Lewis & Clark Law School creates first assistant dean position in field of animal law

Animal legal education has reached a new milestone with the creation of the nation’s first dean-level position in the field.  Robert Klonoff, Dean of Lewis & Clark Law School, has appointed Pamela Frasch as the assistant dean for Animal Law Studies.  Frasch also serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School.  The Center for Animal Law Studies works in collaboration with the Animal Legal Defense Fund and operates the country’s premier animal law program.

“Pamela Frasch’s promotion to Assistant Dean, and her assumption of duties as a member of the Dean’s senior administrative team, are tangible recognition of the relevance of this burgeoning field,” said Klonoff. “We are demonstrating our commitment to continue developing this field, pushing it in new directions, and strengthening its presence among legal education programs.”

The field of animal law has made huge strides in recent years, with over 100 law schools now offering an animal law course but Lewis & Clark Law School has long been seen as instrumental in its development and growth–setting a number of milestones in educational and clinical opportunities:

•    Student Animal Legal Defense Fund 
•    Animal law journal, Animal Law Reivew
•    Full-time faculty position for an animal law clinic
•    Summer animal law program
•    Animal law competitions
•    International animal law conference

While adding to the list of firsts, Klonoff said his decision to name Frasch an Assistant Dean benefits the animal law students the most.

“As part of the senior administrative team, Pamela will have a unique opportunity to plan for the future of our Animal Law Program in the context of the school’s overall strategic plan, budget, and mission,” Klonoff said. “This opportunity will help ensure that the Animal Law Program remains, as it is now, a central focus of the law school’s growth and commitment.”