Staff Counsel: Compliance

Department: Legal

Division: Infrastructure

Location: New York, NY

 

Job Summary:

The ASPCA’s policies and procedures mitigate institutional risk, enhance efficiency and support the organization’s compliance with complex and overlapping laws and regulations. The Staff Counsel for Compliance will conduct comprehensive organization-wide research, engage in interdepartmental fact-finding, develop policies and oversee ongoing compliance with federal state and local laws and regulations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensure ongoing compliance with state, federal, and local laws, regulations and internal policies
• Oversee multi-state registration and reporting requirements, including those regarding charitable organization registration, lobbying, and corporate sponsorship regulations
• Conduct comprehensive research on diverse substantive and procedural issues, which may include fundraising, lobbying, transport, veterinary practice, fraud prevention and other issues relevant to ASPCA initiatives and programs
• Draft policies to comply with research results and organization-wide legal and business requirements and concerns
• Work closely with Finance Director of Special Projects to develop accessible organizational policies and procedures
• Counsel internal clients on risk management issues related to administrative compliance
• Educate staff on legal issues/risks facing specific areas of their work through conducting interdepartmental trainings and overseeing ongoing compliance in critical policy areas
• Assist Finance and Internal Audit departments with additional areas of compliance and risk assessment
• Collaboration with all facets of the organization to develop sound approaches to ensure ongoing organizational compliance
• Oversee completion of necessary state, city and federal filings
• Draft regular internal reports
• Other duties as assigned by Assistant Counsel and Corporate Counsel

Education:

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited U.S. law school
• Admitted to practice law in New York

Experience:

• 3-6 years of relevant experience (including legal and non-legal compliance-related experience) recommended
• In-house legal experience (for-profit or nonprofit), regulatory experience, or project management experience or expertise a plus
• Some experience or knowledge of accounting, tax or audit highly recommended

Knowledge Requirements:

• Knowledge of relevant substantive areas related to nonprofit law and management
• Knowledge of animal law is not required, but a commitment to animal welfare is helpful

Skills Requirements:

• Excellent judgment and discretion, especially regarding confidential and sensitive matters
• Must be exceptionally detail-oriented
• Excellent research, analysis and policy development skills
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Ability to prioritize heavy workload and work independently with minimal supervision

Training Requirements:

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited U.S. law school

Additional Information:

• Great work-life balance
• Excellent benefits

Our generous benefit package includes the following for full-time employees and (if qualified, we offer domestic partner coverage!) Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, 401(k), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Transit checks, Tuition Assistance Program, Training Seminars, EAP, 50% animal hospital discount, Vacation, Sick, Personal & Company Holiday time off.

For more information, see http://www.aspca.org/About-Us/Jobs/1248-staff-counsel-compliance.aspx.

 

Visiting Animal Law Faculty Position

Lewis & Clark Law School

 

Portland, Oregon Lewis & Clark Law School is seeking applications for a visiting faculty member to teach animal law starting in the 2012-2013 academic year. They seek candidates with animal law teaching experience and will consider both year-long and one semester visitors.

Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include a J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school, a distinguished academic record, and experience as a law professor or practicing lawyer. Preference will be given to applicants with significant experience with animal law matters.

Salary and Rank: Salary and visiting faculty title will be commensurate with experience.  
In furtherance of the law school’s commitment to a diverse faculty, we especially encourage applications from women, racial minorities, sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans and people from underrepresented groups.

Send applications or questions to Assistant Dean Pamela Frasch at pfrasch@lclark.edu.

 

 

Volunteer Executive Director

Posted on November 17, 2011

 

Four Feet Forward is seeking a qualified, and highly motivated, volunteer executive director to help run and grow the organization, someone experienced in nonprofit management and board governance. The position only requires a commitment of 5-10 hours a week. The director will work in close collaboration with the project manager, and will be responsible for communicating regularly with the board.

Four Feet Forward helps small animal advocacy organizations with their legal and media campaigns by offering professional services at no cost. The 501(c)(3) has been operating for 10 years and is made up of a group of people dedicated to advocating for animals in the courtroom and the broader public sphere. The network of professional consultants volunteer their time to help non-profits achieve their goals in support of animal welfare. Duties include:

1. Communicating with the project manager about ongoing projects
2. Planning agendas for board meetings
3. Strategizing how to develop our infrastructure and expand our operations
4. Publicizing what we do and our accomplishments to potential consultants and clients
5. Managing board members’ activities
6. Researching nonprofit development and animal advocacy to stay up to date with our field

Again, this is a volunteer position and requires a commitment of 5-10 hours a week. A background in fundraising and managerial experience is preferred. Above all, the president must have the passion and time to help grow this animal advocacy organization into a significant force.

