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Discovering animal law changed the direction of Dulki Seethawaka’s career. Today, the Sri Lankan attorney and legal researcher is leveraging her education from the Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) at Lewis & Clark Law School to strengthen animal protection laws, educate future advocates, and grow the animal law movement in her home country.
Dulki first became interested in animal law while researching animal protection laws in Sri Lanka for her graduate thesis at the University of Colombo. “I ended up doing my thesis on animal protection laws in Sri Lanka, but while doing my thesis, I realized that I lacked so much knowledge. I tried to find courses where I could learn more about animal law, welfare, rights, and protections, and that's how I ended up finding out about the master's program at Lewis and Clark Law School.”
After receiving a full scholarship in 2023, she enrolled in the online Animal Law LLM program with a goal of applying her education to animal protection efforts in Sri Lanka. “Ever since, my life has changed for the better. There has never been a moment that I doubted whether I am on the correct career path or not,” she says.
Discovering a Career in Animal Law
Dulki initially explored animal law education opportunities before discovering Lewis & Clark’s specialized LLM program. Because she already had a legal background, the program offered an opportunity to build on her existing expertise while developing a more focused understanding of animal law. Through coursework in global wildlife law, companion animal law, international animal protection, and the criminal justice system’s role in protecting animals, Dulki gained new perspectives on animal welfare and legal advocacy.
Dulki found ways to connect the coursework, including that focused on U.S. law, to the legal challenges facing Sri Lanka. She began examining how approaches used in other jurisdictions could inform local discussions about animal protection, while considering the differences between legal systems and the needs of her own country.
“It grows from all those lessons,” she says, “Because at that time, I was just learning, but now I am actually applying those lessons in the real world.” By sharing what she learned at Lewis and Clark with students and aspiring animal advocates in Sri Lanka, she is helping expand access to specialized animal law knowledge in a field where educational opportunities remain limited.
Applying an Animal Law Degree to Animal Protection in Sri Lanka
Dulki applies her education through her work as a Senior Executive Researcher at the Centre for Environmental Law and Policy (CELP) of the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, where she leads animal law initiatives and collaborates with animal welfare organizations.
Her research also led to the publication of Defending Captive and Domestic Animals in Sri Lanka, a book examining the country’s legal protections for captive and domesticated animals and offering recommendations for reform. Originally developed through her thesis, the publication benefited from the knowledge and perspectives she gained at Lewis & Clark. Her research evaluates proposed animal welfare legislation and explores how Sri Lanka can develop stronger, more comprehensive protections for animals.
She also recently served as a Delegate for World Animal Justice at the 15th United Nations Crime Congress. She relished the experience and has a vision for how animals can be protected as sentient beings deserving of legal protections and justice.
How an Online Animal Law LLM Builds Global Connections
For international students considering an online law degree, building professional relationships across borders can be just as important as gaining specialized knowledge. Before enrolling, Dulki wondered whether studying online would offer the same sense of community as an in-person program. Her experience ultimately exceeded those expectations.
Through coursework, discussions, and relationships with faculty and classmates from the U.S. and around the world, she built a network of animal law professionals and advocates who continue to support her work. The online format provided the flexibility to continue working in Sri Lanka while earning an advanced degree focused on her professional interests. Just as importantly, it gave her access to an international community of animal law advocates. “You need to have connections, you need to have support, you need to have guidance,” she explains.
In 2025, Dulki received Lewis & Clark’s Outstanding Animal Law LLM Graduate Award in recognition of her commitment to advancing animal protection. “I’m passionate and serious about this cause, and doing something for the animals in my country,” she says. “And I want to be recognized as a student from the Lewis and Clark Law School who completed the LLM in Animal Law, rather than being recognized as a researcher. I enjoy being an alum and being in that community; there's pure appreciation and gratitude.”
Advancing International Animal Protection Through Lewis & Clark’s Global Ambassador Program
Dulki continued her advocacy through CALS Global Ambassador Program (GAP), developing Decoding Compassion, an initiative designed to build a community of animal advocates in Sri Lanka. Dulki was selected to serve as a CALS Ambassador to carry out her GAP project from November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026.
Through workshops and educational activities, she has connected with lawyers, animal rescue organizations, businesses promoting vegan products, and others working to advance animal protection. The success of Dulki’s project is evident in her GAP reflection piece. Looking ahead, she hopes to organize an animal rights law conference in Sri Lanka and pursue additional training opportunities for judges. These initiatives would help expand awareness of animal law and encourage stronger protections through education and collaboration.
For Aspiring Animal Law Professionals
For those considering a career in animal law, Dulki encourages prospective students to seek out the education, guidance, and professional community they need to turn their interests into action. She frequently recommends Lewis & Clark’s Animal Law LLM to other aspiring advocates she meets through professional conferences and international networks: “There are so many opportunities that have come my way, and I'm sure in the future as well, thanks to CALS and Lewis and Clark.”
For legal professionals who want to focus their careers on animal protection, policy, research, or advocacy, Lewis & Clark’s Animal Law LLM offers an opportunity to develop specialized expertise while connecting with a global community committed to advancing animal law.
Learn more about the online Animal Law LLM at Lewis & Clark Law School and discover how specialized legal education can help you make a difference for animals.