How to Find an Animal Law Attorney
Not so long ago there were only a few animal law attorneys. Today, there are a number of good lawyers knowledgeable in animal-related matters. More and more lawyers nationwide are specializing in animal law and handling pet custody cases. In the last two years, the number of attorneys registered as members with the Animal Legal Defense Fund has grown from 450 to 600. These lawyers approach cases with a passionate mix of love and affection for animals.
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How to Find an Animal Law Attorney
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Choosing a good lawyer for your situation is important, since you want the best legal advice possible. The law regarding animals is complex, wide-ranging and constantly changing. New interpretations are regularly expanding or limiting the impact of existing statutes. New legislation is constantly being considered, debated, and enacted. Often regulations supplement rules and give them new meaning. An animal law attorney will review new laws that may apply to your case, research prior judicial decisions and advise you on what you can and cannot do. .
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Research the Web. Animal law is now one of the nation’s fastest growing fields of study and practice. It’s a viable legal specialty with an increasing number of attorneys forming entire practices dedicated to animal issues There are now over 16 bar associations, including Washington and New York that have chapters dealing exclusively with animal law.
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Contact a law school in your area for a referral. There are now as many as 80 law schools -- including Harvard, Georgetown, Yale and Portland’s Northwestern School of Law -- offering an animal law course with segments on pet custody. In fact, six of the nation’s premier law schools have each been given $1 million endowments -- a gift from Bob Barker, former host of CBS’ game show, The Price is Right. Barker, a longtime advocate for animal welfare, hopes to influence a new generation of lawyers. Each year, a growing number of students attend law schools hoping to pursue a career in, or related to, animal law.
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Familiarize yourself with animal laws to ensure you ask the right questions when talking with an attorney. Animal law encompasses all interactions with animals within the context of traditional areas of law. The mission of animal law is to enhance the legal status of animals. The practice of animal law deals primarily with the use of legal proceedings to protect the interest of all animals. Branches of animal law are evolving quickly. For example, in the past five years, 25 states have passed laws allowing pet owners to establish trusts for their animals, to make certain they are taken care of after the owner dies.
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Follow any instructions given to you by your attorney. If you are unable to locate an animal law attorney in your area, recommend that your attorney contact one from your research list for advice on your particular situation. You will find animal law attorneys welcome questions and are willing to help. Oregon coast attorney Scott Beckstead, who has litigated, negotiated, campaigned, written and lobbied on almost every important animal welfare issue of our time says he is often contacted by other attorneys for advice. Beckstead teamed up with attorneys Bruce A. Wagman and Sonya S. Waisman to write the first edition of Animal Law. The first casebook ever written on the subject, the book is used in law schools across the nation to prepare the next generation of lawyers, judges and legislators to advance the cause of animal welfare.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep all your information and documentation in a folder in the order that events occurred. If you have any questions or concerns, ask for advice. Do not rely on advice from friends.
There is now increasing interest in animal law, which includes criminal issues like animal cruelty, and civil issues such as custody and malpractice.
Legislators are looking more closely at pet issues. The judicial system regarding pets as property is also under intensive review and several states are reforming their animal-protection laws.
The American Legal Defense Fund maintains a roster of attorneys who will work pro-bono on animal issues. Click on the section Finding an Attorney.
Animal Legal Reports covers legal cases, jury verdicts and settlements pertaining to animal welfare.
