Jennifer L. Amundsen
Solheim, Billing & Grimmer, S.C.
Madison, WI (608) 282-1200
sbglaw.com
facebook.com/dogsavvylawyer
What are the advantages of engaging the services of an attorney with experience in dog-related issues?
Due to his or her familiarity with the issues that are likely to arise, an attorney with experience in dog-related issues may be able to help resolve a dog-related matter in a more efficient (thus, more cost-effective) manner than an attorney without such experience.
How do you suggest people find attorneys with dog-related experience?
Contact your local kennel club; they often publish a directory of service providers in their areas. Alternatively, state bar associations may have an online directory that is searchable by practice area or key word, or a referral service that can help to connect a potential client to a lawyer with relevant experience. Although distance should be taken into account (attorney licensure is handled on a state-by-state basis), relevant experience is important to ensure efficiency, as well as appropriate focus on any dog-specific issues that are a part of the case.
How does your knowledge and/or experience with animal law make the difference for your clients?
When I prepare contracts or estate planning documents for a client, my knowledge and experience with dogs and the dog community allows me to speak the client’s language and ensures that I share the client’s understanding of what is customary within his or her community. It also allows me to anticipate the types of issues that may arise in a given matter and to help the client to be comprehensive in his or her planning.
For example, when preparing an estate plan, I can ask relevant questions that may help a pet owner or breeder communicate the goals he or she hopes to achieve through the planning process, which will almost certainly include protecting pets in the event of the client’s death but can also include other goals such as transferring items related to a breeder’s longstanding breeding program.
Dane E. Johnson
Animal Law Office of Dane E. Johnson
Portland, OR
(800) 714-3204 or (503) 975-8298
OregonAnimalLawAttorney.com
AnimalsAttorney.com
What are the advantages of engaging the services of an attorney with experience in dog-related issues?
Cases involving dogs present several important legal issues depending on the practice area. A case of injury caused by a dog bite, for example, requires knowledge of how a canine guardian’s responsibility is regulated under applicable law. A case involving harm or death of a dog, such as an intentional injury or veterinary malpractice, requires knowledge of how the applicable jurisdiction measures a dog’s value for damages purposes. Some states limit a dog’s value to the cost of a replacement animal. Others allow the dog’s guardian to present evidence of its special qualities and characteristics.
Many people consider dogs as family members, but courts and codes still generally define them as nothing more than property. An attorney familiar with the statutes, regulations, and legal precedents establishing the landmarks in dog law should be well equipped to argue for legal treatment of dogs that reflects their real place in our lives.
How do you suggest people find attorneys with dog-related experience?
Animal law is a growing practice area, but attorneys focusing on animal-related legal issues are still relatively few. Some state bar associations have an animal law section and may be able to refer people to lawyers licensed in the relevant jurisdiction who have at least an interest in dog-related matters. Finding a lawyer with significant dog-related experience may be challenging.
Finding an animal law lawyer is not absolutely necessary for a case. An attorney who specializes in personal injuries or injury to property should be able to handle a dog bite or veterinary malpractice case. But the limited potential for recovery of damages in animal cases may mean that a lawyer who does not focus on animal law may be unwilling to consider taking the case unless the client pays a retainer first.
Jennifer A. Dietz, Esq.
Animal Law Attorneys, LLC
Tampa, FL (813) 789-8029
jenniferdietz.com
What are the advantages of engaging the services of an attorney with experience in dog-related issues?
Advantages: Experience in the areas of tort law, dangerous dog law, negligence issues, preparation of will and trusts for animals, etc.
How do you suggest people find attorneys with dog-related experience?
It is extremely important to find a lawyer with animal law experience, no matter the distance to the client. Experience with the specific laws pertaining to animal law issues is invaluable. The most efficient way to locate an animal law attorney is to google “animal law attorney” or contact the Animal Legal Defense Fund, who will locate an animal law attorney in the area needed. Another method for locating an animal law attorney is to contact the local bar association for your area.
Christine Garcia
The Animal Law Office
San Francisco, CA (415) 297-3109
animalattorney.com
What are the advantages of engaging the services of an attorney with experience in dog-related issues?
Animal rights attorneys are more familiar with the broader laws/codes – and thus more capable of oral argument on the spot. Animal law expands over at least seven different relevant and applicable statutes and an animal attorney will be ready with relevant rebuttals at argument. Also, most animal attorneys are sensitive to the role of an animal in a home as a family member as opposed to property.
How do you suggest people find attorneys with dog-related experience?
See animal-lawyer.com/html/referrals_.html. Also, I give out referrals nationwide (and a few worldwide). E-mail me for an additional list of attorneys.
How does your knowledge and/or experience with animal law make the difference for your clients?
I am always more experienced than my opposing counsel who does not work in these cases. I often have to educate the court.
