Nonprofit Animal Law

Nonprofit Animal Law - Professor Russ Mead

• Course Number: LAW-442 - In-person Section
• Course Type: Highly Specialized
• Credits: 2
• Enrollment Limit: Determined by the Registrar
• Description:  Nonprofit organizations do much of the animal law work in the US and worldwide. They train law enforcement on crimes against animals. They protect endangered and threatened species. They also run legislative campaigns on animal issues.

This course teaches students how to create a nonprofit or NGO to do this work. It is an experiential course that guides students step-by-step through the process of creating an animal-related nonprofit. Students learn key US tax rules, including limits on private inurement, political candidate endorsements, issue lobbying, and the distribution of assets. Students draft articles of incorporation that meet state corporation laws and federal tax rules. They also draft bylaws, choose board members and officers, hold board meetings, and create a conflict-of-interest policy. The course covers other essential legal topics for starting a new animal nonprofit.

Project and outside costs: The final graded project asks students to prepare all the documents needed to start an animal‑focused nonprofit. Most students choose to file these documents and apply for federal tax‑exempt status. For many, this nonprofit becomes an important part of their academic legal work. They leave law school as the Executive Director of a nonprofit they created. Students who take this path must pay all incorporation and related fees. These fees can be as high as $750. Students also have another option. They may prepare all required materials but hold off on filing for incorporation.

• Prerequisite: none
• Evaluation Method: Final project
• Capstone: With professor permission
• WIE: no

Nonprofit Animal Law - Professor Cynthia von Schlichten

• Course Number: LAW-442 *Animal Law LLM and MSL Distance Students Only*
• Course Type: Highly Specialized
• Credits: 3
• Enrollment Limit: Determined by the Registrar
• Description:  Nonprofit organizations carry out much of the animal law work in the U.S. and around the world. This course addresses the day-to-day legal challenges an animal nonprofit organization might face and provides a foundation for how to manage and navigate those challenges. Among other broader topics relevant to running a nonprofit organization, the course will focus on legal issues of particular interest to animal nonprofits, including: animal rescue and adoptions; care and transportation of live animals across state lines; compliance with veterinary laws; property issues regarding rescued animals; and lobbying around relevant legislation. The course will also address the value of engaging in animal advocacy litigation, and related obstacles, such as standing.

In addition, the course will provide an overview of some common issues nonprofits face, including: employee and volunteer conflicts; fundraising and relevant tax compliance; risk management considerations; the protection of intellectual property rights; as well as day-to-day challenges involving contracts, brand protection, and in-house litigation matters. While the course will emphasize nonprofit animal law in the U.S., it will also include discussion and assignments addressing the challenges of animal nonprofit organizations all over the world. Students will be encouraged to explore their home countries’ own nonprofit model through assignments and discussions.

• Prerequisite: none
• Evaluation Method: Discussion posts, Assignments, Quizzes, Final Project
• Capstone: no
• WIE: no