Amanda’s favorite place to be, has always been anywhere with animals. Her childhood home had an open-door policy for any animal in need and she grew up with the companionship of furry and feathered friends. She has had the privilege of sharing her life with many animals who have taught her most of her important lessons. She has been involved in companion animal rescue efforts for close to 20 years, and whether they are dwellers of land, sea, or sky, Amanda remains deeply intrigued by all animal life. She believes that humankind has yet to fully understand the magnificence of animals and their importance in the world.
Amanda has been in private practice for 25 years, however her professional practice does not currently encompass animal law issues. She hopes to change that following completion of the LLM Program, with the intent to expand into the field of animal advocacy. Amanda was inspired to pursue her LLM at this stage of her career in tribute to her adored late father, who encouraged everyone to answer a calling of the heart, no matter how long it takes to answer it. He was nearly seventy when he returned to college, nearing his mid-seventies when he earned his master’s degree, and in his eighties at the time he was completing his thesis on service dogs, for his PhD. He encouraged and shared Amanda’s love of animals, as does her mother, who is an ornithophile and goose whisperer. Amanda is exceedingly thankful for the opportunity to interact with and learn from the esteemed faculty at Lewis & Clark law school and is honored to become a member of the animal law community.
Amanda has a BA in Political Science from Principia College and a JD from Washington University School of Law. She resides in St. Louis, Missouri, where she and her husband share their home with many animal companions, and enjoy frequent visits from their wildlife neighbors.