Texas Law’s chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund has been honored as the national Co-Student Chapter of the Year for 2024. The award celebrates student chapters that have “shown amazing efforts in advancing the field of animal law,” according to the organization. Current President 2L Charlene (Yang) Luo accepted the award in October at the Animal Law Conference in Portland.
The Co-Chapter of the Year Award recognized the array of events planned and executed during the 2023-24 year. The group showed a documentary, staffed informational tables, and hosted workshops with speakers or online collaboration delving into specific issues or cases. The year’s largest event was the Animal Law Workshop, where representatives of the 501(c)(3) organization Phoenix Zones Initiative discussed policy implications of research involving animals.
Texas Law’s ALDF chapter was established in 2017, but had become relatively inactive until being re-invigorated at the start of the 2023-24 academic year thanks to new student leadership. At the beginning of that year, the chapter had four active members; by the end of the year, membership had surged to 40. Current membership stands at 62.
3L Jinhua Zhang was last year’s chapter president and now serves as the group’s advisor. “This organization is important because animals are in vulnerable positions and they need us to advocate for their rights and welfare,” she says.
Alongside Luo and Zhang, this year’s officer slate features Co-Vice Presidents 2L Savanna Lessley and 3Ls McKenzie Rhine and Blaine Campbell.
Attending the national conference was a meaningful experience for Luo. “I was inspired by the dedication of countless legal professionals working to protect animals,” she explains. “Witnessing their passion and commitment has motivated me to do even more for this cause. While I recognize the long journey ahead to ensure animals receive the justice and rights they deserve—both in Texas and internationally—our chapter is committed to being part of this movement.”
The chapter is planning several more events this spring, including a book club, independent study sessions on animal law, several tabling events, and Valentine’s Day “Love for Animals” event to engage with the community and share its mission.