2009 National Animal Law Competitions Legislative Drafting & Lobbying Competition

On March 29, 2009 the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark, in collaboration with the Animal Legal Defense Fund will host the fifth annual Legislative Drafting & Lobbying Competition at the George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC.

The competition is open to students attending any ABA accredited law school.

The competition is a fun and educational opportunity for those students interested in influencing local, state, and federal legislation. Students need not have past experience, and are provided all of the tools necessary to effectively and successfully participate in the competitions.

Registration will open on February 11, 2009 and will remain open until all twenty spots are filled.

Students draft federal legislation based on a current animal law issue, andsubmit their proposed bill and fact sheets via email prior to the competition.

In D.C., students argue in three preliminary rounds and the top three contestants move on to a final round. All rounds take place on Sunday. Judges will be lobbyists from national animal advocacy organizations and the final round is traditionally judged by a member of Congress.

During the rounds, students must persuade legislators to either sponsor, co-sponsor, or vote for their proposed bill based on their presentations and fact sheets.

The cost of registration is $150 which includes light snacks throughout the day and an evening awards banquet. Sorry, no refunds.

QUESTIONS? Please contact Laura Handzel at lhandzel@lclark.edu or (503) 768-6960.