the field of animal law by offering recent law graduates a free attorney membership in ALDF's Animal Law Program for one year.
Journal of Animal Ethics Call for Papers
The Journal of Animal Ethics is looking for articles, Argument pieces, reviews and review articles, that have relevance to the ethics of our treatment of animals.
Macquarie University Research Excellence PhD Scholarships
The Legal Governance Concentration of Research Excellence (CORE) in the Macquarie Law School, Macquarie University, is offering up to two full time Macquarie University Research Excellence PhD Scholarships (MQRES) under the supervision of Professor David Weisbrot AM, the co-convenor of the CORE.
JURIST Dateline Call for Content
JURIST Dateline seeks high-quality articles from law students who have had personal experience with the law.
Humane Society University
Humane Society University (HSU), a division of The Humane Society of the United States, provides degree-granting undergraduate curriculum exclusively dedicated to animal protection studies.
Law Students: Join the American Bar Association's Animal Law Committee
Joining the Animal Law Committee within the Tort Trial Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) of the ABA is a fantastic opportunity for all Student Animal Legal Defense Fund members and law students.
Law Mentor Program
The New York State Bar Association Special Committee on Animals and the Law has a new Mentor Program and is looking for law students who wish to participate.
ALDF Advancement of Animal Law Scholarships
Animal Legal Defense Fund Advancement of Animal Law Scholarships are available to second and third year law student members of our student chapters and will be awarded based upon demonstrated commitment to ALDF's mission.
ALDF Summer Research Grants
Through the funding of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Animal Legal & Historical Center is offering four $1,000 summer research grants. Apply by May 1, 2011.

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund Chapter Spotlight

James E. Rogers College of Law: Building a Community of Compassion
December 23, 2011
That first year, their focus was on raising awareness about the existence of animal law. Three years strong, this chapter continues to pool their creativity and positivity to further their goals on behalf of animals everywhere.
Barry University School of Law: Stepping Up To Protect Animals
March 18, 2011
Barry Law SALDF kicked off the 2010-2011 school year at a student organizations fair held for incoming 1Ls and signed up 30 students who expressed an interest in joining the group.
University of Otago: New Zealand's First-Ever "Animal Law Week"
October 15, 2010
The University of Otago Student Animal Legal Defense Fund hosted New Zealand's first-ever Animal Law Week, August 9-13, 2010.
Southern Methodist University: Lunching and Learning Ways to Make Animal Law a Career
August 25, 2010
In order to promote SMU SALDF and make its presence known on campus, members held a tabling event to gather signatures for ALDF's Animal Bill of Rights, a petition to the United States Congress for stronger animal protection laws.
Northwestern University School of Law: Animal Law Week
May 25, 2010
In April 2010, Northwestern Law Student Animal Legal Defense Fund hosted "Animal Law Week," a weeklong series of events designed to educate students about the wide variety of issues facing animals in the legal system today.
St. John's University School of Law: Third Annual Vets and Pets 5K for Charity
March 18, 2010
As part of St. John's SALDF's work to raise awareness of animal law, we hold a 5K charity run/walk every year. On April 10, 2010, we invite anyone in the area to join us at our Third Annual Vets and Pets 5K for Charity.
Boston College Law School: Cage-Free Egg Campaign
December 11, 2009
In the spring 2009 semester, the Boston College Law School SALDF strategized a campaign to convince the school to stop using eggs from hens kept in battery cages and instead switch to using cage-free eggs.
Chapman University School of Law: Raising Funds and Awareness For Animals
September 25, 2009
Chapman's Animal Law Society raised over $1,100 for a local animal welfare group with their Pet Photo Contest. The winner was awarded the coveted title of "2009 Animal Law Society Mascot."
Tulane University Law School: Collaborating to Make a Difference
May 1, 2009
SALDF's Tulane chapter members began their fall with an unexpected hurricane evacuation but returned to New Orleans within a week, with homes and spirits fully intact.
Texas Tech Law School: Contests, Calendars, Protests and More
April 1, 2009
From visiting the sheriff’s office and asking them to enforce tethering laws to having an animal law course added to the curriculum, the Texas Tech School of Law SALDF chapter has come a long way in the short time it has been in existence.
Chicago-Kent College of Law: Foie Gras Panel
March 1, 2009
The Chicago-Kent Student Animal Legal Defense Fund hosted the Chicago-Kent "Foie Gras Panel" to debate the legality, wisdom, and ramifications of Chicago's former ban on the sale of foie gras.
