CALS Executive Director Megan Senatori Receives ABA Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award

Megan Senatori, Executive Director of the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School (CALS), was recently honored with the Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award. Megan received the prestigious honor on April 30, 2026, in a ceremony hosted by the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) Animal Law Committee. The award recognizes a committee member’s outstanding contributions to advancing the humane treatment of animals through the law.

The ABA highlighted Megan’s extensive and long-standing leadership in the field, spanning practice, teaching, nonprofit management, and policy advancement. She has held multiple key ABA leadership roles, including Companion Animal Subcommittee Co-Chair and Vice Chair for Domestic Violence Awareness.

“Megan Senatori is a true champion for the welfare of all animals,” said TIPS Chair Marcy Hogan Greer. “She has worked tirelessly with others to drive forward ABA Resolution 504, improving legal protections for survivors of domestic violence and their companion animals.” Read the full announcement from the American Bar Association here.

Megan joined CALS in 2019, serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives before being named Associate Director in 2020. In October 2025, she was promoted to Executive Director in recognition of her leadership. Additionally, Megan teaches Companion Animal Law and Veterinary Animal Law in the animal law advanced degree program.

“We are so proud of Megan, and congratulate her on this well-deserved award,” said Lewis & Clark Law Dean Alicia Ouellette. “Her leadership in the field of animal law in general, and in particular, her work in supporting the growth of the Center for Animal Law Studies is exceptional. We are delighted to see that she is recognized by her peers at the ABA.”

The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) was founded in 2008 with a mission to educate the next generation of animal law advocates and advance animal protection through the law. With vision and bold risk-taking, CALS has since developed into a world-renowned animal law epicenter. CALS’ Alumni-in-Action from 30+ countries are making a difference for animals around the world. The advanced degree program is offered in-person and online. CALS is a self-funded Center within the law school operating under the Lewis & Clark College 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and is able to provide these educational opportunities through donations and grants.