Cleveland State University College of Law recently launched the David H. Braff Animal Law Center and Clinic. The Center is the first of its kind at an Ohio law school. In addition to a dedicated Animal Law Clinic starting in January 2024, the Center will offer academic courses, public programming, externship opportunities and scholarships.
“We plan to build an animal law program that will be among the finest in the country, providing students with excellent practical learning opportunities, and providing justice for animals,” said CSU|LAW Dean Lee Fisher.
Learn how to make a donation to support the Animal Law Clinic
The Center was spearheaded by David Braff, a graduate of Cleveland State University’s Criminal Justice Program and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. He serves as Of Counsel with Sullivan and Cromwell in New York City, where he has practiced for nearly four decades. Braff joined the Animal Legal Defense Fund board in 2021. He has always been particularly interested in animal welfare, stemming from his family’s love for dogs and horses, and time spent on their 30-acre farm in Pennsylvania.
To mark his retirement from fulltime practice, Braff wanted to find a way to give back to his alma mater. For him, establishing the CSU|LAW Animal Law Center met the dual objective of giving back and serving a critical broader societal need. He intends to be actively involved in the Center’s activities and to volunteer as a senior clinical advisor for the Clinic.
“The unjust treatment of animals—whether domestic animals, farmed animals raised for food, or wildlife—has proliferated and has been exacerbated by the climate crisis,” explained Braff. “Having practiced law for 40 years, I know firsthand the power of the law and our legal system to bring about justice and lasting change. And through my involvement with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, I have seen time and time again how the legal system can bring about lasting justice for animals.”
The work of the Animal Law Clinic, which will serve as a tentpole of the Center, will be wide-ranging, with a focus on justice for animals, including the prosecution of domestic animal abuse cases; curbing puppy mills, dog fighting and roadside circus abuses; and fighting against wildlife, exotic and farmed animal abuses.
“Students will receive practical, hands-on training on being effective advocates for the humane and ethical treatment of animals,” explained Senior Clinical Professor of Law Carole O. Heyward, who will serve as the Center’s Faculty Director. “They will learn about and engage in a variety of advocacy efforts including litigation, legislative and regulatory initiatives, and community education and outreach.”
The inaugural class of students will join the Animal Law Clinic for Spring semester this January. The Clinic will work with community partners to find clients and intends to accept publicly submitted cases.
A dedicated Advisory Council has been established for the David H. Braff Animal Law Center to provide ongoing support and guidance. The Council is comprised of highly accomplished individuals and alumni including senior law school leadership, experienced animal law practitioners, and representatives from the Cleveland Metro Parks, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the federal judiciary. The Center will develop relationships with community based and national animal welfare organizations, as well as law enforcement and other public agencies.