Transition into Animal Law with an Advanced Degree

Animal Law Education

Both lawyers and non-lawyers have the opportunity to transition into animal law with an advanced degree. For those who have graduated from an accredited U.S. or international law school, CALS offers a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in animal law. CALS also offers a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree in animal law, designed for those who want to learn about animal law but do not intend to practice as attorneys.

LLM in Animal Law

CALS’ LLM in animal law was launched in 2012 as the first advanced animal-law degree in the world, giving recent law-school graduates and experienced attorneys alike the opportunity to develop expertise in animal law. The LLM program allows students who have already completed a U.S. or international law degree to dive into animal law and take courses with professors who have deep and varied experience in the field, including as litigators, lobbyists, and general counsel and staff attorneys for animal protection organizations.

CALS LLM students have transitioned into animal law from a variety of legal backgrounds. Alumni include Alice Di Concetto, a French lawyer who now teaches European animal law in Paris and founded the European Institute for Animal Law & Policy; Tony Gerrans, a South African lawyer who was a principal planner working on land restitution claims and now works as the Executive Director of African Operations for Humane Society International and served as a visiting fellow at Harvard Law School’s Animal Law & Policy Program; and Paula Margarido, a Brazilian lawyer who had practiced business contracts and is now Latin America General Counsel for Mercy for Animals.

MSL in Animal Law

CALS launched its MSL in animal law in 2022, continuing to innovate by offering the first advanced animal-law degree for non-lawyers. Students in the MSL program learn about the laws that shape animals’ lives and their work as animal advocates, and the program is designed to focus on animal law in teaching, research, academia, advocacy, and policy.

Many MSL students have already taken animal-related career paths and hope to add a legal element to their work. Others have an interest in animals but don’t yet work in an animal field, including physicians, law enforcement officers, and family therapists. CALS MSL alums include Julie Palais, a former polar scientist who pursued what she calls her “Encore Career” in animal law. Julie is actively engaged in pursuing protections for animals in Nepal, where she is devoted to helping street dogs, as well as developing animal law in Nepalese law schools. Emily Talkington, a traveling wildlife conservation veterinarian and CALS MSL alum, now works on issues such as advocating for animals used in laboratories and encouraging a shift to humane, human-based research. 

Career Support and Networking

For students transitioning to careers in animal law, CALS provides valuable networking opportunities and career support. Networking gives animal advocates the opportunity to learn more about the field, including key issues and organizations that might be of interest, as well as the opportunity to be part of a community of animal advocates and gain access to animal law resources. Connecting and collaborating with others who value animals and are working in the movement can also lead to mentorship, job opportunities, or animal law internships. 

Students pursuing an LLM or MSL with CALS can connect with alumni from more than 30 countries spanning six continents, as well as faculty with longstanding relationships with others in the field. CALS faculty, staff, and alumni are also active with the American Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee, which provides an array of excellent opportunities for those interested in animal law. 

Additionally, CALS and the Animal Legal Defense Fund host the annual Animal Law Conference, a multi-day event connecting animal advocates from different fields. At the 32nd annual ALC in 2024, in-person and online attendees learned from expert panelists regarding issues including navigating the political sphere, protecting farmed animals, and advocating for animals used in testing. In addition to these panels, attendees participated in multiple networking events, all featuring plant-based food and drinks. The event is well-attended by advocates, including a large community of CALS alums. This year’s ALC will be in Chicago, IL and online from October 17-19, 2025.

Beyond networking, an LLM or MSL degree with CALS connects students to support in launching animal law careers. CALS hosts a Slack channel where faculty, students, and alumni of the program share job postings and upcoming career opportunities. Each year, CALS faculty and staff also host Animal Law Career Week, where in-person and online students can attend sessions on networking, creating resumes and cover letters, searching and interviewing for positions, and presenting or publishing academic work–all within the animal law context. CALS offers a supportive, approachable team: faculty and staff support students by reviewing resumes, conducting mock interviews, and offering personalized guidance to pursue their unique careers in animal law.

Ready for a Change?

Individuals with a passion for animal rights and animal protection can bring their knowledge to the field of animal law and bolster their work by learning more about the legal frameworks surrounding animals and animal advocates. Whether you’re looking to start a second career or incorporate animal law into your current role, consider an advanced degree with the Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) at Lewis & Clark Law School. In addition to a variety of animal law courses, CALS offers MSL and LLM students the opportunity to connect with an extensive alumni network and supportive professors.

CALS offers the MSL and LLM degree in animal law both in-person in Portland, Oregon and online. Applications for the online program for the spring semester are open until November 1, 2025.