 Please contact Matthew Webber at mattheweaglewebber@gmail.com for more information.

 

 

ALDF Litigation Program Clerkships

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Cotati, California

Fall and Spring 2012-2013

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system.  Since 1981, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has won precedent-setting victories that have expanded legal protections for companion animals, wildlife, animals in research labs, and those on factory farms.

During the school year, six promising law students are given the opportunity to learn more about animal law by participating in the Animal Legal Defense Fund Litigation Program Clerkships. The clerkship positions are described below.

Litigation Program Clerkship
Responsibilities include preparing legal memoranda, working with ALDF’s litigation department in developing new cases, and assisting in the preparation of pleadings in cases currently being handled by ALDF. The successful applicant must have a sincere interest in animal protection and be willing to accept a variety of assignments within the expanding field of animal law. The primary focus of this clerkship is on civil animal law issues, but students will be exposed to criminal anti-cruelty cases as well.

Clerkships are for approximately 28 weeks (fall and spring semester). Students are expected to commit 15 hours per week to the clerkship, all of which may be done remotely. The start date is flexible (dependent upon the student’s schedule). Clerkships are open to second- and third-year students only. Compensation is $15 per hour. (Subject to the student’s preference, we may instead structure the clerkship as an unpaid, for-credit externship or as a volunteer position to meet a curricular pro bono requirement.) 

The positions will remain open until filled. Law students interested in applying should forward an application form, cover letter, resumé (including 2-3 professional references), original writing sample, and transcript (unofficial is okay) to cdillard@aldf.org. Only complete applications will be considered. In the alternative, materials can be sent to:

Animal Legal Defense Fund
Law Clerk Position
170 E. Cotati Ave.
Cotati, CA  94931
Attention – Carter Dillard

For more information, see http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1451.

 

ALDF Summer Clerkships

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Cotati, California

Summer 2013

The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system. Since 1981, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has won precedent-setting victories that have expanded legal protections for companion animals, wildlife, animals in research labs, and those in factory farming situations.

During the summer of 2013, six promising law students will be given the opportunity to learn more about animal law by participating in the ALDF Summer Clerkships. The clerkship positions are described below.

Criminal Justice Program Clerkship (Portland, Ore.)
Responsibilities will include reviewing cruelty reports, communicating with law enforcement officers, animal welfare investigators and prosecutors, assisting in the development of proposed legislation, researching a wide range of legal issues, and drafting pleadings and research memoranda. The successful applicant must have a sincere interest in animal protection and be willing to accept a variety of assignments within the expanding field of animal law. The primary focus of this clerkship is on criminal cases involving animal cruelty, but there will exposure to civil animal law issues as well. This clerkship position is being offered at the ALDF Office in Portland, Oregon.

Litigation Program Clerkship (Cotati, Calif.)
Responsibilities will include legal research, working with ALDF’s litigation department in developing new cases, and assistance in preparation of pleadings in cases currently being handled by ALDF. The successful applicant must have a sincere interest in animal protection and be willing to accept a variety of assignments within the expanding field of animal law. The primary focus of this clerkship is on civil animal law issues, but there will be exposure to criminal anti-cruelty cases as well. This clerkship position is being offered at the ALDF national headquarters in Cotati, California.

These clerkships are for a period of 10 weeks with a flexible starting date (dependent upon the student’s schedule). It is open to second-year students only. There is a $6,000 stipend for the summer.

Law students interested in applying should forward an application form, cover letter, resumé (including 2-3 professional references), original writing sample, and transcript (unofficial is okay) to kwood@aldf.org. Application deadline is October 19, 2012. Only complete applications will be considered. In the alternative, materials can be sent to:

Animal Legal Defense Fund
Law Clerk Position
170 E. Cotati Ave.
Cotati, CA  94931
Attention – Kay Wood

For more information, see http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1813.

David Reuben Legal Clerkships

 

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Cotati, California
Portland, Oregon

Summer 2013

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system. Since 1981, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has won precedent-setting victories that have expanded legal protections for companion animals, wildlife, animals in research labs, and those in factory farming situations.

Each summer, two (2) promising law students are given the opportunity to learn more about animal law by participating in the David Reuben Legal Clerkships. The two clerkship positions are described below.

