Pro Bono Program Externships and Student Volunteer Positions - Spring 2027

Overview

This role offers law students the opportunity to participate in an externship or student volunteer program focused on animal law. Students will work as integral members of a program team, receive training, and contribute to projects supporting the program’s current work.

Position Term

• Approximately mid-January to mid-April, or the beginning of May, for spring 2027
• Most externs work part-time (5–15 hours/week)
• Exact dates and time commitments will be determined by law school externship/volunteer requirements

Reports to: Managing Attorney

Responsibilities

Students in the externship/volunteer program will:

• Complete research and support legal work related to animal law
• Assist with issues such as:
  • Landlord, tenant, and other housing related issues
  • Animal custody disputes
  • Dangerous dog designations and breed-specific restrictions
  • Tort law matters and issues of negligence
  • Issues related to animals being considered property under the law
• Participate in activities that support networking across the organization with staff and other externs/volunteers
• Engage with the organization’s mission and program goals
• Contribute to projects furthering the program’s current work

Requirements

• Experience as a rising 2L, rising 3L (or part-time program equivalent), or LLM student at an ABA accredited law school
• A sincere interest in animal protection
• Superior legal research and writing skills, including the ability to tailor voice and style to various audiences
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Positive attitude and ability to work cooperatively with others in a mission-driven, team-oriented work environment
• Willingness to accept a variety of assignments within the expanding field of animal law
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and remotely
• Ability to use discretion, considering the confidential and emotional aspects of the work
• Access to a computer with internet and Microsoft Suite
• Familiarity with animal law is preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with animal law

Compensation & Benefits

• Externships and student volunteer positions are uncompensated
• Students may receive academic credit or pro bono hours from their law schools, but award of externship credits and pro bono hours is determined solely by the school
• Students should confirm that externship credits/pro bono hours align with their law school’s requirements and that the organization is an approved externship placement

Location

• U.S.-based position
• Externs and volunteers must provide a personal United States address and work primarily from that address

Equal Opportunity

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an employment environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and it makes employment-related decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the organization’s confidential recruiting portal. Students will be asked to upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter

Additional required documents:

• List of 2–3 professional references
• Law school transcript (unofficial okay)
• Original writing sample

Students may apply for more than one program.

• Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis
• Last day to apply: October 25, 2026