Animal Legal Defense Fund

Attorney

• 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.

Law Clerk – Litigation

Pro Bono Law Clerk