Staff Attorney - Criminal Justice Program

About the Role

The Staff Attorney for the Criminal Justice Program (CJP) at the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) plays a vital role in supporting prosecutors and law enforcement officials in animal cruelty cases nationwide. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Managing Attorney and operates remotely within the U.S. The staff attorney manages daily case operations, ensuring thorough legal research, filings, and coordination for cases aimed at delivering justice for animal victims.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal assistance to prosecutors and courtroom advocates regarding animal cruelty cases, analyzing statutes and procedural rules to prepare memoranda, pleadings, motions, and other trial documents.
• Guide law enforcement, animal control officers, and veterinarians in investigations by reviewing affidavits, warrants, expert testimonies, and veterinary reports.
• Evaluate potential animal cruelty charges in cases lacking criminal filings, drafting communications to law enforcement and prosecutors outlining the feasibility of prosecution.
• Maintain communication with complainants and advocates to collect relevant facts and determine cases meriting further legal action.
• Manage drafting and submission of amicus curiae briefs on ALDF's behalf.
• Assist in legislative review and development related to animal crime laws at state and federal levels.
• Collaborate with Litigation and Legislative Affairs teams on cases intersecting civil and criminal matters.
• Support the Communications department with criminal legal inquiries and respond to media requests as directed by the Program Director.
• Develop and deliver legal training sessions on animal crimes for varied audiences, including criminal justice practitioners, law enforcement, judges, and humane officers.
• Present at professional conferences and fundraising events, and provide internal expertise on criminal justice and animal cruelty law.
• Engage in special criminal justice projects such as reform intersections, sentencing strategies, and emerging legal issues as assigned.

Candidate Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree with excellent academic performance and valid admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities, with a proven record of meeting deadlines.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal capabilities to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including colleagues, advocates, and the public.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Positive, collaborative attitude and the ability to thrive in a team-based environment.
• Commitment to the mission of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (estimated 1-3 times per year) for staff meetings and retreats.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting annual salary of $95,100 for most U.S. geographic areas.
• For locations within 25 miles of Washington D.C., Cotati CA, and Los Angeles, CA, starting salary is $100,105.
• For locations within 25 miles of New York City and San Francisco, CA, starting salary is $105,110.
• Salary rates are fixed based on role and geography; no negotiations outside published ranges.
• Comprehensive employer-paid health care, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Availability of Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA).
• 192 hours of paid time off.
• 19 paid holidays annually.
• One-month paid sabbatical after five continuous years of employment.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching up to 5% after one year.
• Flexible work schedules upon management approval.
• One-time remote work stipend of $750.
• Up to $1,000 annually for professional development reimbursement.

Additional Information

This position is based in the United States and requires verification of legal eligibility to work upon hiring compliance with federal laws. The ALDF is committed to equal employment opportunities, welcoming applicants of diverse backgrounds without discrimination based on a wide array of protected characteristics including race, gender, disability, and more. Our workplace and events maintain an animal-product-free policy aligned with our mission.

The application deadline is July 27, 2026, with rolling reviews encouraging early submission.