New California Law on Emotional Support Animals and Impact of Animal Welfare Laws on the Practice of Law

Shelby Clark | The Law Offices of Shelby Clark

Mr. Clark graduated magna cum laude from UC Hastings College of the Law 1999, and after a few years in BigLaw pursued a mixed business practice that eventually extended to encompass animal law. He has worked with various animal shelters on the West Coast and has presented to shelter organizations around the country on the topic of Service Dog Law, as well as writing several articles on that topic for trade publications. Although he maintains an office in California, he now lives in Skagit County, Washington, with a lovely wife and several dogs.

Suzanna R. Harman | Murchison & Cumming, LLP

Suzanna R. Harman is an Associate in the Los Angeles office of Murchison & Cumming, LLP, focusing her practice on Law & Motion. Since childhood, she enjoyed being able to assist others in amicably resolving their disputes and rising to the occasion when there is a group that needs a voice. She brings this compassion and heart into her work to connect with her clients and reassure them that she cares deeply for their cases and getting the best result possible. Her clients know that she will focus intently on their case and make sure that they understand exactly what is going on, during what can be one of the most stressful times of their lives.

Ms. Harman attended Indiana University and received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice before continuing onto Chapman University for her law degree. Throughout law school, she dedicated her time to working and volunteering in animal rights, specifically animal rights law. She worked for an animal rights law firm during and after law school, and was also the CFO of an animal rights law non-profit. After attempting to open her own animal rights law firm, she decided she would best serve her community by obtaining more practical legal experience and understanding of the court system. She continued into Law and Motion work because she enjoys fitting the puzzle pieces of a matter together to end in a sound conclusion with satisfied clients.

Suzanna feels strongly about giving back to the community helping the indigent community and animals. She has spent time volunteering at the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, providing free legal services to those in need. She has participated in OC Harvest, an event in Orange County, CA where people throughout the community with a surplus for fruit growing on their trees allow volunteers to come and pick the fruit. The fruit is then boxed and delivered to different food banks in the community. Suzanna also participates in animal rescue and foster programs and animal rights events.

California Emotional Support Animals Laws | 3:00pm – 4:00pm
I. Emotional support animals (ESAs) vs Service dogs | 3:00pm – 3:15pm
II. Tenant and homeowner rights | 3:15pm – 3:30pm
III. ESAs in the workplace | 3:30pm – 3:45pm
IV. Recent changes in ESA law | 3:45pm – 4:00pm

Break | 4:00pm – 4:10pm

The Evolution of Animal Welfare Law and its Impact on the Practice of Law | 4:10pm – 5:10pm
I. The Legal Status of Animals in California | 4:10pm – 4:22pm
II. Explanation of Animal Welfare Law and the Areas of Law it Encompasses | 4:22pm – 4:34pm
III. An Overview of the Evolution of Animal Welfare Law in California | 4:34pm – 4:46pm
IV. Recent Changes in California’s Animal Welfare Law, including: | 4:46pm – 4:58pm

1. The Outlawing of Pet Stores on City and County Levels in California
2. The Prohibition of Use of Exotic Animals in Circuses at the State Level
3. California Legislation Requiring Additional Space for Pigs, Chickens, and Calves
4. California Case Law Granting More than Fair Market Value for Wrongful Injury to Companion Animals

V. Actual and Potential Effects of the Evolution of Animal Welfare Law in California | 4:58pm – 5:10pm