Jaclyn's Bio

Jaclyn Leeds is a nonprofit lawyer and executive director dedicated to strengthening the legal infrastructure of the animal protection movement. She leads Animal Defense Partnership, a public interest legal nonprofit providing pro bono counsel to organizations advocating for animals and promoting plant-based change.

Jaclyn began her legal career representing grassroots animal organizations, focusing on governance, compliance, and strategic advising. She later transitioned into nonprofit leadership, managing programs and communications for a regional organization centered on plant-based education and advocacy.

Throughout her career, Jaclyn has supported numerous U.S.-based organizations—both legally and programmatically—that work to protect farmed animals, companion animals, and animals used in research. Her commitment to animal advocacy was sparked during her undergraduate studies, when she interned with Animals Asia Foundation in Hong Kong.

She earned her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2012, where she served on the editorial board of Animal Law Review, and holds a B.A. in psychology and music from Wellesley College. Jaclyn is licensed to practice law in Oregon and has chaired the Animal Law Section of the Oregon State Bar.

Originally from New Hampshire, she now resides in Portland, Oregon with her son Wolf and three rescued animals—Ziva, Willow, and Houdini. Outside of her work, Jaclyn enjoys hiking, playing piano, teaching yoga, and crafting plant-based meals that reflect that vegan food is delicious.