University of Houston: Helping Animals, Fighting Crime
February 1, 2009
The SALDF chapter at the University of Houston has had its ups and downs this past year, but has managed to stay focused on their primary objective - making the world a better place for all creatures, one step at a time.
University of Chicago Law School: Animal Law Week
January 1, 2009
The University of Chicago Law School SALDF hosted Animal Law Week, a weeklong symposium of events that featured more than a dozen speakers from different organizations.
Charleston School of Law: Animal Law in South Carolina
December 1, 2008
Founded just last spring, Charleston School of Law SALDF has already celebrated some early successes.
University of Oklahoma College of Law: "Dog Day Afternoon" and Puppy Mill Campaign
November 1, 2008
People for Animal Welfare & Safety (P.A.W.S.) worked with local animal protection organizations and shelters in a combined effort to prevent animal cruelty.
Stetson University College of Law: Creating Opportunities for Students
October 1, 2008
Stetson University College of Law SALDF is hosting a three-part luncheon speaker series for the fall semester.
Ventura College of Law: Adding a Course and Advocating for Animals
September 1, 2008
The Ventura College of Law Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter, who recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, reflects on their accomplishments and activities.
University of Florida: Volunteering at "Rooterville"
May 1, 2008
The University of Florida’s Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) chapter members took part in a large-scale volunteer event at Rooterville, a local pot-bellied pig sanctuary.
Cornell University: Bob Barker Invitational Beer Pong Tournament for the Animals
April 1, 2008
Cornell SALDF’s hallmark event, held once per semester, is the Bob Barker Invitational Beer Pong Tournament for the Animals benefiting the Tompkins County SPCA’s low-income spay and neuter program.
Seton Hall University: First Annual "Men of SHU Law Calendar"
March 1, 2008
The Seton Hall Law SALDF introduced their first annual Men of SHU Law Calendar, consisted of 12 second and third year male students at the school posing (fully clothed of course!) with their companion animals.
University of Louisville-Brandeis: Vegan Taco Bar and Companion Animal Photo Contest
February 1, 2008
The Brandeis SALDF chapter is the first and only chapter in Kentucky, and since its inception last spring has been very successful in raising awareness regarding animal related legal issues in Kentucky.
Rutgers-Camden: Animal Shelter Blanket Drive
January 1, 2008
The Rutgers University School of Law–Camden Student Animal Legal Defense Fund organized a Blanket Drive for the shelter, encouraging the law school community to bring their old sheets, towels, quilts, blankets, and comforters in to school to donate to the shelter.
Vermont Law School: Vegan Thanksgiving
December 1, 2007
During the cold and dark pre-exam stress period, when the typical Vermont Law School student’s diet has been reduced to ramen noodles and frozen burritos, SALDF is preparing what has become a school tradition: Vegan Thanksgiving.
Chicago-Kent College of Law: Getting an Animal Law Course Added to the Curriculum
November 1, 2007
Until recently, there was not an animal law course being taught at Chicago-Kent College of Law; the Chicago-Kent SALDF made it their goal to change this.
University of California–Berkeley: Animal Awareness Week
September 1, 2007
Each spring, Boalt Hall Animal Law Society hosts an Animal Awareness Week on campus to educate students and faculty at the University of California–Berkeley about issues involving animals in our society, the lack of protection that animals have through our existing laws, and how we can promote the humane treatment of animals.
Quinnipiac University: "People and Animals in Crisis:" Public Forum on Protecting Animals in Domestic Violence Situations
May 1, 2007
The SALDF chapter at Quinnipiac University School of Law recently gained some community recognition through efforts on behalf of Connecticut S.B. 284, a bill pending in the Connecticut state legislature that would allow judges to issue orders of protections for animals in domestic violence situations.
University of Washington: The Social Costs of Factory Farms
April 1, 2007
The University of Washington SALDF, along with the UW Center for Human Rights and Justice and the Latin@ Law Student Association hosted a forum on the social costs of factory farms.
University of Texas-Austin: "Picture Yourself With Santa" Charity Event
March 1, 2007
Members of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law hosted their first annual "Picture Yourself With Santa" charity event.
Northwestern University Law School: Establishing an Animal Legal Protection Clinic
February 1, 2007
With the help of a $1 million grant to Northwestern University School of Law by Bob Barker, SALDF members laid the groundwork for an Animal Legal Protection Clinic.
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