Legislative Affairs Program Fellow

Core responsibilities:

• Develop resources and execute strategic legislative activities to advance priority animal protection legislation
• Manage day-to-day operations of assigned projects including outreach, research, and writing
• Draft, edit, and submit support/opposition memos and testimony on behalf of the organization
• Coordinate with other departments and programs to advance legislative initiatives

This role advances animal protection legislation at local, state, and federal levels, directly contributing to the legal protection of animals and holding animal abusers accountable through the legal system.

Required qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree with excellent law school performance
• Admission (anticipated or granted) to practice law in at least one state
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and deadline management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong legal research and writing abilities
• Experience with Outlook, Word, Excel, and internet browsers
• Commitment to the organization's mission and building an inclusive workplace

This is a full-time, exempt position beginning in Fall 2026 and lasting approximately two years. The position requires periodic travel for staff meetings and retreats (estimated 1-3 trips annually). The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, with offices and events free of animal products and byproducts.

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 legal assistance to prosecutors, supporting animal protection legislation, and advancing the field of animal law.