Is becoming an animal lawyer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become an Animal Lawyer
Becoming an animal lawyer involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience in the field of law. Here are the general steps you can take to pursue a career as an animal lawyer:
- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While no specific major is required for law school, courses in pre-law, criminal justice, political science, environmental science, or animal sciences can provide relevant knowledge and skills.
- Attend Law School: Apply to and attend an accredited law school to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Law school usually takes three years and covers a broad range of legal topics, including contracts, torts, property law, constitutional law, and criminal law. Consider electives or extracurricular activities related to animal law to gain specialized knowledge in this field.
- Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, externships, or volunteer opportunities with animal law organizations, government agencies, or law firms specializing in animal law. This hands-on experience provides exposure to different areas of animal law and helps build professional connections.
- Develop Specialized Expertise: Consider further training in animal law through coursework, seminars, conferences, or continuing legal education (CLE) programs. Joining organizations such as the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) or the American Bar Association’s Animal Law Section helps you connect with other professionals and stay informed about developments in the field.
- Pass the Bar Exam: After law school, pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where you intend to practice. The bar exam tests your knowledge of general legal principles and your ability to apply them. Meeting any jurisdiction-specific requirements allows you to become a licensed attorney.
- Seek Employment: Begin your career by working with law firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or academic institutions that focus on animal law. Positions like associate attorney, law clerk, legal intern, or staff attorney can provide valuable experience.
- Continue Learning and Networking: Stay informed about developments in animal law by attending conferences, workshops, and professional events. Networking helps expand your skills, stay up to date, and advance your career.
Helpful Resources
- Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF): A nonprofit dedicated to protecting animals through the legal system, offering professional development and resources.
- American Bar Association (ABA) Animal Law Section: Provides educational programs, publications, and networking for attorneys interested in animal law.
- Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS): Offers educational programs, conferences, and resources for students and practitioners.
- Animal Law Resource Center: A collection of cases, statutes, regulations, and articles on animal law.
- Animal Welfare Institute (AWI): Focuses on animal protection laws, policy advocacy, and litigation efforts to improve animal welfare.
- ALDF Student Chapters: Allow law students to connect, participate in advocacy, and access mentorship and career resources.
- Animal Law Conferences and Journals: Provide updates, networking opportunities, and scholarly articles on emerging topics in animal law.