Animal Law Society

The Animal Law Society is a student chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF)

Our Mascot

The 2009 ALS Mascot, Ruben Newman, owned and loved by Chapman Adjunct Professor Robert Newman

About ALDF

For nearly a quarter-century, ALDF has been pushing the U.S. legal system to end the suffering of abused animals. Founded by attorneys active in shaping the emerging field of animal law, ALDF has blazed the trail for stronger enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and more humane treatment of animals in every corner of American life. Today, ALDF’s groundbreaking efforts are supported by hundreds of dedicated attorneys and more than 100,000 members.  For more information visit www.aldf.org.

Our Mission

ALS is dedicated to providing a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarship aimed at protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system, and raising the profile of the field of animal law.

Our Purpose

The activities of ALS include: hosting speakers, debates, and conferences on current issues in animal law; carrying out research projects for lawyers and organizations involved in animal-related litigation; networking with students at other law schools who are pursuing interests in animal law; volunteering time with animal charities in the community; and conducting educational events on campus.

Accomplishments

• ALS raised $1,140 to benefit the Orange County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 2009 through its Pet Photo and Mascot Contest
• ALS raised $325 through sponsorship for our members participating in Farm Santuary's Walk for Farm Animals in 2008, which supported the Yes on Prop 2 campaign in California
• ALS was instrumental in gaining approval for Chapman’s first Animal Law class
• ALS has hosted several speakers at Chapman, including: Howard Lyman, the "Mad Cowboy" (www.madcowboy.com), Robert Newman, a local animal law practitioner and Adjunct Professor of Animal Law here at Chapman (www.theanimallawyer.com), Joyce Tischler, the founder of ALDF, and many more.
• ALS has represented Chapman at numerous animal law conferences and advocacy competitions including the 2005 National Animal Advocacy Competitions at Harvard and the 2008 One Earth: Globalism and Animal Law Conference at Lewis and Clark Law School.
• ALS arranged for training for the Santa Ana Police Department Animal Services Unit – "How to Build Strong Cases for Prosecutors"
• ALS represented Chapman at the Legislative Lobbying and Drafting Competition at GWU – Washington, D.C.

Events

ALS hosts speakers, a vegan/vegetarian booth at the Spring Food Fair, participates in community outreach efforts, campaigns for animal welfare initiatives, and sponsors the popular Pet Photo and Mascot Contest to benefit local animal welfare organizations. Watch for details at this site, as well as the calendar of student events at the law school's home page www.chapman.edu/law.