Criminal Justice Program Clerkship
Responsibilities include reviewing cruelty reports, communicating with law enforcement officers, animal welfare investigators and prosecutors, assisting in the development of proposed legislation, researching a wide range of legal issues, and drafting pleadings and research memoranda. The successful applicant must have a sincere interest in animal protection and be willing to accept a variety of assignments within the expanding field of animal law. The primary focus of this clerkship is on criminal cases involving animal cruelty, but there will exposure to civil animal law issues as well. This clerkship position is offered at the ALDF Office in Portland, Oregon.

Litigation Program Clerkship
Responsibilities include legal research, working with ALDF’s litigation department in developing new cases, and assistance in preparation of pleadings in cases currently being handled by ALDF. The successful applicant must have a sincere interest in animal protection and be willing to accept a variety of assignments within the expanding field of animal law. The primary focus of this clerkship is on civil animal law issues, but there will be exposure to criminal anti-cruelty cases as well. This clerkship position is being offered at the ALDF national headquarters in Cotati, California.

Clerkships are for a period of 10 weeks with a flexible starting date (dependent upon the student’s schedule). They are open to second-year students only. There is a $6,000 stipend for the summer.

Law students interested in applying should forward an application form, cover letter, resumé (including 2-3 professional references), original writing sample, and transcript (unofficial is okay) to kwood@aldf.org. Application deadline is October 19, 2012. Only complete applications will be considered. In the alternative, materials can be sent to:

Animal Legal Defense Fund
Law Clerk Position
170 E. Cotati Ave.
Cotati, CA  94931
Attention – Kay Wood

For more information, see http://aldf.org/article.php?id=703.

Legislative, Wildlife, and Safe Haven Interns

 

Animal Welfare Institute

Washington, D.C.

Legislative Interns
(Accepting applications on an on-going basis.)
AWI seeks two legislative interns every fall, spring, and summer. This is a great opportunity for law students, political science students, or anyone with a passion for making a difference in the lives of animals. Interns will assist our government and legal affairs staff in maintaining updated Hill contact lists, delivering documents to and attend meetings with Congressional offices and assisting staff in research; as well as miscellaneous tasks of an administrative nature. No specific academic major is required; however, preferred candidates will have a strong work ethic and be willing to take on any project. Interns may work full-time or part-time and can arrange to receive course credit. Please submit a resume and cover letter, stating why you wish to become an advocate for animals to Chris Heyde chris@awionline.org. These positions are located in our Capitol Hill office and are unpaid.

Wildlife Interns
(Accepting Spring 2012 submissions via cover letter and resume.)
AWI offers two on-site internships every fall, spring, and summer for persons enthusiastic about our work to protect wildlife, both terrestrial and aquatic. We also accept one to two off-site/remote interns if needed. Applicants must be willing to assist with basic support including but not limited to data collection, computer, telephone and library research. Projects are diverse; several needing a legal background, ideal for a law school student or recent graduate. To better acquaint yourself with AWI’s work, before applying, please visit our wildlife program section. Interested applicants email awi@awionline.org.

Safe Haven Program Interns
(Accepting applications on an on-going basis.)
Part time intern(s) needed to assist with updating information about “safe haven” programs, i.e., domestic violence (DV) shelters that will also take a victim’s pets or help her place them safely. Individuals involved with this project call DV shelters to find out if they provide such services and if so, whether they are on site or referrals. The calling list and a script are provided and calls can be made from one’s home during weekday hours anytime between 9:00 to 5:00. Hours worked per week: negotiable. This project is an important part of an AWI effort to develop a training program and technical assistance network for prosecutors to help them better handle animal abuse/animal fighting prosecutions; this updated information will be made available to them. Interested applicants email awi@awionline.org.

 

 

Summer 2012 Farm Animal Policy Internship

Animal Welfare Institute
Washington, D.C.

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) works to reduce animal suffering and promote the welfare of all animals, including animals in agriculture. As a part of our mission, we promote humane farming systems and work to advance legislative and regulatory efforts to improve the conditions of farm animals. We also administer our own animal care certification program, Animal Welfare Approved, through which we work with scientists and farmers to set the highest farm animal care standards in the country.

During the summer of 2012, one promising student will have the opportunity to learn more about farm animal law and policy as a law clerk or intern. Responsibilities include legal research and writing, tracking legislation and regulations, and drafting public policy comments. Projects will cover a range of factory farming issues; the clerk will support AWI in its efforts to eliminate harmful on-farm practices, improve conditions during long-distance transport, encourage humane handling at slaughter, and challenge misleading labeling of animal products. The ideal candidate must have a genuine interest in animal welfare and a background in law, public policy, or animal science.

