How to Find a Lawyer to Help You With Your Animal Problems
animal law is a relatively new and growing specialty of law, and an increasing number of lawyers specialize in cases involving animals.
In most cases, however, although this may be beneficial, it is not necessary to find a lawyer specializing in animal law in particular. When someone kills or injures your pet, the law considers primarily (but not exclusively) that it is an injury to "property".
A lawyer specializing in personal injury or property damage (called “crimes” in the law) should be able to handle the case. However, due to the limited potential for recovering damages in animal cases, it is possible to pay more for the services of a lawyer than you are likely to recover if you win your case unless compensation for punitive damages or emotional distress.
Learn more about filing a civil lawsuit for damages caused by the death or injury of an animal.
To find an experienced lawyer, your best bet could be a personal recommendation from someone you know and trust. If this is not an option, contact your local animal shelter to see if they know of a lawyer who handles animal law cases.
Otherwise, you can contact your local bar. The bars are approved entities for lawyers.
Most offer referral services for a fee and will do their best to find a lawyer with experience that meets your needs. You can also find your local bar association through the American Bar Association.
The following organizations and/or websites provide lawyers references to the public nationwide. The Animal Legal Defense Fund offers this list for your convenience, but does not endorse any of these organizations, and recommends that you research the terms and conditions before submitting information. This list should not be considered exhaustive.
You can also try to use an internet search using the terms "animal law" or "lawyer referrals". There are many regional lawyer referral agencies on the Internet.
Attorney General's Reference Sources
American Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
541 N. Fairbanks Ct.
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 800-285-2221
Website: www.americanbar.org
The ABA website provides links to local law societies that offer referral services. It also lists pro bono options and other information. If you prefer, the same service is available via their toll-free number.
Avocats.com
Website: www.lawyers.com
It is an Internet reference service owned and operated by Martindale-Hubbell, a publisher of national lawyer directories