Bianka Atlas is the first Animal Law LLM graduate from Aotearoa New Zealand and a Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy International Scholar. Bianka graduated from Lewis & Clark with Honors and was the LLM Representative for Lewis & Clark’s Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter.
Bianka has researched and published on a range of animal law issues, including aquatic animal protection, the link between domestic violence and animal abuse, the controversy surrounding the labelling of plant-based meat products, and international wildlife law. Her article, ‘Joining the Herd: A Case for Closing New Zealand’s Domestic Ivory Market,’ was published in Lewis & Clark’s Animal Law.
Before joining the Animal Law LLM Program, Bianka enjoyed a varied human rights career, with expertise in children’s rights and refugee protection in New Zealand and internationally, including deployment with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Bianka received her Bachelor of Laws (Honors) and Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics and Psychology) from the University of Auckland and her Master of Science (Childhood Studies) from the University of Edinburgh. Bianka also holds a Certificate in Animal Welfare Investigations. She has completed training in animal behavior and animal first aid, and has experience in wildlife care and rehabilitation.
What are you up to these days?
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to study at Lewis & Clark’s Center for Animal Law Studies, to immerse myself in all-things-animal-law, and to be inspired by Animal Law trailblazers. The variety and quality of courses, and the support I received from my professors, surpassed my expectations. I have gained expertise in developing and using the law strategically and creatively to advocate for animals – through litigation, legislation, policy, and lobbying. I look forward to applying my skills and knowledge to effect change in the legal status and treatment of animals in New Zealand and globally.”