About ADP

Our
Mission

Animal Defense Partnership provides free legal services to nonprofits that advocate for animals and plant-based diet change, positioning these organizations for long-term success and impact.


Our
Vision

A world in which animal protection organizations have access to strong legal support, enabling the eradication of animal suffering.

We provide free legal counsel to organizations working in a wide variety of ways to advance animal protection and plant-based diet change—across the United States and, in some cases, globally. Our clients include groups that advocate for farmed animals, companion animals, wildlife, aquatic animals, equines, and animals used in research. They operate shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries; promote plant-based food systems; educate the public through journalism and media; and work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the animal protection movement.

Since our founding in 2016, ADP has provided over $6.5 million in pro bono legal services to 376 organizations. By meeting the essential legal needs that nonprofits face—without cost—we help ensure that more resources stay focused on mission-driven work. Our support strengthens the legal foundation of the animal protection movement and positions organizations for long-term success and impact.

Our Staff

  • Jaclyn Leeds, Esq.

    Executive Director

  • Jennifer Buesser, Esq.

    Legal Director

  • James Honda, Esq.

    Staff Attorney

  • Kristin O'Neal, Esq.

    Staff Attorney

  • Jillian Yakominich, Esq.

    Staff Attorney

  • Helena Bouchard

    Paralegal

  • Darshan Brach

    Conflict Coach/Mediator

Board

  • Judith Turkel

    Board Chair

  • Joel Litvin

    Co-Founder & Board Member

  • Stephanie Jeshiva

    Board Member

  • Vandhana Bala

    Board Member

  • Kristen Diederich

    Board Member

  • Allan E. Kornberg MD, MBA

    Strategic Advisor

  • David Ebert

    Co-Founder & President Emeritus

Advisory Council

  • Amruza Aryenish Birdie

    Consultant, Former founder/executive director

  • Daina Bray

    Clinical Lecturer in Law, Yale Law School

  • Monica Chen

    Executive Director, Factory Farming Awareness Coalition

  • David Coman-Hidy

    Partner, Sharpen Strategy

  • Brian Cooley

    Principal, Cooley Insights

  • Sebastian Joy

    Founding President, ProVeg International

  • Gerald Kahwa

    Bcom (Accounting), MUK CPA(U)

  • Tania Luna

    Founder, Scarlet Spark

  • Justin Marceau

    Professor of Law and the Brooks Institute Faculty Research Scholar of Animal Law and Policy at the University of Denver

  • Jo-Anne McArthur

    Photojournalist, President & Founder of We Animals Media

  • Duncan McNair

    Lawyer, Author, and Animal Welfare Campaigner

  • David Nadler

    Senior Counsel, Blank Rome LLP

  • Bill Nimmo

    Founder & President, Tigers in America
    Read Bio

  • Richard Riley

    Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
    Read Bio

Sponsors