Law Courses Catalog

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.