Staff Attorney – Criminal Justice Program

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Staff Attorney providing essential legal support on animal cruelty cases for Animal Legal Defense Fund. Coordinating with prosecutors and law enforcement to ensure justice for animal victims.

Posted 7/17/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $95,100 - $105,110 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in legal analysis and drafting related to animal cruelty cases, with strong communication skills for collaboration with prosecutors, law enforcement, and advocates. Proficient in legal research, writing, and the development of legislation pertaining to animal crimes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris DoctorLegal ResearchLegal WritingAnimal Cruelty LawCommunication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Factual AnalysisDrafting MemorandaDrafting PleadingsDrafting MotionsLegal AnalysisCase Viability AssessmentAmicus Curiae BriefsLegislation DevelopmentCriminal ProcedureEyewitness Account Gathering

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsPrioritization SkillsInterpersonal SkillsTeamworkPositive Attitude

Tools & Technologies

Computer Literacy

Certifications & Qualifications

Admission to Practice Law

Industry Keywords

Animal Legal Defense FundAnimal CrueltyCriminal JusticeLegislative AffairsAnimal ControlVeterinary ReportsExpert Witness TestimonyCriminal ChargesLegal TrainingPublic Communication

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist prosecutors and courtroom animal advocates on animal cruelty cases at the trial level through factual and legal analysis of animal cruelty statutes, rules of criminal procedure, and other related laws; draft memoranda, pleadings, motions, and other documents as needed for trial preparation.
Communicate directly with prosecutors and courtroom animal advocates regarding strategies for animal cruelty-specific issues.
Assist law enforcement, animal control officers, and veterinarians with animal cruelty investigations, including reviewing affidavits, warrants, expert witness testimony, and veterinary reports.
Identify and analyze the viability of potential animal cruelty charges in cases where criminal charges have not been filed, and draft correspondence to relevant law enforcement and prosecutors outlining the viability of a criminal cruelty case where appropriate.
Communicate efficiently with complainants and advocates by phone and e-mail; gather relevant facts (through eyewitness accounts, media reports, and other sources as needed) for potential criminal cruelty cases; and identify, after thorough legal analysis, those cases warranting further investigation.
Oversee drafting, editing, and submission of amicus curiae briefs on behalf of ALDF.
Assist with the review, development, and advancement of new legislation relating to animal crimes in all 50 states and at the federal level.
Coordinate and collaborate with Litigation Program staff on cases that have, or could have, both civil and criminal components; coordinate with Legislative Affairs Program on legislative matters with a criminal component.
Work with Communications and other departments to answer questions on criminal legal issues and procedures.
Field media requests from Communications as requested by the Criminal Justice Program Director.
Create and conduct legal trainings on animal crimes for a range of audiences, including: criminal justice practitioners, courtroom animal advocates, law enforcement agents, animal control officers, judges, law students, and humane officers.
Prepare and deliver presentations for other professional conferences, fundraising events, etc. as needed. Provide in-house expertise for staff on questions concerning Criminal Justice Program cases, animal cruelty cases in general and criminal procedures and legal strategy.
Other criminal justice projects (e.g. intersection of animal law and criminal justice reform; effective sentencing models; emergent animal law/criminal law issues; etc.) as requested by Criminal Justice Program Managing Attorney.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor, excellent performance in law school, and admission to practice law in at least one state.
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent legal research and writing skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, organizational members and supporters, members of the public, and others.
Computer literacy.
Positive attitude, ability to work cooperatively with others, and ability to function well in a team-oriented work environment.
Understand and be committed to the mission of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
The ability to travel periodically for staff meetings and retreats (estimated 1-3 trips annually).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care, dental, life and vision benefits (100% employer paid)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA) are also available
192 hours of PTO
19 paid holidays
1-month paid sabbatical after 5 years of continuous employment
16 weeks paid parental leave
401k plan with a maximum 5% employer contribution match after one year of employment
Alternative work schedules (at manager’s discretion)
One-time remote work allowance of $750
Annual professional development reimbursement of up to $1,000.