Join the World's Top Legal Talent Network

Position Objective:

Develop and manage civil court and administrative litigation, and provide legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues arising from or related to PETA’s and the PETA Foundation’s work advocating for animal protection and animal rights issues.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop and manage all aspects of litigation in state and federal courts—including, as necessary, engaging in legal research, complaint drafting, written discovery, document review, depositions, motion practice, trial preparation, and oral advocacy—stemming from PETA’s and the PETA Foundation’s work advocating for animal protection and animal rights issues.
• Work closely with in-house and outside counsel on active litigation to achieve cost-effective results for PETA and the PETA Foundation.
• Develop new cases and litigation strategies to advance animals’ rights in the legal system.
• Research, interpret, and apply local, state, and federal statutes and regulations and applicable case law, with a primary focus on animal protection and animal rights issues.
• Assist caseworkers, researchers, and campaigners with a wide array of legal issues that arise in their work.
• Liaise with and provide legal advice and opinions to various PETA and PETA Foundation departments regarding efforts to publicize PETA’s legal work.
• Supervise counsel, fellows, and/or law student interns on assigned projects as necessary.
• Represent the organization to the media on assigned legal work and engage in public speaking and writing on subjects related to this work.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

• J.D. and a minimum of three years civil litigation experience.
• Litigation experience with animal law, First Amendment, media law, FOIA/state open records laws, administrative law, and/or environmental law preferred but not required.
• Member in good standing of at least one state bar association.
• Proven excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks within strict time constraints.
• Willingness to gain admission to court and bar associations and travel, where necessary.
• Support for PETA’s philosophy and the ability to advocate PETA’s and the PETA Foundation’s positions on issues professionally.
• Commitment to the objectives of the organization.

This job excludes CO applicants.