2026 Comparative Animal Law Symposium
by Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School
The 4th Annual Comparative Animal Law Symposium, organized by the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School, is scheduled for March 17-18, 2026. This free, virtual event is open to the public and aims to foster innovative research in comparative animal law by bringing together early-career scholars and experts from around the globe.
The symposium will feature a keynote presentation by a distinguished scholar in animal or comparative law, followed by general discussions. Each day will include a roundtable discussion on comparative animal law issues led by leading academics. Additionally, early-career scholars will present their research, receiving constructive feedback from experts in the field.
This event provides a unique platform for postgraduate students to discuss their current research, engage with peers and experts, and build networks with researchers from diverse cultural backgrounds interested in comparative animal law.
Categories
Speakers(24)
Alexandra Mercescu
Assistant Professor at West University of Timisoara
Alexandra Mercescu is an Assistant Professor at the West University of Timisoara in Romania, focusing on comparative law.
Anne Bedford
Researcher at Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Anne Bedford is a researcher at Indiana University Maurer School of Law in the United States, specializing in animal law reforms.
Bengisu Koşarhan
Researcher at Central European University
Bengisu Koşarhan is a researcher at Central European University in Austria, analyzing the governance of street animals.
Bianka Atlas
Animal Law LLM Graduate at Lewis & Clark Law School
Bianka Atlas is an Animal Law LLM graduate from Lewis & Clark Law School in the United States, with a focus on animal law.
David Bilchitz
Professor of Law at University of Johannesburg and University of Reading
David Bilchitz is a Professor of Law at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa and the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, focusing on constitutional law and animal rights.
Gauri Maulekhi
Trustee at People for Animals India
Gauri Maulekhi is a Trustee at People for Animals India, advocating for animal rights and welfare.
Geoffrey Samuel
Professor Emeritus at Kent Law School
Geoffrey Samuel is a Professor Emeritus at Kent Law School in the United Kingdom, specializing in comparative law.
Giulia Bianchessi
Researcher at University of Milano-Bicocca
Giulia Bianchessi is a researcher at the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy, analyzing corporate regulation frameworks related to animals.
Hira Jaleel
Visiting Assistant Professor at Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis & Clark Law School
Hira Jaleel is a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis & Clark Law School in the United States, specializing in animal law.
Kaitilyn Bestor
Animal Law Teaching Fellow at Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis & Clark Law School
Kaitilyn Bestor is an Animal Law Teaching Fellow at the Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis & Clark Law School in the United States.
M. Tyanne Benallie
Researcher at University of New Mexico School of Law
M. Tyanne Benallie is a researcher at the University of New Mexico School of Law in the United States, focusing on policy perspectives on animals in the Navajo Nation.
Mariam Sawan
Researcher at Nantes Université and Università degli studi dell’Insubria
Mariam Sawan is a researcher affiliated with Nantes Université in France and Università degli studi dell’Insubria in Italy, specializing in animal law.
Megan Senatori
Executive Director at Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis & Clark Law School
Megan Senatori is the Executive Director at the Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis & Clark Law School in the United States, leading animal law initiatives.
Olivier Le Bot
Professor of Public Law at Aix-Marseille University
Olivier Le Bot is a Professor of Public Law at Aix-Marseille University in France, with expertise in animal law.
Paula Cardoso
General Counsel at Mercy for Animals
Paula Cardoso is the General Counsel at Mercy for Animals in Brazil, focusing on legal strategies for animal protection.
Rajesh K. Reddy
Assistant Professor of Law and Animal Law Program Director at Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis & Clark Law School
Rajesh K. Reddy is an Assistant Professor of Law and the Animal Law Program Director at the Center for Animal Law Studies, Lewis & Clark Law School in the United States.
Sabrina Hilali
Researcher at NALSAR University of Law
Sabrina Hilali is a researcher at NALSAR University of Law in India, focusing on animal protection laws in Bangladesh and India.
Savannah Sherman
Researcher at Lewis & Clark Law School
Savannah Sherman is a researcher at Lewis & Clark Law School in the United States, studying animal welfare legislation.
Shreya Padukone
Head of Programs at Animal Law Centre at NALSAR University of Law
Shreya Padukone is the Head of Programs at the Animal Law Centre at NALSAR University of Law in India, overseeing various animal law initiatives.
Taylor J. Black
Researcher at University of New Mexico School of Law
Taylor J. Black is a researcher at the University of New Mexico School of Law in the United States, studying legal perspectives on animals in the Navajo Nation.
Tushti Chopra
Researcher at NALSAR University of Law
Tushti Chopra is a researcher at NALSAR University of Law in India, studying the intersection of human violence and animal abuse.
Victoria Vercruysse
Researcher at CEU Cardinal Herrera University
Victoria Vercruysse is a researcher at CEU Cardinal Herrera University in Spain, exploring the philosophical framework for animal law.
Yarí Elisa Cruz Ríos
Researcher at University of Puerto Rico
Yarí Elisa Cruz Ríos is a researcher at the University of Puerto Rico, focusing on animal law and legislation.
Yvonne Gurira
Founder & Executive Director at Animal Advocates International
Yvonne Gurira is the Founder and Executive Director of Animal Advocates International in Zimbabwe, promoting animal welfare globally.
Event Details
- Date
- March 17-18, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Early-career scholars, postgraduate students, and professionals interested in comparative animal law.