Animal Law for Solos and Small Firms

With the release of the January/February 2025 issue of GPSolo magazine, we are about halfway through our bar year. And by the time this issue is released, we will have just returned from the 2025 American Bar Association (ABA) Midyear Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, where our members participated in multiple CLE programs, networking opportunities, and committee meetings. Attendance at these in-person meetings is invigorating, but we recognize that not every member of our Division can personally attend them. That is why I am proud to be a part of our wonderful GPSolo magazine, which is distributed to our entire membership, now approaching 28,000. Our dedicated and hard-working GPSolo Editorial Board, led by Editor-in-Chief Julie Houth, always puts together a first-class publication, and this edition is no exception.

Animal Law

This issue focuses on animal law. Once considered niche, this field now commands attention across a wide array of practice areas, from family law to environmental law, estate planning, and criminal justice,reflecting the growing recognition of animals as more than just property under the law.

The January/February 2025 issue highlights the unique opportunities and challenges this dynamic area of law presents, particularly for solo and small firm practitioners. The surge in interest is not surprising; nearly every aspect of society intersects with animal welfare, whether it’s addressing custody disputes involving pets during divorce proceedings, drafting trusts for pet care, or representing animal rights organizations advocating for legislative change.

For solos and small firms, animal law provides a chance to diversify practice areas while serving a growing client base. Consider how pet ownership has surged in recent years. According to the American Pet Products Association, more than 66 percent of U.S. households now own at least one pet. As our clients increasingly view their pets as family members, the demand for legal services reflecting that bond has soared.

But animal law is not confined to domestic pets. This issue of the magazine also explores broader concerns, such as wildlife trafficking and commercial fishing after the fall of Chevron. This issue also highlights service animals versus emotional support animals, pet custody battles, and torts when pets attack. These matters often require navigating complex regulations, advocating for legislative change, or litigating precedent-setting cases.

As lawyers, we are uniquely positioned to shape the future of animal law while addressing these pressing concerns. Whether you’re negotiating pet-related prenups, advocating for policy reforms, or representing clients in animal cruelty cases, your work has the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their human companions.

I encourage you to dive into this edition, explore the wealth of resources, and consider how incorporating or expanding animal law into your practice can not only diversify your caseload but also align with your personal values.

ABA TECHSHOW 2025

I would also like to use this column to highlight another Division member opportunity. One of our themes for this bar year is the use of technology, including artificial intelligence for solo and small firm lawyers. ABA TECHSHOW 2025 is just around the corner and a perfect excuse to travel to Chicago in April. As a member of GPSolo, you can register for ABA TECHSHOW 2025 at a special reduced rate. This discount only applies to registrants who qualify for the Standard registration and will save you $100. Register online and include the discount code SSFGP25 at checkout to receive the discount. Join us April 2 to 5, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago to celebrate more than 39 years of legal technology and innovation and network with legal technology experts from around the globe.

As always, the Solo, Small Firm and Small Firm Division is here to support you. Whether it’s through CLE programs, webinars, or networking opportunities, we remain committed to equipping you with the tools needed to thrive in an ever-changing legal landscape. Our motto remains “Your Success, Our Mission.^®”