This scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding incoming Animal Law LLM student who demonstrates both academic excellence and commitment to animal law. Priority to applicants who are passionate about farmed animal protection.
Established by a long-time Lewis & Clark employee passionate about advancing legal protections for farmed animals suffering in overcrowded and intensive farming operations worldwide, the Raskin Scholarship honors Thomas Bloom Raskin, a devoted animal rights advocate who inspired the donor and countless others within and beyond the animal protection movement.
Tommy Raskin, the son of Congressman Jamie Raskin and Law Professor Sarah Bloom Raskin, was a second-year JD student at Harvard Law School, a passionate animal rights activist, and a summer associate at Mercy for Animals. Following a long battle with depression, Tommy tragically took his own life in 2020. His parents turned this tragedy into an opportunity to share Tommy’s legacy, writing a heartfelt public tribute to their son.
The Raskin family highlighted Tommy’s skills as an aspiring lawyer, his brilliance as a writer, and his gentle yet effective advocacy for veganism and animal rights. Tommy’s devotion to animal protection influenced his life decisions and extended to his parting message: “Please look after each other, the animals, and the global poor for me. All my love, Tommy.” The Raskin family has graciously endorsed this new scholarship, and its creation aims to keep Tommy’s radiant light shining even brighter.
