Application Guide
How to Apply for Externship and Volunteer Program (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027)
at Animal Legal Defense Fund
🏢 About Animal Legal Defense Fund
The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is a pioneering nonprofit that uses the legal system to protect animals. It uniquely combines litigation, legislation, and education to advance animal law, making it a top choice for those passionate about using their legal skills for animal advocacy.
About This Role
This remote externship/volunteer role involves conducting legal and policy research for an aquatic animal law textbook and publications on dogs in laboratories. You'll review scientific literature, edit scholarly manuscripts, and prepare research summaries, directly contributing to ALDF's advocacy efforts.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing a government report on laboratory animal welfare, drafting a research summary for the aquatic animal law textbook, and cite-checking a manuscript on dogs in labs. You'll collaborate virtually with the legal team via email and video calls, ensuring your work aligns with ALDF's advocacy goals.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Animal Legal Defense Fund Is Looking For
- A current law student or recent graduate with a demonstrated interest in animal law and animal protection issues.
- Proficient in legal research and writing, with experience in scholarly or policy-oriented writing.
- Comfortable reviewing scientific literature and government reports, and synthesizing complex information.
- Meticulous attention to detail for editing and cite-checking manuscripts.
📝 Tips for Applying to Animal Legal Defense Fund
Highlight any coursework or experience in animal law, environmental law, or administrative law.
Showcase your ability to handle scientific literature—mention any relevant science background or research experience.
Tailor your cover letter to discuss your interest in the specific projects: aquatic animal law and dogs in labs.
Provide a writing sample that demonstrates your legal research and citation skills (e.g., a law review note or memo).
Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote setting, as the role is fully remote.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express passion for animal law and alignment with ALDF's mission of using the legal system to protect animals.", 'Detail your experience with legal research and writing, especially on topics related to animal protection.', 'Explain your interest in the specific research areas: aquatic animal law and the use of dogs in laboratories.', 'Mention your ability to review scientific literature and your attention to detail for editing and cite-checking.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Familiarize yourself with ALDF's current cases and campaigns, especially those involving aquatic animals and laboratory dogs.
- → Read ALDF's blog posts or publications on animal law to understand their advocacy style.
- → Look into the Animal Legal Defense Fund's history and major victories, such as their work on farmed animal protection.
- → Review the basics of the Animal Welfare Act and its application to research animals.
💬 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 ALDF or the specific projects.
- Overlooking the need for strong citation skills—ensure your writing sample is properly cited.
- Failing to demonstrate genuine interest in animal law—avoid applying just for legal experience.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: July 27, 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!