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
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Jaclyn Leeds, Esq.
Executive Director
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Jennifer Buesser, Esq.
Legal Director
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James Honda, Esq.
Staff Attorney
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Kristin O'Neal, Esq.
Staff Attorney
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Jillian Yakominich, Esq.
Staff Attorney
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Helena Bouchard
Paralegal
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Darshan Brach
Conflict Coach/Mediator
Board
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Judith Turkel
Board Chair
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Joel Litvin
Co-Founder & Board Member
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Stephanie Jeshiva
Board Member
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Vandhana Bala
Board Member
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Kristen Diederich
Board Member
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Allan E. Kornberg MD, MBA
Strategic Advisor
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David Ebert
Co-Founder & President Emeritus
Advisory Council
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Amruza Aryenish Birdie
Consultant, Former founder/executive director
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Daina Bray
Clinical Lecturer in Law, Yale Law School
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Monica Chen
Executive Director, Factory Farming Awareness Coalition
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David Coman-Hidy
Partner, Sharpen Strategy
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Brian Cooley
Principal, Cooley Insights
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Sebastian Joy
Founding President, ProVeg International
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Gerald Kahwa
Bcom (Accounting), MUK CPA(U)
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Tania Luna
Founder, Scarlet Spark
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Justin Marceau
Professor of Law and the Brooks Institute Faculty Research Scholar of Animal Law and Policy at the University of Denver
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Jo-Anne McArthur
Photojournalist, President & Founder of We Animals Media
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Duncan McNair
Lawyer, Author, and Animal Welfare Campaigner
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David Nadler
Senior Counsel, Blank Rome LLP
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Bill Nimmo
Founder & President, Tigers in America
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Richard Riley
Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
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