The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) at Lewis & Clark Law School recently hosted an insightful webinar titled “Unlock Your Future in Animal Law: Admissions and Scholarship Session.” Led by Megan Senatori, Associate Director at CALS, and Professor Rajesh Reddy, Director of the Animal Law Program, the session provided valuable information on admissions, scholarships, and program details for prospective students interested in the online Animal Law LLM and MSL programs.
Overview of the Webinar
The webinar began by introducing the Center for Animal Law Studies, a trailblazing center founded in 2008 at Lewis & Clark Law School in collaboration with the Animal Legal Defense Fund. CALS’ deep roots in animal law education includes significant milestones such as the establishment of the first legal journal devoted to animal law in 1994 and the formation of the first Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter in the U.S. in 1993. CALS co-hosts the longest-running Animal Law Conference in the U.S., which has become a leading event in the field, now entering its 32nd year.
This webinar was recorded in September 2024 for the Spring 2025 semester. The Charles Richard Anderson Scholarship for Farmed Animal Protection is not being offered for the Fall 2025 semester. However, you may hear it mentioned in this recording.
Global Reach and Program Offerings
Students from over 30 countries have studied at CALS, contributing to a diverse, international learning and animal protection community. This rich tapestry of perspectives enhances the educational experience, preparing students for a globalized field. The webinar focused on CALS’ two advanced legal degrees offered in-person and online: the LLM in Animal Law for lawyers and the MSL for non-lawyers. These programs are meticulously designed to train the next generation of advocates in animal law and protection, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change.
LLM and MSL Programs: Pathways for Lawyers and Non-Lawyers Alike
The LLM and MSL programs continue Lewis & Clark’s tradition of excellence. The LLM, launched in 2012, is the world’s first advanced legal degree in animal law, accessible to both U.S. and international lawyers. Graduates of this program have successfully pursued diverse careers in legal practice, academia, policy organizations, and beyond.
The MSL program, which began in 2022, offers an advanced legal education in animal law tailored specifically for non-lawyers and is the first of its kind in the U.S. This program is ideal for professionals working in advocacy, policy, and academia who wish to enhance their knowledge of animal law to better support their efforts in animal protection.
Both programs are offered on campus and online via a part-time and asynchronous program, providing exceptional flexibility for working professionals and international students. Students engage in weekly discussions, fostering an interactive and global learning environment.
Admissions and Scholarship Opportunities
To apply to the Animal Law Program, the LLM requires a law degree, while the MSL requires a bachelor’s degree. Both programs necessitate a statement of interest, academic transcripts, and one letter of recommendation. MSL applicants will also need to provide a writing sample, up to 20 pages in length.
CALS offers a variety of scholarships aimed at minimizing the cost of attendance. Among these are the $10,000 Thomas Bloom Raskin Animal Protection LLM Scholarship, which honors the memory of Tommy Raskin, a Harvard Law student and animal advocate, and the William C. Borst Antivisection Scholarship providing full tuition to a student interested in a career advocating for animals used in research and testing.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Demonstrating genuine passion for animal protection in the application process is one key to a strong application. Applicants should highlight their engagement in animal advocacy through their resumes, statements of interest, and recommendation letters. Furthermore, connecting personal interests to specific courses offered by the program can significantly enhance an application by illustrating a clear vision of how the program aligns with their career goals.
Faculty Expertise and Real-World Impact
The faculty at CALS are leaders in animal law, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program. Several Animal Law LLM alumni also teach in the program, including David Rosengard, who teaches the Crimes Against Animals course and serves as a staff attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Criminal Justice Program and and Cynthia von Schlichten, general counsel for Farm Sanctuary and a graduate of the LLM program, who teaches the Nonprofit Animal Law course. These professors are not only educators but also active practitioners in the field of animal law, providing students with rich insights and real-world applications of their studies.
Program Flexibility and Career Outcomes
The flexibility of the online LLM and MSL programs allows students to tailor their education to meet their individual professional goals. Most students complete the program part-time, but for those eager to accelerate their studies, it is possible to finish in as little as one calendar year. The online program is asynchronous, enabling students to juggle professional and personal obligations while also focusing on their studies.
Alumni Support, Career Outcomes, and the Global Ambassador Program
A key feature of Lewis & Clark’s online animal law programs is the strong sense of community fostered among students, alumni, and faculty. Alumni can access career advice and job opportunities through the program’s extensive network. The program actively nurtures these relationships, citing an upcoming career development event where alumni will share insights and advice with current students. Additionally, the program shares a wide range of animal law positions accessible to all students.
The school’s Global Ambassador Program (GAP), which provides funding to graduates to support their animal law work around the world, is a highlight. The GAP not only helps alumni pursue their passions but also empowers them to make meaningful impacts in their respective fields. The program supports alumni by awarding grants based on the strength of their project proposals, with grants reaching up to $5,000. Many recipients have gone on to teach the first animal law courses in their home countries or develop nonprofits, showcasing the program’s global influence.
Navigating the Application Process
Writing samples are a critical component of the application process. For MSL applicants, the writing sample provides an opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical writing skills. While the sample does not need to relate directly to animal law, it should showcase the applicant’s ability to engage with complex topics and formulate well-supported arguments. For those submitting multiple shorter pieces to meet the 10–20 page requirement, this approach is acceptable, provided the samples collectively demonstrate a cohesive argument.
A Future in Animal Law
While in-person candidates benefit from externships, clinics, and the Animal Law Review journal, the online program offers unparalleled flexibility for those unable to relocate or study full-time in Portland, Oregon. Both options present strong educational pathways, depending on individual circumstances.
For anyone passionate about animal law—whether as a lawyer or as an advocate from another profession—Lewis & Clark’s Center for Animal Law Studies provides unmatched opportunities to lead in the field of animal protection. With a rich curriculum, expert faculty, and a supportive community, CALS prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to animal law and advocacy.
To learn more about how CALS can help you shape your future in animal law, explore their website and discover how you can get involved. The future of animal law awaits, and CALS is here to help you unlock your potential.