The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) at Lewis & Clark Law School hosted a webinar exploring how an advanced degree in animal law can support a career in lobbying and advocacy.
The event featured Professor AJ Kroboth, who teaches the Legislation and Lobbying course. Joining her were Megan Senatori, Associate Director of CALS, and Raj Reddy, Director of the Animal Law Program. Together, they discussed how students and graduates are leveraging their legal education to influence animal protection policy around the globe. Watch the full recording here.
A Leader in Animal Law Education
Founded in 2008, CALS is a pioneer in the field of animal law, offering both in-person and online advanced degree programs. These include the LLM in Animal Law for lawyers and the MSL in Animal Law, the first of its kind in the U.S. for professionals such as veterinarians, journalists, and nonprofit professionals.
One of CALS’s standout offerings, the Animal Law Legislation & Lobbying course, is designed for those who seek to create change through policy rather than litigation. Drawing on her personal journey from private practice to animal advocacy, Professor Kroboth emphasized that meaningful impact can often be achieved outside the courtroom.
Kroboth’s career began at Best Friends Animal Society as a legislative attorney. While she initially hesitated at the term “lobbyist,” it quickly became clear that this was the path she was meant to follow. Over the years, Kroboth worked with several major animal welfare organizations, advocating for policies that protect animals. Teaching in Lewis & Clark’s animal law program was a natural fit and served her passions and interests well.
A Unique Approach to Lobbying Education
What sets CALS apart is its focus not just on legislation but also on governmental policy, including the regulations that affect animal welfare. As Kroboth explained, “Many lobbyists you’ll encounter might not have law degrees, but I’d argue that some of the best ones aren’t lawyers.”
The Animal Law Legislation & Lobbying course provides students with practical skills to advocate for animals at all levels of government. In addition to learning about the legislative process, the course covers effective advocacy strategies and how to engage in policy work not only in the U.S. but across the globe. Kroboth noted that advocacy is a universal skill that transcends borders, with students working on projects in diverse jurisdictions, including the European Union, Mexico, and Brazil.
Collaborative, Asynchronous Learning
Offered asynchronously, the course fosters collaboration through discussion boards, video submissions, and peer feedback, creating an interactive learning environment. Students come into the program from the U.S. and around the world, bringing a rich diversity of perspectives to class discussions.
By the end of the course, students have formed a close-knit online community, learning from each other’s unique professional backgrounds, including veterinarians, attorneys, and advocates from a variety of fields. Kroboth stressed that CALS’s animal law program equips students not only to lobby for animal welfare but also to build a career in an impactful and growing field.
The online LLM and MSL programs at Lewis & Clark are part-time and asynchronous, offering students worldwide the flexibility to balance their studies with other commitments. Students typically complete 6-8 credits per term and graduate in four terms. For instance, a student starting in Fall 2025 would typically graduate by the end of Fall 2026, although the pace of study varies by student.
Practical Skills for Advocacy
The Animal Law Legislation & Lobbying course is designed to provide students with hands-on skills in lobbying and policy advocacy. Starting with the basics of the legislative process, particularly U.S. federal procedures, the course also delves into European Union lawmaking and regulations, executive orders, and other governmental policies. And this is only one of the impactful and practical courses Lewis & Clark offers.
Successful advocacy requires strategic thinking, and Kroboth emphasized that the course equips students to assess the potential for change and develop strategies tailored to their goals. The course also features guest speakers from leading animal welfare organizations, offering real-world insights into media strategies, public relations, and how data and storytelling influence policymakers.
Practical assignments like drafting legislation, creating media strategies, and preparing memoranda and bill proposals ensure that students leave the course with tangible materials they can use in future advocacy work. One success story from the course is that of a student whose bill, drafted during the course, is now pending in the Hawaii House of Representatives. This hands-on, community-driven approach helps students gain practical experience and valuable connections to advance their animal welfare initiatives.
Real-World Impact
Lewis & Clark’s Center for Animal Law Studies continues to be at the forefront of animal law education, offering unparalleled opportunities for those passionate about advocating for animal protection. With its innovative programs, including the LLM and MSL degrees, CALS prepares students to tackle pressing global challenges by equipping them with the legal tools and practical experience needed to drive change.
The skills honed at CALS enable graduates to make a lasting impact on the welfare of animals worldwide. As part of a dynamic global alumni network, students become part of a dedicated community working toward a future where animal protection is a cornerstone of legal and policy frameworks around the world.