Animal Justice is a national animal law advocacy organization focused on improving laws and policies to protect animals in Canada. Our team works to pass strong new animal laws at all levels of government, ensures industries and corporations are held accountable for abusing animals, and fights for animals in courtrooms across the country. Animal Justice offers a friendly and collaborative work environment, and is an equal opportunity employer.
We seek an enthusiastic and driven lawyer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about enhancing legal protections for animals, and will be responsible for assisting in implementing Animal Justice’s law reform campaigns and litigation. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to contribute to a growing organization working on a cutting-edge social justice issue.
Position Specifics
Position type: Full time, Permanent
Reports to: Director of Legal Advocacy
Location: Remote, hybrid, or at Animal Justice’s Toronto office; must be legally permitted to work in Canada.
Salary: $85,000 to $90,000 per year (commensurate with years of experience)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Position Duties
- Develop and undertake strategic law reform campaigns focused on all levels of government, including policy development, legislative drafting, and meetings with legislators and other decision-makers.
- Engage in strategic litigation to further Animal Justice’s mandate, with a focus on strategic litigation to protect farmed animals.
- Provide legal advice and support regarding Animal Justice’s activities, including programmatic and campaign work as well as corporate and business matters.
- Compile information and evidence related to animal welfare violations, corporate misconduct, and other unlawful activities in animal use industries.
- Prepare and file complaints with law enforcement regarding animal suffering and other unlawful actions by companies or government entities.
- Liaise with law enforcement authorities as necessary.
- Collaborate with Animal Justice staff on campaigns, communications, and other matters.
- Engage and coordinate with external counsel, pro bono counsel, and other volunteers as required.
- Assist with special projects, including fundraisers, community events, and conferences.
- Maintain strong relationships with supporters and colleagues at other organizations.
- Travel as required to attend meetings, conferences, and other events.
- Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures.
- Such other tasks as assigned from time to time.
Position Requirements
- A law degree, and called to the bar in at least one province, with a preference for Ontario (or willing to take the necessary steps to obtain a membership with the Law Society of Ontario).
- Minimum two years experience practicing law, ideally in criminal law or civil litigation.
- Thorough knowledge of animal law issues, Animal Justice campaigns, social change strategies, and legal approaches to animal advocacy.
- Excellent written and oral advocacy and communication skills, including public speaking.
- Excellent legal research skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, and the ability to multitask, work independently, and meet quick deadlines.
- Ability to independently develop and undertake strategic litigation and law reform work.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, supporters, and the public.
- Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office, Google products, and Dropbox.
- Intrinsic motivation, with a drive to excel and win.
- Personal commitment to Animal Justice’s philosophy and mission.
- Ability to travel occasionally.
- Ability to communicate in French is an asset.
What Animal Justice Offers
- An opportunity to contribute to improving legal protections for animals
- A flexible work model that gives the option of remote, hybrid, or in-person
- Competitive compensation
- A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive culture
- Four weeks of paid vacation
- A comprehensive health benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Candidate Selection Process
(Subject to adjustments)
- Application
- Interview 1
- Possibly Interview 2
- Reference Check
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample as a single attachment in PDF format to [email protected].. Please note your full name and “Staff Lawyer” in the email subject line as well as the PDF title. If you were called to the bar within the last five years, please also include law school transcripts.
Applications will be received until 5pm ET on April 30th, 2025.
We are grateful for all applicants’ interest in the position, but only those under consideration for an interview will be contacted.
Notes on the Application Process
Animal Justice is committed to having accessible and equitable employment practices.
Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive culture absent of discrimination during the application process and after joining the team. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from under-represented backgrounds. We believe that work on behalf of animals benefits greatly from collaborating with people from all backgrounds.
If you meet most but not all requirements and still think you would be a great fit for the role, we encourage you to apply. Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation in the application process may email a request to Jennifer St.Onge at [email protected].
Together, we can create a more just society for animals in Canada.
