Cleveland State University College of Law launched the David H. Braff Animal Law Center and Clinic — the first of its kind at an Ohio law school. Students can focus on justice for animals, including the prosecution of domestic animal abuse cases, curbing puppy mills, dog fighting and roadside circus abuses. The center will also fight against the abuse of wildlife, exotic and farm animals.
The animal law center was initiated by David Braff, a graduate of CSU Law’s Criminal Justice Program and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Braff practiced for nearly four decades at Sullivan and Cromwell in New York City. As a nod to his retirement from fulltime practice, Braff established the Animal Law Center to give back to his alma mater and provide a service to the welfare of animals. He plans to be actively involved in the center’s activities and serve as a senior clinical advisor for the clinic.
“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,” Braff said. “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.”
Students will learn about and engage in advocacy efforts litigation, legislative and regulatory initiatives and community education and outreach, said Carol Heywary, senior clinical professor of law and center’s faculty director. The humane and ethical treatment of animals will be the focus of the student’s training.
Taylor Waters will serve as the supervising attorney and director of the Animal Law Clinic and Center. Waters spent time promoting animal law as an animal litigator, most recently through the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Pro Bono program. She earned her LL.M. in Animal Law from Lewis & Clark Law School’s Center for Animal Law Studies.
“If students leave this clinic feeling like they worked on something that mattered and that they made a difference, that’s a win,” Waters said. “If we can support the law toward being more animal friendly, that would also be a big win.”
The clinic will work with community partners to find clients and intends to accept publicly submitted cases. The center will have an advisory council consisting of highly accomplished individuals and alumni including senior law school leadership, experienced animal law practitioners, representatives from the Cleveland Metro Parks and the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the federal judiciary.
