New editor of Journal of Animal and Environmental Law shares vision for upcoming year

The Brandeis School of Law's Journal of Animal and Environmental Law will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2019, and incoming editor in chief Lauren Freeman is using the milestone year to expand the journal's engagement in the community.

For starters, she is in talks with the Forecastle Foundation and the Kentucky Humane Society to explore volunteer and advocacy opportunities for journal members. 

"We're hoping to partner with those groups to get our name out there," she says. 

Freeman, a devoted animal lover who has two rescue dogs, was drawn to the Brandeis School of Law because of JAEL — one of only a few animal and environmental law journals in the country. She decided to pursue the editor position because she wants the journal to maintain its strong momentum.

"I want to make sure it maintains its quality and functionality," she says, adding that she also wants to increase readership.

She wrote a note for the journal this year comparing Kentucky animal law ordinances and worked on another about animal testing laws.

"I really enjoyed it. It's also good practice for Bluebook citations," she says.

Freeman encourages other law students to apply for at least one journal. Working on a journal strengthens skills like research, legal writing and collaboration, she says.

Second annual symposium a success

From left, JAEL associate editor Joey Wilkerson, executive editor Rebecca Adams and editor in chief Michael Smith.

One way the journal engages in the community is through its annual symposium.

The 2018 symposium, Louisville Centric: A Look at Environmental and Animal Legal Issues in Louisville, was held April 13.

The symposium had an attendance of about 40 people and featured speakers from local firms Batey Brophy, Frost Brown Todd, Stites & Harbison and Strobo, Barkley. Brandeis School of Law Professor Tony Arnold presented on environmental justice. The keynote was delivered by Sam Flynn of the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office.

The speakers presented on a variety of local topics, including legislative updates in animal cruelty law and air pollution issues in Rubbertown.

"Through the Spring Symposium, JAEL connects its students with the local legal community and provides a forum for professionals in the field to present on the amazing work they are performing in animal and environmental law here in Louisville," says Joey Wilkerson, JAEL's 2017-18 associate editor and organizer of the symposium.