From dogfighting and hoarding to pet custody battles, animal law issues are making headlines around the country. Now Lewis & Clark is creating the world’s first advanced degree in animal law, extending its leadership in the emerging field.
Robert Klonoff, dean of Lewis & Clark Law School, announced that the school’s proposal for an Animal Law LLM Program received acquiescence from the American Bar Association (ABA) and unanimous approval from the school’s Board of Trustees.
“The ABA’s and Board of Trustees’ quick and unequivocal actions represent a huge step forward and recognition for the field of animal law, and are yet another example of leadership and innovation at Lewis & Clark Law School,” he said.
This development enhances the already cutting-edge Animal Law Program and adds to the growing list of “firsts”:
- Comprehensive animal law program, including animal law certificate option
- Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) chapter
- Animal law journal (Animal Law)
- Summer Intensive Animal Law Program
- Animal law competitions (National Animal Law Competitions)
- Academic animal law conference (The Animal Law Conference at Lewis & Clark)
“The new LLM degree program marks another historic milestone in the evolution of animal law,” Pamela Frasch, assistant dean of the Animal Law Program and executive director of the Center for Animal Law Studies, said. “When I first started teaching in 1998, I dreamed of the day when students would have the opportunity to earn an advanced degree in animal law. That day is finally here, and I’m proud of Lewis & Clark’s strong commitment to educate the next generation of animal law attorneys. With the new LLM, our graduates will be poised to become the leading legal educators and advocates in the field.”
The Animal Law LLM Program at Lewis & Clark is expected to launch in the fall of 2012. Demand for an advanced animal law degree is already high, with the school regularly receiving inquiries about its inauguration. Preparations are under way regarding the final details, including the application process. As more information becomes available, it will appear on the Center for Animal Law Studies’ website.
About the Center for Animal Law Studies:
Founded in 2008, the Center is the home for the animal law programs and activities of Lewis & Clark Law School. The Center collaborates with the national nonprofit Animal Legal Defense Fund to educate and support law students and legal professionals in the rapidly developing field of animal law through classes, conferences, scholarship, and clinical opportunities.
