Legal Fellow

PETA Foundation; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

PETA Foundation in the United States seeks a qualified attorney to support federal and state animal-protection litigation and policy work. The role involves rigorous legal research, drafting, and advocacy to advance PETA’s objectives.

Responsibilities include interpreting statutes and regulations, preparing agency comments, assisting researchers and campaigners, and helping manage litigation across jurisdictions. A J.D. and up to three years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and up to three years of legal experience.
• Experience in animal law, administrative law, environmental law, and/or criminal law desired.
• Superior legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to advocate PETA's positions professionally.
• Commitment to the objectives of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Research, interpret, and apply federal statutes and regs including AWA, Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act, ESA, MMPA, APA, and FOIA.
• Research state statutes and regulations including anti-cruelty and open-records laws.
• Conduct legal research on animal protection and animal rights issues.
• Prepare comments for agencies on proposed rulemaking and permits.
• Assist caseworkers, researchers, and campaigners with legal issues.
• Work with others to formulate and develop litigation to advance PETA’s objectives.
• Assist in managing litigation in federal and state courts.
• Any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• In consultation with PETA and verified compliance with the objectives, standards, and requirements communicated by it:
  • 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
  • Research, interpret, and apply state statutes and regulations, including anti-cruelty and open-records statutes
  • Conduct legal research on a variety of animal protection and animal rights issues
  • Prepare comments for agencies on proposed rulemaking and permit applications
  • Assist caseworkers, researchers, and campaigners throughout PETA with a wide array of legal issues
  • Work with others to formulate and develop litigation to further PETA’s objectives
  • 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

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.