Q&A for Animal Friendly Attorneys™
Andrea and Sophie
Andrea’s Contact Information is here.
- Why did you go to law school?
a. My first motivation to go to law school was to be involved in adoptions. I have
always had a strong passion for advocating for those who do not have a choice of
what life they brought into (primarily children and animals). At the time I went to
law school, I did not realize all the advocacy that could be done and is needed for
animals. - Why are you interested in Animal Law and our program?
a. I am interested in Animal Law because animals are completely at the mercy of
humans and the decisions we make for them. I want to help educate the public
on the issues and horrors animals face in the hopes that we can create real and
lasting change for how animals are viewed and treated in society. - Tell us about your practice areas – animal law and others
a. I primarily take on court-appointed child protective (abuse and neglect) and
juvenile delinquency cases in my county. I also work in residential and
commercial real estate with my background of working in the title industry. I am
a certified mediator and I am expanding my practice to include Animal Law and
advocacy. - What were your formative experiences with animals?
a. I had experiences with animals from as early as I can remember. I still hold fond
memories of our family dog, Kujo, and our cockatiels, Seymore and Sammy. I
loved going anywhere that allowed me to interact with and learn about animals.
My mom loves to tell the story of a giraffe sticking its head in my stroller when I
was very young to give me a kiss. - What were your experiences in law school regarding animal law?
a. My experiences with animal law in law school started at the student organization
fair where I met Kate Brindle and she told me about SALDF. I quickly joined the
group and after my first year enrolled in as many animal related classes as I
could. I participated in humane education training coordinated by SALDF,
Attorneys for Animals, and HEART and had my perspective on the world rocked
when SALDF hosted a screening of Ghosts in Our Machine and featured images
by Jo-Anne MacArthur at the law school. - Tell us about your work with animal organizations in any capacity (hands-on, board
member, legal advisor)
a. I volunteered at my local animal shelter in high school. Currently, I am a legal
advisor for Mitten Mutts Dog Rescue in my area. I also try to support Birds and
Beaks Rescue and Rehab as much as I can from across the state. I recently
reached out several broader organizations (Attorneys for Animals, HEART, IFAW)
to increase my involvement in animal advocacy. - Who is your companion animal – currently or one you remember?
a. I currently have five companion animals (all adopted):
i. Sophie – 13 year old Aussie/Corgi mix. She has been my close companion
since I graduated from high school
ii. Moony – 9 year tabby cat. I adopted her in my second year of law school
before I was able to move Sophie down with me because I refused to live
without a companion animal.
iii. Fenix – 2.5 year old black cat. The first pet my fiance and I adopted
together.
iv. Molly – 9 year old Jack Russel. She was my grandmother’s dog and we
took her in after my grandmother passed away.
v. Johnny – 31 year old African Grey parrot. I adopted him in September
from Birds and Beaks Rescue and Rehab. I have always had birds in my life
and I dreamed of sharing my life with an African Grey some day. The
rescue allowed to me see that dream become a reality without
perpetuating the commercial “pet” parrot trade