Guide to Representing Animal Protection Organizations

The situation of animals--whether viewed at the level of individual animals, species, or ecosystems--is dire and among the most pressing challenges in today's world. Although there have been laws protecting animals in place for centuries, the practice of animal law has vastly expanded in the past two decades. Leading experts have collaborated on this unique and important guide in hopes that it will contribute in some small way to address these challenges by supporting the efforts of the animal protection organizations that are on the frontlines of these global issues.

Practical and informative, this guide illustrates the different ways that lawyers can work on behalf of animals by representing the organizations dedicated to protecting them, whether employed as in-house or outside counsel, or taking on pro bono matters. The guide begins with an overview of various types of organizations whose missions promote and further the humane treatment of animals and how lawyers can support them. The guide addresses basic considerations that arise in representing animal protection organizations, as well as:

• Formation, governance, and tax-exempt status issues
• Operational issues including employees, volunteers, liability, and insurance
• Constitutional matters and the First Amendment
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice issues
• An extensive overview of local, state, federal, and international laws
• And more!