The clerkship is located in our Capitol Hill office and is unpaid. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé to Rachel Mathews at rachel@awionline.org. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2012, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Summer Internship

Oregon Humane Society

Portland, Oregon

The Oregon Humane Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through adoption of homeless pets, animal welfare legislation, humane education, abuse investigation, and community outreach and leadership. Since 1868, the Oregon Humane Society has been dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in Oregon. The organization worked with Oregon’s first humane investigator in 1890 and currently employs three field officers who work full time in the field enforcing Oregon’s animal cruelty laws. OHS now serves the needs of over 11,500 animals each year. With over 100 staff members and a volunteer force of over 1,000, OHS is dedicated to 100 percent of the animals admitted to the shelter and strives to build a community of compassion.

During the summer of 2012, a law student will be given the opportunity to learn more about animal law and the inner workings of OHS by participating in the Summer 2012 Investigations Internship. The internship position is described below.

The intern will have learning opportunities that include reviewing cruelty complaints, communicating with animal welfare investigators and prosecutors, researching a wide range of legal issues, and assisting with the drafting of documents associated with pending cases.  

Education and Special Skills

• This opportunity is open only to rising third-year law students from an accredited institution. The ability to acquire school credit for internship hours is determined solely by the academic institution that the student is enrolled at and it is the responsibility of the student to inquire within their institution for credit.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of the Rules of Evidence.
• Clear understanding of Criminal Law and Procedure.
• Experience writing and editing legal documents.
• Ability to demonstrate high attention to detail.
• Ability to work at a steady pace in the midst of a rapidly paced work environment.
• Ability to be exposed to a wide variety of animal breeds and species in an animal shelter environment.
• Able to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently friendly, respectful and professional manner.
• Able to maintain a professional and calm demeanor while also exercising sound judgment during times of high workload, rapid pace of work, emotionally charged situations and during all interactions with the public, OHS staff and OHS volunteers.  

Days/Hours Available

30-40 hours per week, daily scheduling to be determined based on student availability.

Duration

10-12 weeks with a flexible starting date (dependent upon the student’s schedule).

Paid/Unpaid

This is an unpaid internship.

Deadline

Deadline for applications is March 1, 2012. The law clerk will be chosen by March 19, 2012.

For more information, see http://tbe.taleo.net/NA3/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=OREGONHUMANE&cws=1&rid=91.

 

Summer Litigation Intern Position

Compassion Over Killing
Washington, D.C.

Compassion Over Killing (COK) is seeking Litigation Interns for Summer, 2012 (unpaid). Compassion Over Killing is a national nonprofit (501(c)(3)) animal advocacy organization. Working to end animal abuse since 1995, COK focuses on ending and preventing cruelty to animals in agriculture. The 2012 Summer Litigation Interns will work with COK’s Legal Advocacy Program in our West Coast office in Torrance, California.

The Summer Litigation Interns will work on litigation projects aimed at protecting farmed animals; most of these projects are plaintiffs’ litigation. These projects will likely employ a variety of legal theories, relating to areas such as state criminal cruelty laws, false advertising and unfair competition laws, tort liability, environmental protection laws, administrative law, tax, and corporate law. The interns will have opportunities to research new projects as well as assist heavily with ongoing projects. They will work closely with Compassion Over Killing’s general counsel.

Excellent research and writing skills are required. In addition, the Litigation Intern should be interested in exploring novel approaches to protecting animals through litigation. Candidates with a background and interest in animal protection are preferred, although it is not required. Interested law students should apply with cover letter, resume, writing sample, list of three references, and law school transcript to Compassion Over Killing’s general counsel Cheryl Leahy at cleahy@cok.net.

 

Summer 2012 Law Clerk

Meyer Glitzenstein & Crystal
Washington, D.C.

Posted on September 14, 2011

Hailed by the Washingtonian magazine as the “most effective public-interest law firm in Washington, D.C.,” Meyer Glitzenstein & Crystal focuses on federal impact litigation in the fields of environmental protection, animal law, natural resource conservation, and open government.

Our firm is now accepting applications for Law Clerks for summer 2012. Law Clerks assist with all aspects of litigation and, depending on the firm’s case load, will likely have the opportunity to work on a range of issues handled by our firm.

Law Clerks typically arrange for public interest funding, or alternatively, class credit. Those Law Clerks without funding may be compensated on a public interest pay scale commensurate with the nature of our practice.

Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills are required. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in environmental and/or animal law. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, transcript, three references, and a short writing sample (approximately five pages) to Bill Eubanks at beubanks@meyerglitz.com. Please use “Summer 2012 Clerk Application” as the subject line. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, starting in the near future.