Title:Students lend a paw to animal defense laws

Ben Sheynkman (L’26) has always been an animal lover. When he came to Georgetown Law, he wanted to make a lasting impact through animal advocacy. In spring 2025, he founded a student organization called the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, colloquially known as the Georgetown University Paw Center, that aims to improve the lives of all animals. 

“As lawyers, it is our duty to protect populations that are most vulnerable,” says Sheynkman. “Animals can’t advocate for themselves, so they are one of the most vulnerable populations. Since Georgetown is the largest law school in the country, it’s important that we have a student organization focused on animal welfare.”

Sheynkman and his fellow law students support animal welfare groups and practitioners of animal law at the intersection of law and philanthropy, with support from The Animal Legal Defense Fund, an organization with the same mission on a national level. 

The Paw Center held its first speaker event last March featuring pet dogs and a presentation by Ralph Henry, adjunct professor at Georgetown Law and director of litigation at Humane World for Animals.

Students learned that they can support animals through various legal practices whether it’s litigation, pro bono work, or legislative change. 

“There are so many different ways to help, and every little bit counts,” says Sheynkman. “If you can improve the life of one animal, it may be a little thing to you, but it’s everything to them.”

Paw Center Board Member Lexi Amos (L’26) has always been an animal advocate, adopting a vegan lifestyle and growing up with foster dogs in her family. She worked at an animal sanctuary while studying at the University of Virginia and incorporated animal rights into her academic work whenever possible.

“Working with animal advocacy groups and seeing their creative strategies for litigation and regulation inspired me to go to law school,” says Amos. “The Paw Center creates a space where people can find a community with others who want to be proactive about animal rights.”

When talking about animals, the group doesn’t only think about cats and dogs, but considers all animals. Sheynkman is especially invested in domestic rabbits, and Amos is passionate about farm animals.

“There’s a divide between pet animals and farm animals when it comes to enforcing the statutes that prevent animal cruelty,” says Amos. “Cows are considered livestock and people aren’t used to thinking of them on the same scale as a domestic dog.”

Amos wants to improve the lives of farm animals by ensuring that existing laws governing their treatment are enforced.

The Paw Center plans to host sanctuary volunteer days, movie nights, and more events with local shelters and rescues in the upcoming year. 

“As law students, we have more power than we realize,” says Amos. “The Georgetown Law name carries a lot of weight. We want to work together and make real change, not just talk about how important the causes are. You can sit at a desk and work for animals, but I think it’s equally important to see and interact with them. It reminds you why it’s so important.”

Students who are interested in getting involved can contact any of the board members or follow @georgetownpawcenter on Instagram.