Legal Fellow

Description

To provide attorneys at the PETA Foundation with advice and assistance on a wide range of legal issues that arise in the course of PETA’s work to protect animals through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, and protest campaigns

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

In consultation with PETA and verified compliance with the objectives, standards, and requirements communicated by it:

o Research, interpret, and apply federal statutes and regulations, including the Animal Welfare Act, the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Freedom of Information Act

o Research, interpret, and apply state statutes and regulations, including anti-cruelty and open-records statutes

o Conduct legal research on a variety of animal protection and animal rights issues

o Prepare comments for agencies on proposed rulemaking and permit applications

o Assist caseworkers, researchers, and campaigners throughout PETA with a wide array of legal issues

o Work with others to formulate and develop litigation to further PETA’s objectives

o Assist in the management of litigation in federal and state courts

Any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Requirements

J.D. and up to three years of legal experience

Experience in animal law, administrative law, environmental law, and/or criminal law desired, but resourcefulness and innovativeness are highly valued

Superior legal research and writing skills

Supportive position vis-à-vis PETA’s philosophy and the ability to professionally advocate PETA’s positions on issues

Commitment to the objectives of the organization

Application Requirements:

Please attach a copy of your résumé, a letter of interest, a copy of your law school transcript, a legal writing sample, and a list of three professional references.

The salary range for this position is $50,000.00 - $80,168.40 annually. The ultimate salary within this range that will be offered to a qualified candidate will be determined based on the candidate’s experience.

A list of benefits available to qualified employees is available here .

Application Deadline:

Applications for this position will be accepted until October 10, 2026.

We may fill this job opening before the deadline if we find a qualified candidate.