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From Corporate Counsel to Animal Rights Advocate: Sara Mehak explains how she navigated her legal transformation
The journey from corporate counsel to animal advocate has been the most rewarding chapter of my career. The legal profession offers a unique platform to effect meaningful change, and there is immense satisfaction in knowing that your work contributes to the greater good. The opportunity to use my legal skills to stand up for animals represents the fulfillment of a lifelong commitment and a deep-seated passion.
As a legal professional with a diverse background in corporate governance, high-stakes litigation, and complex commercial transactions, I have had the privilege of representing prominent clients across various sectors. Despite this broad practice, a profound and enduring passion for animal rights has always guided my career and personal values. This commitment to ethical treatment of animals has been a continuous motivator, influencing my professional path long before I embarked on my legal career.
The transition from Corporate Counsel to a dedicated advocate for animal rights was a deliberate and thoughtful evolution. As I dedicated time to pro bono work for animal rights’ charities, I found my legal career evolving in profound ways. It was during this period that I rose to the role of General Counsel, blending my professional expertise with my passion for animal advocacy. This unique combination allowed me to champion causes that aligned deeply with my values, setting the course for my future in legal advocacy.
A pivotal moment in this journey was my involvement in shaping sentencing guidelines to increase penalties for domestic violence against companion animals. This initiative not only reinforced my dedication to animal rights but also showcased the profound impact that targeted legal advocacy can achieve. Using my legal expertise to defend the vulnerable has become both a privilege and a responsibility—a way to give voice to those who are otherwise unheard.
Transitioning to animal law presented unique challenges, particularly given the distinct legal and emotional landscapes of this field. Unlike corporate law, which often involves financial and reputational stakes, animal law frequently deals with issues of profound ethical significance and urgent welfare needs. Each day, I am reminded of the significant responsibility we hold as stewards of this planet and the profound impact of our efforts.
My work in animal law integrates advocacy with education, inspiring legal professionals to consider how their expertise can support causes they are passionate about. I have had the honour of contributing to various organisations dedicated to animal welfare, including serving as a Non-Executive Director for the Animal Alliance Project and offering pro bono legal services to the Animal Law Centre of the UK (A-Law).
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue strengthening the legal framework for animal protection, ensuring that laws are both robust and reflective of our ethical responsibilities as a society. My commitment is to build a legal environment that not only prevents cruelty but also elevates our collective awareness regarding the treatment of animals.
Sara Mehak
Chief Legal Officer, Animal Alliance Project
September 24