Description:
Description:Term of Employment: Fall 2027-2029
Union: Bargaining Unit Position, Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU)
Reports To: Senior Staff Attorney
Location: Remote (U.S. Based)
Who We Are:
The Animal Legal Defense Fund's mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. The Animal Legal Defense Fund accomplishes this mission by filing high-impact lawsuits to protect animals from harm, providing free legal assistance and training to prosecutors and other stakeholders to ensure justice for animal victims of cruelty, supporting tough animal protection legislation and fighting legislation harmful to animals, gathering data about and advocating for effective regulation of animal exploitative industries and providing resources and opportunities to law students and professionals to advance the emerging field of animal law.
Role Description:
The Animal Legal Defense Fund's Litigation Program files strategic high-impact lawsuits against government agencies, individuals, and industries that exploit animals, including factory farms, puppy mills, and roadside zoos, that seek to expand the protections for animals under the law.
The Litigation Fellowship is designed to afford developmental experiences in strategic impact litigation in the animal protection sphere for individuals that have recently graduated. Litigation Fellows are responsible for the day-to-day management of their assigned cases and projects, including ensuring the completion of all necessary research, filings, and other aspects of litigation. Litigation Fellows also assist the Litigation Program in developing new cases.
How You Will Make a Difference:
- Act as counsel under the supervision of a Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, or Managing Attorney, and be responsible for all research, filings, and other aspects of litigation, for assigned cases and projects. Potentially act as lead counsel where appropriate during second year of fellowship.
- Develop skills as a litigator, including through participating in motions practice, filings, appearances, and arguments, where appropriate.
- Research and develop novel legal theories and strategies, as well as fact patterns, for new cases.
- Manage Law Clerks as assigned.
- Manage drafting, editing, and submission of amicus curiae briefs on behalf of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
- Work with Communications and other departments to answer questions on civil legal issues and procedures, and to propose, draft, proof, and/or edit content on cases and legal developments.
- Coordinate, as needed, with other programs, including with Criminal Justice Program on cases that have, or could have, both civil and criminal components, Legislative Affairs Program, Animal Law Program, and Pro Bono Programs.
- Manage pro bono and local counsel on cases with external counsel.
- Prepare and deliver presentations for professional conferences, fundraising events, etc. when needed.
- Provide in-house expertise for staff on questions concerning Litigation Program cases, animal law civil cases in general, and legal strategy.
- Perform other duties as assigned to advance the Litigation Program and the Animal Legal Defense Fund's strategic objectives and mission.
Requirements:
We Are Looking for Candidates Who Have:
- Graduated from law school within three years of the fellowship start date (estimated Fall of 2027), or are looking to move from an unrelated legal practice into animal protection work.
- A Juris Doctorate degree when the fellowship begins and be admitted to practice law in the state where you will reside during your fellowship (or be awaiting bar results on the start date of your fellowship).
- An understanding of and commitment to the vision, mission, and core values of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills and can communicate effectively with members, supporters, co-workers, and other counsel.
- A positive attitude, can work cooperatively with others, and function well in a team-oriented work environment.
- The ability to travel as needed to fulfill litigation obligations, or for professional conferences, meetings, or other events as required.
