Application Guide
How to Apply for Criminal Justice Program Clerkship
at Animal Legal Defense Fund
🏢 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. Unlike traditional animal welfare groups, ALDF focuses on strategic litigation, legislative drafting, and criminal justice reform to create systemic change. Working here means joining a mission-driven team of attorneys and advocates who treat animal protection as a serious legal cause.
About This Role
This 10-week summer clerkship is specifically designed for law students passionate about criminal justice and animal law. You'll work directly with ALDF attorneys on active animal cruelty cases, conducting legal research, drafting motions and memos, and helping build resources like model laws and position statements. Your work will directly support efforts to improve how the criminal justice system responds to animal cruelty across the country.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching case law on animal cruelty statutes, drafting a motion to support an ongoing prosecution, and attending a virtual team meeting to discuss strategy. You might also work on a model law or resource guide to help legislators or prosecutors improve animal protection laws. Expect a mix of independent research and collaborative virtual check-ins with ALDF attorneys.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Animal Legal Defense Fund Is Looking For
- Current 2L or LLM student at an ABA-accredited law school with strong legal research and writing skills (e.g., law review, moot court, or clinical experience).
- Demonstrated interest in criminal justice, animal law, or both—through coursework, internships, or volunteer work.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote environment, with excellent time management and communication skills.
- Committed to ALDF's mission of using the legal system to protect animals, and eager to contribute to systemic criminal justice reform.
📝 Tips for Applying to Animal Legal Defense Fund
Tailor your cover letter to ALDF's specific criminal justice work—mention any relevant experience with animal cruelty cases, criminal law, or legislative drafting.
Highlight remote work experience or self-discipline in your resume or cover letter, as this role is fully remote and requires independent work.
Include a writing sample that demonstrates your legal research and writing abilities, preferably on a criminal law or animal law topic.
If you have any background in animal advocacy, even volunteer work, mention it—ALDF values sincere commitment to the mission.
Apply early and specify your availability for the full 10-week period starting June 2027, as the program has a fixed schedule.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific interest in animal law and criminal justice, and why you want to work at ALDF rather than a generic public interest organization.', 'Concrete examples of your legal research and writing skills, such as a memo you wrote for a professor or a brief you contributed to in a clinic.', "Your ability to work independently and remotely, with examples of how you've managed projects or deadlines without direct supervision.", 'How this clerkship fits into your longer-term career goals, whether in animal law, criminal justice reform, or public interest law.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore ALDF's website, especially their Criminal Justice Program, to understand their current cases and initiatives.
- → Read recent ALDF press releases or blog posts about animal cruelty cases and legislative victories to speak knowledgeably in interviews.
- → Research key animal law statutes and recent court decisions involving animal cruelty to demonstrate your interest and preparation.
- → Look up the backgrounds of ALDF's attorneys, especially those in the criminal justice program, to understand their expertise and approach.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention animal law, criminal justice, or ALDF specifically—this role requires genuine passion for the mission.
- Failing to demonstrate remote work readiness; since the position is fully remote, candidates who don't address their ability to work independently may be overlooked.
- Ignoring the writing sample requirement or submitting a sample that is not legal writing (e.g., a creative piece) or is poorly proofread.
- Applying without confirming eligibility (current 2L or LLM at ABA-accredited school) or availability for the full 10-week term.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: November 20, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Animal Legal Defense Fund!