Animal Law Student Spotlights

SALDF 2024-25 Co-President, Class of 2026

“I decided to attend GW Law in large part because of the Animal Legal Education Initiative. I'm so excited to get involved in all the animal law opportunities here and to raise awareness of them in the student body as a whole.”

Rachel Pepper grew up in Montgomery County, MD and has always loved animals. Rachel has been dedicated to animal rights since the seventh grade, petitioning to protest frog dissections at her school and working to combine her passion for animal activism with the law. She participated in competitive debate throughout high school and college, and developed a strong interest in research and argumentation. Rachel graduated from the University of Maryland in 2023 with a double degree in English Literature and Russian Language and Literature.

SALDF 2024-25 Co-President & Animal Law Adjunct Committee Rep, Class of 2025

“I am very excited to be a part of the growing Animal Legal Education Initiative. Working with Dean Hessler, participating in the SALDF, and formulating connections with the esteemed animal law staff and dedicated students has opened unique and ample opportunities for me to explore my passion of animal rights.”

Hana Nabulsi graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Neuropsychology and a minor in biological studies. After working in the medical research field for a few years she pivoted her career goals to focus on her passion, animal welfare. Hana helped jumpstart a now flourishing rabbit and guinea pig adoption program at a shelter in her home city, Chicago. While it was difficult to leave that meaningful work, law school felt like the next natural progression. She is now a 3L at George Washington University Law School where she serves as a Research Assistant to the Animal Law Program Dean. Hana is also a Co-President for the GW SALDF and a law student vice chair for the ABA Animal Law Committee. Hana hopes to use her law degree to help advocate for factory farmed animals.

SALDF 2024-25 Vice President & Animal Law Adjunct Committee Rep, Class of 2025

“My interest in animal law started to develop as a teenager while learning about wildlife protection in my home state of Utah. At GW, I've enjoyed getting involved in the Animal Law program and engaging in legislative advocacy at the local and federal level. I've especially loved learning about aquatic animal law and the way it intertwines with international and environmental law.”

Andrew Murphy is a third-year law student at GW Law. Andrew has worked with the Animal Welfare Project to develop legislation for the DC Counsel regarding affordable housing for people living with animals and a potential ban on the production and sale of new animal fur products. He's also gained further animal law experience through internships with the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the U.S. Coast Guard. In his free time, Andrew enjoys hiking, photography, and skiing.

SALDF 2024-25 Secretary, Class of 2025

“I love how interdisciplinary animal law is--whether it be constitutional law, property law, or environmental law or non-legal disciplines such as biology and psychology--there is something here for everyone.”

Mishael Hibshoosh is currently a 3L at the George Washington University Law School and has a BSc in Chemistry and Life Sciences from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He integrates his love for science and goal of being a lawyer into his time at law school and pursues interests in patent law. In the last year, Mishael has assisted with the Animal Law and Science Project. Mishael is a member of Volume 92 of The George Washington Law Review and is currently the Secretary of the GW SALDF chapter.

Alumni Committee Student Representative, Class of 2026

“My animal law interests include the Endangered Species Act, climate change and wildlife, and poaching and trafficking.”

Haley Curtis is currently a 2L at George Washington University Law School. She is from Frederick, Maryland. Haley majored in Political Science and minored in History and Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her cat, Francis.

SALDF 2024-25 Social Chair, Class of 2025

“I am interested in animal law because it is important to advocate for those that cannot advocate for themselves.”

Jonathan Schneider is a 3L and the social chair for the GW chapter of SALDF for the 2024-25 academic year. He has a broad range of interests, primarily concerning criminal law and reproductive rights. Jonathan is also the Articles Editor for the Federal Circuit Bar Journal and a member of the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Brief, where he has an ongoing series of articles critiquing Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Org. from a legal history perspective. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, swimming, and reading.

SALDF 1L Representative, Marshall Inn, Class of 2027

“At GW Law, I hope to build practical skills by working on real cases with the upcoming Animal Law Mini Clinic, and to research animal protection law through the Animal Welfare Project. Given that experiential learning in animal law is relatively rare among law schools, I'm excited to have access to such unique and hands-on opportunities!”

Emma DiGiovanni is the 1L representative for the Marshall Inn. While she loves all animals, she has a special place in her heart for cats! Emma is interested in animal law not only because it is a rapidly developing field that confronts unique challenges in the law, but also because it advocates for the protection of sentient nonhuman animals that are systematically neglected and abused. A key factor in Emma's decision to attend GW Law was the school's Animal Law Program, and she is grateful to continue learning about animal law as she pursues her degree!