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Nonprofit Animal Law

This course emphasizes real-world situations a lawyer is likely to face when advocating for animals. It examines different roles that lawyers interested in animal protection may encounter: volunteering or working for nonprofits; giving legal advice to nonprofits; or serving directly as counsel. Part of the course provides an overview of general nonprofit legal topics: establishment of a nonprofit; creation and preservation of 501(c)3 tax exempt status; risk management; nonprofit volunteers; employee issues; fundraising; tax issues; hosting public events; privacy issues; and protection of intellectual property rights. The course also covers legal issues of particular interest to animal nonprofits: animal adoptions; care and transportation of live animals across state lines; disaster relief for animals; veterinary laws; property issues regarding rescued animals; lobbying for animal protection laws; and prosecution of animal cruelty cases. Students will be evaluated based upon class participation and a final exam.

The American Bar Association accreditation standards require students to regularly attend the courses in which they are registered. Lewis & Clark expects students to attend classes regularly and to prepare for classes conscientiously. Specific attendance requirements may vary from course to course. Any attendance guidelines for a given class must be provided to students in a syllabus or other written document at the start of the semester. Sanctions (e.g., required withdrawal from the course, grade adjustment, and/or a failing grade) will be imposed for poor attendance.