News

Harvard Law School student Sophie Pereira ’24 reflects on her work with the Animal Law & Policy Clinic in a blog published by The Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs today.

Sophie wasn’t sure what to expect when she joined the Animal Law & Policy Clinic in her final semester at HLS. “At that point in time,” she writes, “little did I know the profound and meaningful impact the Animal Law & Policy Clinic projects would have on my life.”

As a native Floridian and aspiring litigator, Sophie was excited to join the Clinic’s ongoing efforts to prompt the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that the West Indian manatee receives the full protections of the Endangered Species Act. Through this project, Sophie had the opportunity to prepare a notice of intent to sue, draft a complaint, interview clients, draft declarations, and more.

“I know I speak on behalf of all my peers in saying that the Clinic provided students with invaluable hands-on experiences, and truly let us take a lead role in our work output.” Sophie writes. “The ability to dive hands on into a real-world project and make a difference while I am still in law school has fortified my interest in becoming a litigator, and has reminded me of why I went to law school: to actively make a difference.”