Practical Opportunities for Credit
Animal Law Practicum (LAW253H1F)
As part of the Animals and the Law course (LAW253H1F), students have the option to work on a 10-page (2500 word) assignment and earn one ungraded credit collaborating with lawyers at AEL Advocacy on current animal law issues. At the commencement of each semester, a curated list of topics is provided, encompassing areas such as legal protections for endangered species, consumer advocacy against greenwashing and humanewashing practices, and the intricate intersection of environmental law with wildlife conservation, animal agriculture, and other industries involving animal use.
The practicum component of the course offers students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to address pressing animal law challenges under the guidance of experienced AEL Advocacy lawyers and, University of Toronto, Faculty of Law Animal Law Research Associates Krystal-Anne Roussel and Kira Berkeley.
Students will pick a topic from the curated list and consult with AEL Advocacy lawyers on the format of their assignment (e.g. a policy brief, case law factum, litigation strategy plan, annotated list of reports and sources).
Previous Topics:
“Statements of Account for Costs Incurred by Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services: Issues and Reforms”
“Where Seized Animals Wait: An Inquiry into Ontario’s Housing Practices for Seized Animals”
Other Opportunities
ProBono Students Canada (Animal Law Program Support Project):
Through ProBono Students Canada ,students can volunteer with the Animal Law Program to review Animal Law Digest Canada content, identify emerging legal developments and trends, contribute to the annual Year-in-Review Compendium, organize research materials, and support the Program’s internal animal law trends database. Students may also assist with related research projects connected to the Digest and Animal Law Research Guide, as opportunities arise. The full project description and recruitment details for the 2026/27 academic year will be available soon.
ProBono Students Canada (Humane Canada - Animal Advocacy Research Project):
Students can volunteer with ProBono Students Canada to assist Humane Canada in keeping the National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty caselaw database up to date. Participating students will complete 5 - 7 case summaries per semester. The full project description can be found here.