How to apply for Clerkship, Criminal Justice Program (Summer 2027)

About Animal Legal Defense Fund

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is the nation's leading legal advocacy organization for animals, using the legal system to protect animals' lives and advance their interests. Its Criminal Justice Program is at the forefront of treating animal cruelty as a serious crime, working with prosecutors, law enforcement, and legislators to strengthen animal protection laws. A clerkship here offers a rare chance to work on cutting-edge animal law issues alongside dedicated attorneys who are shaping the field.

About the role

As a summer law clerk in the Criminal Justice Program, you'll conduct legal and factual research on animal cruelty cases, draft motions, memos, briefs, and resource guides, and assist attorneys in responding to crimes against animals. You'll also contribute to systemic projects aimed at improving criminal justice responses to animal cruelty. This role is impactful because your work directly supports efforts to hold animal abusers accountable and to create lasting legal protections for animals.

A typical day

A typical day might involve researching case law on animal cruelty statutes, drafting a memo on a novel legal issue, and revising a motion with an attorney. You might also attend virtual team meetings, compile factual research on a pending case, and contribute to a resource guide for prosecutors. The work is varied and collaborative, with a focus on advancing justice for animals.

Who Animal Legal Defense Fund is looking for

• A law student with a strong interest in animal law, criminal law, or both, and a demonstrated commitment to animal protection through coursework, internships, or volunteer work.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills, with the ability to draft clear, persuasive motions, memos, and briefs for diverse audiences.
• Experience or coursework in criminal procedure, evidence, or animal law, and familiarity with conducting factual investigations.
• Self-motivated and able to work remotely, manage multiple projects, and collaborate effectively with attorneys and other clerks.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience with criminal law or animal law in your resume and cover letter—even if it's from a clinic, internship, or volunteer position—because the Animal Legal Defense Fund values demonstrated commitment to these areas.
• Show your writing skills by submitting a writing sample that involves legal analysis and persuasion, ideally related to criminal law or animal protection, as the role heavily emphasizes drafting.
• Research the Animal Legal Defense Fund's Criminal Justice Program and mention specific cases, reports, or initiatives in your cover letter to show genuine interest and alignment with their mission.
• Emphasize your ability to work independently and remotely, as the position is remote and may require self-direction; provide examples of successfully managing projects with minimal supervision.
• If you have any experience with factual research, such as investigating cases or compiling evidence, highlight it—this role involves both legal and factual research on animal cruelty cases.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific motivation for advancing animal protection through the criminal justice system, and why you want to clerk at the Animal Legal Defense Fund specifically.', 'Your legal research and writing abilities, with concrete examples of motions, memos, or briefs you have drafted and how they contributed to a case or project.', 'Any background in criminal law or animal law, including relevant coursework, clinics, internships, or volunteer work, and how it prepares you for this role.', 'Your ability to contribute to both immediate case needs and longer-term systemic projects, demonstrating adaptability and a strategic mindset.']

Research before applying

• Explore the Animal Legal Defense Fund's website, especially the Criminal Justice Program section, to understand their current cases, campaigns, and reports on animal cruelty.
• Read recent news or press releases about the organization's legal victories or legislative efforts to get a sense of their impact and priorities.
• Learn about key animal cruelty laws and recent developments in criminal justice responses to animal abuse, such as felony provisions, animal cruelty registries, and court rulings.
• Research the backgrounds of the attorneys in the Criminal Justice Program to understand their expertise and potential interviewers.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your understanding of the Animal Legal Defense Fund's Criminal Justice Program and how you would contribute to its goals.
• Your experience with legal research and writing, including a discussion of a writing sample you submitted and the research process behind it.
• How you would handle factual research on animal cruelty cases, including potential challenges and ethical considerations.
• Your familiarity with criminal law concepts and how they apply to animal cruelty prosecutions, such as evidence gathering, charging decisions, and sentencing.
• Your ability to work remotely and collaboratively, with examples of how you've managed deadlines and communicated with a team in a remote environment.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Animal Legal Defense Fund or the Criminal Justice Program specifically, as this shows a lack of genuine interest.
• Failing to provide a writing sample that demonstrates legal analysis and persuasive writing, or submitting a sample that is not relevant to criminal or animal law.
• Not demonstrating a clear commitment to animal protection or criminal justice, as the organization seeks candidates who are passionate about its mission.
• Overlooking the remote nature of the role and not addressing how you will stay motivated and organized while working remotely.