Animal Legal Defense Fund

General Counsel

• Provide guidance and counsel to internal stakeholders on operations, administration, nonprofit governance, contracts, fundraising, labor and employment, litigation, intellectual property, tax, data privacy and cybersecurity, and lobbying
• Work closely with the General Counsel and other Associate General Counsel to protect and support the organization
• Advise ALDF on day-to-day legal issues and establish, implement, and update policies and procedures to mitigate risk and ensure compliance
• Provide timely and comprehensive labor and employment advice to HR for federal, state, and local compliance
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts and oversee contract management
• Provide counsel and draft agreements related to charitable fundraising to ensure compliance with solicitation and tax laws
• Draft memoranda, correspondence, SOPs, policy documents, and other written materials
• Conduct legal research on unique issues arising for a nonprofit animal advocacy organization
• Assist with administrative tasks, including updating internal monitoring systems related to contracts and lobbying
• Advise on intellectual property matters (trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing)
• Consult, coordinate with, and supervise outside counsel as needed
• Assist the General Counsel in managing the in-house legal department and department budget; develop practices to improve efficiency
• Provide services to the affiliated 501(c)(4) when requested
• Occasional travel for organizational retreats or other functions

Associate General Counsel

Attorney

• Participate in the Animal Legal Defense Fund summer clerkship program and receive training from top experts in animal law.
• Complete legal and factual research and prepare a variety of written work products.
• Assist Animal Legal Defense Fund attorneys in responding to crimes against animals and in broadening animal law to secure just outcomes for animal victims.
• Prepare motions and legal memos responsive to immediate cases.
• Develop longer-term resources such as resource guides, position statements, and model laws to create systemic improvement.
• Work as an integral member of a program team, network across the organization with staff and other clerks, and engage in the organization’s mission and goals.
• Report to Senior Staff Attorneys and Managing Attorneys.
• Support the Criminal Justice Program’s work: investigatory and trial-level assistance, producing amicus curiae briefs, supporting legislative efforts, educating criminal justice practitioners, and crafting legal arguments for jurisprudential change.
• Commit to 35 hours/week for 10 weeks in summer 2026, starting end of May or beginning of June.

Criminal Justice Program Clerkship

• The Animal Legal Defense Fund summer clerkship program gives law students who demonstrate an interest in animal law the opportunity to work with and be trained by top experts in the field.
• Clerks are integral members of a program team and work on projects that further the current work of the program and advance the mission and goals of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
• Clerks also participate in activities that will allow them to network across the organization with Animal Legal Defense Fund staff and other clerks, and engage them in the mission and goals of the organization.
• The summer clerkship provides an immersive experience in the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s cutting-edge Litigation Program to protect animals and advance their legal interests.
• Clerks will complete legal and factual research, prepare a variety of written work products, and work with Animal Legal Defense Fund attorneys in developing new civil cases.
• Clerks will participate in Litigation Program meetings alongside our attorneys and are encouraged to attend hearings, oral arguments, and other events throughout the summer.
• Summer clerks in the Litigation Program conduct legal and factual research and draft legal and other documents in furtherance of ALDF’s ongoing and developing civil legal matters.
• All clerks and externs will participate in scheduled networking and engagement activities.
• Externs may have additional requirements depending on their school’s externship program.

Law Clerk – Litigation

Who We Are: The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.
Position Term: 35 hours/week for 10 weeks in summer 2026, with a start date at the end of May or beginning of June
Reports to: Managing Attorney
Role Description: The Animal Legal Defense Fund summer clerkship program gives law students who demonstrate an interest in animal law the opportunity to work with and be trained by top experts in the field.
How You Will Make a Difference: The Pro Bono Program works to expand the practice and understanding of animal law in the legal community.
Students will complete research on law firms, bar associations, CLEs, and various opportunities and issues in animal law, such as: Landlord, tenant, and other housing related issues; Animal custody disputes; Dangerous dog designations and breed-specific restrictions; Tort law matters and issues of negligence; Issues related to animals being considered property under the law
Compensation: $20/ hour
This is a U.S. based position. Clerks will be required to provide a personal United States address and to work primarily from that address.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is committed to providing an employment environment which is welcoming of persons from diverse backgrounds and free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Associate General Counsel

Criminal Justice Program Clerkship

Law Clerk – Litigation

Pro Bono Law Clerk