Law Faculty

Russ Mead is a popular lecturer nationwide who uses examples from his career as general counsel for animal rights organizations to illustrate animal welfare and other animal-related laws. Russ has served as General Counsel for two of the best-known animal sanctuaries: Best Friends Animal Society, and Farm Sanctuary; and served as Farm Sanctuary’s interim Executive Director.

Russ also has experience implementing and managing large scale animal rescues, including during hurricane Katrina. He has been involved in animal hoarding cases, each involving hundreds of animals.

Russ’ legislative advocacy work includes grass roots organizing, lobbying, and media promotion.

In private practice Russ has represented animal nonprofits in tax matters, intellectual property disputes, employment issues, fundraising compliance, and nonprofit formation.

On a personal level, Russ raises awareness of animals by attempting to capture their spirit in ink wash paintings.

Russ holds a JD from St. Louis University School of Law, an MBA from Lindenwood College, and a BS in Accounting from Arizona State University, and earned a CPA license. He is a frequent lecturer at law schools, bar associations, and animal law conferences. Russ authored the textbook “Nonprofit Animal Law”.

Previous Courses:

Animal Agriculture: Law and Policy - Spring 2014, 2015, 2018

Animal Law Fundamentals - Fall 2017

General Counsel Topics:  Animal Law - Spring 2014

Nonprofit Animal Law Seminar - Spring 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018