Special Thanks
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“The National Animal Law Competitions allows students with a passion for advocacy specifically related to animal issues, to hone their skills to become better advocates. I have always enjoyed advocating for people who could not speak for themselves. By competing in the National Animal Law Competitions, I learned how to craft compelling arguments and learn how to present animal law issues to people who may not be as informed of the challenges that animals face. I enjoyed my time as a competitor so much that I signed up with Animal Legal Defense Fund and have assisted The John Marshall Law School as a coach for students competing in the National Animal Law Competitions. One of the greatest testaments of NALC is that it allows law students who are unaware of the plight of companion animals, farm animals, or even animals subjected to experiments, to become better stewards of those entrusted to our care. There is nothing like watching students evolve from supporters of animal issues to advocates of animal issues.” –Anthony Sam, JD, former competitor
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“As a trial lawyer for more than 25 years I was very impressed with the quality of the closing arguments of all the competitors. They performed at a level I would expect of a third year prosecutor, not a law student. And the winner was absolutely fantastic, particularly in her ability to think on her feet during the final round. Finding law students interested in not just the issue but bringing those who abuse animals to justice is particularly meaningful for those of us who have been working, often seemingly alone, in animal welfare enforcement.” –Josh Marquis, JD
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“My partner and I chose to come back to NALC because we had such a great experience last year– thoughtful judges, a well-run competition, and thought-provoking practice problems. Connecting with animal law professionals and supportive members of the bench has been a great benefit of this competition and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.” –Anna Bennett, UC Irvine Law 3L
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“It is really amazing to practice real skills and get feedback from the most important scholars and practitioners in animal law. The competition fosters relationships between competitors but also amongst the staff and judges.” –Stefanie Wilson, UC Irvine Law 3L
We could not put this event together without the help we receive from many, many individuals and institutions. We owe them a huge thanks and appreciate all that they do.
In particular, we would like to thank the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) for their incredible support. We are grateful for our ongoing collaboration with ALDF and for the significant work individuals at ALDF put into the National Animal Law Competitions (NALC). Thank you, ALDF!
Thank you to everyone at UCLA School of Law who is working with us to ensure this year’s event is another success. We’d like to especially thank Professor Taimie Bryant for her help, guidance and insight.
We would like to extend a special thanks to both Dean Rachel Moran (UCLA School of Law) and Dean Robert Klonoff (Lewis & Clark Law School) for their tremendous support of both NALC and the field of animal law education.
We also thank all of the student competitors, their coaches, advisers, schools, etc., along with our guest judges, for their hard work and for traveling many miles to be a part of NALC. For our guest judges, we know how hard it can be to fit NALC into your busy schedules and demanding careers. Thank you for volunteering your time and expertise in order to help our competitors become better advocates.
Last but far from least, a HUGE thank you goes to the individuals who work so hard and volunteer countless hours writing the problems and grading briefs, bills and fact sheets.
Closing Argument Competition:
- Scott Heiser (ALDF) - Problem Author.
Legislative Drafting & Lobbying Competition:
- Kara Holmquist (MSPCA) - Problem Author / Bill & Fact Sheet Grader;
- Charlotte Wasserstein (Jones Day) - Bill & Fact Sheet Grader; and
- Pamela Frasch (CALS) - Bill & Fact Sheet Grader.
Appellate Moot Court Competition:
- Sonia Waisman (McCloskey Waring & Waisman LLP) - Primary author of the Memorandum Opinion, Briefing Order & Bench Brief. Consulting provided by Carter Dillard (ALDF), Matthew Liebman (ALDF) & Pamela Frasch (CALS).
- Tanith Balaban (Gordon Rees) - Brief Grader;
- Nicole Roth (Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe) - Brief Grader; and
- Mariann Sullivan (Our Hen House) - Brief Grader.
Center for Animal Law Studies is located in Wood Hall on the Law Campus.
MSC: 51
email cals@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-6960
Center for Animal Law Studies
Lewis & Clark Law School
10101 S. Terwilliger Boulevard MSC 51
Portland OR 97219