Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is dedicated to protecting the lives and interests of animals through the legal system. The Criminal Justice Program Fellow will engage in research and legal writing to improve the handling of crimes against animals and provide legal support to the criminal justice system.
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
- Communicate efficiently with complainants and advocates by phone and e-mail; gather relevant facts (through eyewitness accounts, media reports, and other sources as needed) for potential criminal cruelty cases; and identify, after thorough legal analysis, those cases warranting further investigation
- Assist with drafting, editing, and submission of amicus curiae briefs on behalf of ALDF
- Assist with the review, development, and advancement of new legislation relating to animal crimes in all U.S. jurisdictions, including support work for Rankings Report project
- Coordinate and collaborate with other legal programs such as the Litigation Program staff on cases that have, or could have, both civil and criminal components, and with the Legislative Affairs Program on legislative matters with a criminal component
- Work with Communications and other departments to answer questions on criminal legal issues and procedures
- Prepare and deliver presentations for professional conferences, fundraising events, etc. as needed
- Provide in-house expertise for staff on questions concerning Criminal Justice Program cases, animal cruelty cases in general and criminal procedures and legal strategy
- Other criminal justice projects (e.g. intersection of animal law and criminal justice reform; effective sentencing models; emergent animal law/criminal law issues; etc.) as requested by Criminal Justice Program Managing Attorney
Skills
- 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
- Understand and be committed to the mission of the Animal Legal Defense Fund
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, organizational members and supporters, members of the public, and others
- Experience with basic software applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and internet browsers
- Commitment to working with integrity
- A commitment to building and participating in an inclusive workplace
- The ability to travel periodically for staff meetings and retreats (estimated 1-3 trips annually)
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care, dental, life and vision benefits (100% employer paid); Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA) are also available.
- 192 hours of PTO.
- 19 paid holidays.
- 1-month paid sabbatical after 5 years of continuous employment.
- 16 weeks paid parental leave.
- 401k plan with a maximum 5% employer contribution match after one year of employment.
- Alternative work schedules (at manager’s discretion).
- One time remote work allowance of $750.
- Annual professional development reimbursement of up to $1,000.
Company Overview
It was founded in undefined, and is headquartered in US, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is .
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