In this Law Practice Today podcast episode, the host discusses careers in animal law with professor and author Yolanda Eisenstein, who explains that modern animal law is largely animal protection law and has expanded significantly through increased legal education, clinics, and new legislation such as pet trusts. Eisenstein describes her path into the field, her teaching experience at SMU and the University of New Mexico, and how animal law spans companion animals, wildlife, farmed animals, federal and local practice, and even international work. She notes that companion animals generally receive the greatest legal protection and emphasizes that practitioners can integrate animal issues into many legal specialties. Eisenstein previews her updated second edition of Careers in Animal Law, advising prospective students to assess whether they truly want to be lawyers and can handle topics like cruelty and compassion fatigue, and predicts the field will keep growing amid biodiversity loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trafficking.
00:00 Wildlife Trafficking Stakes
00:28 Podcast Intro and Disclaimer
01:07 Why Animal Law Careers
01:53 Origins and Expansion
04:37 Teaching and Practice Paths
06:01 Species and Legal Protections
08:15 Career Options and Locations
09:15 Staying Current in the Field
10:23 Book Advice and Self Fit
12:55 Future of Animal Law
13:54 Where to Find Yolanda
14:36 Closing Remarks
Yolanda EisensteinGuestTerrell TurnerHost
