Animal Law Clinic

The original Animal Law Clinic (established 2008) serves as a comprehensive training ground for students interested in the full range of policy and related work to benefit animals through the direct representation of clients.

Students conduct legal research, analysis, writing, work on clinic projects to develop the field of animal law, and encourage consideration of the interests of animals in legal decision-making. Clinic work includes: policy, legislative, transactional, and administrative law work; occasional litigation work; advocacy; negotiation; mediation; ethical practice; and strategic planning. When appropriate, students also work with other lawyers as well as community members, veterinarians, scientists, economists, and other professionals. The Clinic provides an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience working with clients as well the chance to develop their professional skills.

Visit the Law Courses Catalog for course details, prerequisites, enrollment and more.

The Animal Law Clinic is led by Clinical Professor and Director Kathy Hessler, who has written numerous law review and other articles and teaches and lectures widely across the U.S. and internationally. In 2020, Professor Hessler received the Excellence in Animal Law: Scholarship, Teaching, and Service Award through the Association of American Law Schools. Read Professor Kathy Hessler’s article, The Role of the Animal Law Clinic, 60 J.LEGAL EDUC 263 (2010)