Criminal Justice Program Fellow

Core responsibilities:

• Assist prosecutors and courtroom animal advocates on animal cruelty cases at the trial level through strategies for animal cruelty-specific issues, as well as factual and legal analysis of animal cruelty statutes, rules of criminal procedure, and other related laws; draft memoranda, pleadings, motions, and other documents as needed for trial preparation.
• Assist law enforcement, animal control officers, and veterinarians with animal cruelty investigations, including reviewing affidavits, warrants, expert witness testimony, and veterinary reports.
• Identify and analyze the viability of potential animal cruelty charges in cases where criminal charges have not been filed, and draft correspondence to relevant law enforcement, prosecutors, and other key stakeholders outlining the viability of a criminal cruelty case where appropriate.
• Assist with drafting, editing, and submission of amicus curiae briefs on behalf of ALDF and assist with the review, development, and advancement of new legislation relating to animal crimes in all U.S. jurisdictions.

This role creates positive change by engaging in research and legal writing aimed at improving the systemic handling of crimes against animals and providing members of the criminal justice system with essential legal support on criminal cases with animal victims, thereby advancing the interests of animals through the legal system.

Required qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree and excellent performance in law school; or successful completion of Master of Studies in Law degree (MSL) at an accredited law school with a relevant focus (e.g., Animal Law, Criminal Law) by the time of Fellowship start.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills, organizational and prioritization skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with colleagues, organizational members, supporters, and the public.
• Experience with basic software applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and internet browsers, and commitment to working with integrity and building an inclusive workplace.

This is a full-time, exempt position beginning September 1, 2026 and lasting through August 31, 2028, with remote work performed in a home office environment. The position is a bargaining unit role, and the organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, with offices and events free of animal products and byproducts. No specific salary, compensation, or additional perks are mentioned in the description.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund's mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system by filing high-impact lawsuits, providing free legal assistance and training to prosecutors, supporting animal protection legislation, advocating for regulation of animal exploitative industries, and offering resources to law students and professionals in animal law.