Animal law is a specialized legal field that focuses on the rights and welfare of animals. It includes cases involving cruelty, neglect, environmental issues, and animals used in entertainment or agriculture.
This area of law is growing fast—and it’s one of the few legal paths where your work directly benefits voiceless victims. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or professional pivoting your career, animal law offers a meaningful way to apply legal skills for real-world impact. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is a leading organization helping future lawyers join this field and become change-makers for animals.
In this guide, you’ll learn what animal law is, how to get started in the field, and the concrete steps you can take through the ALDF. From law school resources and externships to fellowships and student chapters, we’ll cover all the tools available for aspiring animal lawyers.
How to Begin Your Journey in Animal Law with the ALDF
Imagine graduating from law school and immediately joining a national nonprofit where your job is to fight factory farms in court or help prosecutors bring justice in animal cruelty cases. That’s the kind of opportunity ALDF creates through its fellowships and legal programs. Students can join ALDF student chapters, work on real cases as externs, or even receive grants to pursue animal protection litigation. For example, many law students get their start through ALDF’s Student Chapter Program, which currently supports chapters in over 200 law schools. These chapters host events, invite guest speakers, and organize advocacy campaigns that let you learn by doing. Others gain experience through ALDF’s Animal Law Externship Program, where students work directly on cases that impact national policy.
The legal world often feels vast and impersonal, but animal law connects deeply with ethics, advocacy, and public interest. It’s a place where your legal writing might help win a case that changes state law or where your research can stop a puppy mill from reopening. ALDF’s programs are designed to bring aspiring professionals into the fold with practical training, mentorship, and a built-in network of advocates.
Getting involved early can also shape your future job prospects. ALDF fellowships, offered to select law graduates, place you in key roles where you gain real-world litigation or policy experience right out of school—experience that can launch your public interest career or help you transition to nonprofit or government roles.
Here are the best ways to get involved in animal law through ALDF:
- Join an ALDF Student Chapter
Connect with peers, host events, and lead campaigns at your law school. - Apply for an ALDF Externship
Gain experience working on active legal cases while still in school. - Pursue a Legal Fellowship
Post-graduate fellowships offer real legal experience in animal protection law. - Attend Animal Law Conferences
Network with leaders, hear from experts, and explore real-world challenges. - Access ALDF’s Legal Resources
Use their online tools to deepen your knowledge and prepare for this career path.
Make Your Legal Career Count—Start with Animal Law
If you’re passionate about law and justice, consider specializing in animal law. Start by joining or founding a Student Chapter, applying for an externship, or exploring fellowship opportunities with the ALDF. You don’t have to wait until graduation to make a difference. Visit the ALDF website to explore your next steps and begin building a legal career that fights for the voiceless.