“Animals speak to us without words if only we have the courage and patience to listen with not just our ears but all our senses.”
Though a lifelong animal lover, Piper did not take a direct path to the study of animal law. Piper studied biology, sociology, and French at the University of Redlands, including completing a semester abroad in Nantes, France. Piper was active in community service, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the local animal shelter, Relay for Life, and even traveled to Cambodia to volunteer with an elephant sanctuary.
Upon graduation, she considered medical school, worked as a veterinary technician, and began to research law school. Particularly intrigued by a USF Animal Law Program, she found the concept resonated deeply, especially the need for advocates to champion the voiceless.
Piper earned her JD at the University of San Francisco as a member of the inaugural class of the Animal Law Scholars USF Justice for Animals Program. Piper gained a newfound sense of purpose that propelled her to excel in the domain of animal law, resulting in two CALI awards for academic excellence.
During law school, Piper was President of the University’s Student Chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund for two years, revitalizing the organization and making it one of the most active on campus. She held positions at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Animal Welfare Institute. Piper also worked as a research assistant for the Justice for Animals Program, and as a volunteer research assistant to Shelter PALS, the advocacy branch of the SF SPCA. Her commitment to animal advocacy only intensified as she delved into the legal intricacies surrounding animal rights.
Piper seeks to make big changes in the animal law field through legislation, litigation, and organizational work that will get to the root of problems and change the ways communities think about and see our animal companions.