Criminal Justice Program Fellow
Animal Legal Defense Fund
Position Objectives:
Criminal Justice Program Fellowships further the mission of the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system, by engaging in research and legal writing aimed at improving the systemic handling of crimes against animals, and providing members of the criminal justice system with essential legal support on criminal cases with animal victims. Criminal Justice Program Fellows are responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned cases and projects, including ensuring the completion of all necessary research and filings. Criminal Justice Fellows are exposed to a wide range of legal issues where the fields of animal law and criminal law intersection, and thus expand the breadth and depth of the knowledge and experience they are able to bring to bear on behalf of animals.
Essential Responsibilities:
Assist prosecutors and courtroom animal advocates on animal cruelty casesat the trial level thorough 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 and prosecutors 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 50 states and at the federal level, including support work for Rankings Report project
Coordinate and collaborate with Litigation Program staff on cases that have, or could have, both civil and criminal components; coordinate with 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.
Qualifications:
Understand and be committed to the mission of the Animal Legal Defense Fund;
Juris Doctor, excellent performance in law school, and admission (either anticipated or already granted) to practice law in at least one state;
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;
Computer literacy;
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, organizational members and supporters, members of the public, and others;
Positive attitude, ability to work cooperatively with others, and ability to function well in a team-oriented work environment.
Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits
Comprehensive health care plan(s);
Flexible spending account (FSA);
Dental benefits;
Vision benefits;
Life insurance;
Generous Paid Time Off;
11 paid holidays;
401k retirement plan after one year of employment, with employer match up to 5% of annual salary;
**This position is a member of a union bargaining unit**
EOE Disclaimer:
The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is committed to providing an employment environment which is welcoming of persons from diverse backgrounds and free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and in which all legal rights of our employees are recognized and protected. ALDF conducts all internal and external operations, programs, and employment-related decision making (including hiring decisions) without regard to actual or perceived race, ancestry, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, disability or medical condition (including physical, intellectual, or psychiatric), sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, age, or other protected category, and in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws.
How to Apply:
Please no phone calls or emails. To apply, please follow the below link (resume and cover letter are required) – please do not provide transcripts or recommendation letters, as they will not be considered.
Contact: mcastro@aldf.org