Introducing Our 2026 Animal Law Award Recipients

The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) is proud to announce the recipients of our 2026 animal law awards. These three remarkable graduates from our JD, LLM, and MSL programs were nominated by CALS faculty for their steadfast commitment to the field, blending legal knowledge with real-world advocacy. Regarding this year’s honorees, Assistant Professor Rajesh K. Reddy, Director of the Animal Law Program, says, “The dedication of these students to achieving excellence in both their studies and animal law advocacy is exceptional. We are delighted to recognize them and highlight their work advancing the field of animal law.”

We invite you to meet this year’s honorees, who are all graduating with honors: Camille Bond, Vivian González Méndez, and Laurisa Schutt.

Animal Law JD Leadership Award: Camille Bond

This award is given to one of more graduating JD students who have earned the respect of their peers and faculty for their leadership and dedication to advancing the field.

A former reporter, Camille spent two years covering food systems and other issues before coming to Lewis & Clark. Her work sparked a desire to create real-world impact for animals, and she transitioned from reporting on issues to resolving them through the law.

During her time at Lewis & Clark Law School, Camille has been a cornerstone of the academic community. She served as editor-in-chief of the Animal Law Review and spearheaded a critical pro bono research project by the Lewis & Clark Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter to safeguard sensitive species within the Northwest Forest Plan for the Oregon Bird Alliance. In recognition of her exceptional skills and commitment to a career advancing protections for farmed animals, she was awarded the Law Scholars for Change Animal Law Tuition Scholarship during her 3L year. Professionally, Camille has distinguished herself as a research assistant with Yale Law School’s Climate Change and Animal Agriculture Litigation Initiative, a clerk at the Western Environmental Law Center, and an extern with ClientEarth.

Following graduation, Camille will continue her work as a Litigation & Program Fellow at Yale’s Law, Environment, and Animals Program, including working on the Climate Change & Animal Agriculture Litigation Initiative. Of the award, Camille shares: “I’m honored to receive this award, and I’m so grateful to the animal law faculty and staff for their support during my time at Lewis & Clark. I will carry the animal law program’s sense of community and positivity with me as I start the next chapter of my career advocating for nonhuman animals!”

Outstanding Animal Law LLM Award: Vivian González Méndez

This merit award is presented annually in memory of Florence Kaufelt, a lifelong friend of animals, to a standout graduate of our Animal Law LLM program.

A seasoned litigator from Puerto Rico, Vivian joined the CALS Online LLM program after a distinguished career at the Puerto Rico Department of Justice. There, she supervised complex state and federal litigation before transitioning to a private practice where she specializes in government and animal law.

Vivian is also a dedicated educator, teaching Animal Law and Litigation Skills at the University of Puerto Rico, School of Law. Her impact is felt across the island through her educational project, JUSTA P.R. (Animal Justice Puerto Rico) and her work as an animal cruelty investigator. Whether she is advising state prosecutors on cruelty cases or collaborating with the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) to address defense issues in Puerto Rico, Vivian’s work is focused on strengthening enforcement of protective laws. In 2024, she was honored by ALDF with its Top Defenders of Animals Award during National Animal Justice Week. That same year, she published an article in the Law Journal of the University of Puerto Rico exploring how government negligence and corruption affects animal rights.

Vivian shares: “Through the Animal Law LLM at the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School, I came to understand that advocacy for animals in Puerto Rico is deeply intertwined with a growing global movement seeking justice for nonhuman animals. That realization strengthened my conviction that achieving recognition of their rights requires courageous, transformative legal action across every jurisdiction.”

Animal Law Leadership MSL Award: Laurisa Schutt

This inaugural award is given to one more graduating MSL students who have earned the respect of their peers and faculty for their leadership and dedication to advancing the field.

An entrepreneur and nonprofit leader, Laurisa has spent her career connecting people and politics to drive systemic change. As the founder/leader of First State Educate and executive director of Teach For America Delaware, she has a history of turning big ideas into real-world results. Through CALS’ Online MSL program, she’s now taking those same skills to the fight for animal protection.

Laurisa is already putting her MSL degree to work in her home state of Delaware. She has co-founded Animals For Animals Action Fund, a new 501(c)(4) organization that mobilizes animal advocates to influence legislative and regulatory change. By combining her background in global marketing with her legal training, Laurisa is building creative pathways to eliminate animal suffering and shift cultural mindsets. Additionally, she serves on the board of Humane World Action Fund.

Laurisa shares: “I entered CALS for academic content. I leave CALS with a movement—a globe of knowledge and a globe of colleagues who exude compassion and tenacity on behalf of our non-human partners. This award is a true honor and inspiration!”

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.