Skip to content
Animal law is a rapidly growing and deeply meaningful field of legal study, and every facet is taken into consideration at Lewis & Clark Law School. Professor Pamela Frasch, Brooks McCormick Jr. Scholar of Animal Rights & Policy, shares in this webinar why animal law is important. “The main reason animal law matters is because animals matter. Animals are integral to every aspect of human society, whether it’s the companion animals we live with, the wildlife we admire, the animals used in commercial contexts, food production, or research.” Animals exist everywhere, and the law impacts every single one of their lives.
Why Animal Law Matters
When we consider animals used for human purposes, it’s important to remember that they did not choose these roles. For that reason, “It’s essential that we are thoughtful about the laws governing them and that we engage in advocacy that improves their lives and reduces suffering,” Professor Frasch says. “They experience pain and distress much as humans do.”
The laws we pass, the causes we champion, and the policies we design all have direct consequences for their well-being. More students have been drawn to the study of animal law in recent years, whether through traditional JD programs, the LLM, or the MSL. Many are motivated by a desire to advocate for animals and use the law as a tool for change.
Several cultural and societal trends have contributed to this rise in interest. More people today view their companion animals as family members. At the same time, a growing body of scientific literature continues to document the emotional and cognitive capacities of nonhuman animals. Also, the well-established link between animal abuse and human violence has further strengthened the case for advancing protections through law. Professor Frasch further notes, “People increasingly recognize that how we treat animals affects far more than the animals themselves—it impacts the environment, conservation, climate change, and even worker justice.”
An Interdisciplinary Field
Animal law is inherently interdisciplinary. It intersects with constitutional law, criminal law, environmental law, administrative law, and property law. But its reach goes far beyond the legal sphere, connecting with science, business, politics, philosophy, sociology, and psychology. How we treat animals through law has ripple effects across all of these domains, shaping ethical standards, cultural attitudes, and public policy.
Students entering this field often discover that it connects directly to their existing professional work or personal advocacy. The diversity of perspectives enriches classroom discussions and encourages collaborative, real-world problem-solving.
Foundations of Animal Law Education
Lewis & Clark offers many critical courses as part of the LLM and MSL Animal Law Programs, but none is more foundational than the Fundamentals of Animal Law course, because students are provided with a broad introduction and exploration of the field. The course explores the historical and legal frameworks that define animal protection, key cases, and the ongoing debates that shape the field today, such as the distinction between animal welfare and animal rights. Students also examine the ethical and philosophical foundations of the movement and learn how to translate their compassion and passion into effective advocacy.
The course emphasizes both theory and practice. Students gain practical tools for legal reasoning, policy development, and advocacy; skills that can be applied immediately in professional, academic, or volunteer settings. This class serves as a foundation for more specialized courses, allowing students to build on their interests and expertise as they progress through the program.
Learning Formats and Community
One of the great strengths of Lewis & Clark’s animal law advanced degree program is flexibility. Animal Law LLM and MSL students can choose between in-person and online (fully asynchronous) learning formats. In-person students benefit from daily interactions with faculty, staff, and classmates, fostering immediate community and collaboration.
The online format, meanwhile, allows students from around the world to participate without needing to relocate or disrupt their professional or personal lives. Despite the distance, online students form strong connections with faculty and classmates. Optional virtual socials, discussion groups, and events like the annual Animal Law Conference help create a vibrant and supportive network that extends beyond graduation.
Because the online program is part-time, course loads are carefully balanced to accommodate students’ work and family responsibilities; faculty ensure that workloads are manageable and assignments coordinated across classes. “This format allows for thoughtful, ongoing discussion that mirrors an in-person seminar, though in an asynchronous environment.”
Career Paths and Real-World Impact
Animal law education opens doors to a wide range of careers. Many students already work in nonprofits, government, or academia, and find that their coursework immediately enhances their advocacy. For others, the program provides a bridge to new professional directions, whether in wildlife policy, companion animal welfare, farmed animal protection, or legislative and policy work.
Faculty and advisors help students design individualized study plans aligned with their goals. They also connect students with alumni and professionals in related fields for mentorship and collaboration. Professor Frasch shares, “We have a wonderfully supportive community. Everyone—faculty, staff, alumni—wants to help each other succeed.” Along the way, many discover new passions and unexpected career paths, expanding the reach of animal law into new sectors.
Whether studying on campus or online, students join a welcoming community dedicated to improving the lives of animals and advancing justice through law. As interest in animal law continues to grow, so too does the impact of those who choose to make this vital field part of their professional journey.