Sponsorship for Global Policy Legal Fellowship (externally funded, fall 2025)

Remote in the United States

Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free.

As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!

Mercy For Animals invites third-year law students and recent law graduates to apply for sponsorship for an externally funded fellowship (for example, funded by an educational institution or public interest fellowship). The fellowship would begin in fall 2025. To apply, an applicant must either have secured fellowship funding or be able to apply for fellowship funding opportunities.

Fellowship Objective

Note: This role will not perform legal functions and the fellow will not be acting in any capacity as legal counsel for MFA

Mercy For Animals seeks to host a global-policy legal fellow who will gain experience advocating for farmed animals and a just, sustainable food system at intergovernmental organizations, such as those within the United Nations system. This fellowship will build skills in legal research, writing, and analysis, as well as international policy advocacy. You will develop an understanding of international policy processes, such as those of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, United Nations Environment Programme, and World Organisation for Animal Health. Additionally, you will have opportunities to grow your network of advocates in this space and think creatively about novel strategies that leverage international law and policy to achieve advocacy objectives.

You will do invaluable work:

• Conduct legal research, writing, and analysis in an international policy context 
• Draft policy briefings, proposals, and comments, including within UN policy processes
• Engage in coalition meetings and international policy advocacy
• Track and analyze policy developments and legislation
• Participate in meetings and conferences as needed

Your qualifications will take our global policy team to the next level:

• JD degree or expected JD degree by spring 2025 
• Passion for farmed animal protection
• Willingness to work closely with Mercy For Animals through the funding application process
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Interest in intergovernmental organizations and international law and policy
• Exceptional qualitative research skills
• Proficiency in Gmail and Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
• Ability to coordinate several simultaneous tasks
• Adaptability
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice

Compensation and Benefits 

Compensation is based on the fellowship award amount. Mercy For Animals does not supplement fellowship salaries.

Application Details

To apply, please email a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, a law school transcript (official or unofficial), and information for three references to legalfellowship@mercyforanimals.org. 

In your cover letter, please share any interest in Mercy For Animals, what fellowship funding application(s) you are considering submitting (e.g. an application for a particular law school public interest fellowship), and any associated deadlines for these applications.

If an application is successful, Mercy For Animals can work with the applicant to support their applications for funding by providing, for example, a letter of commitment to hosting the fellow contingent on their receiving funding.

Application Deadline: Rolling 

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. 

Our Commitment to You

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. 

Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.

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