David Rosengard – Senior Staff Attorney at the Animal Legal Defense Fund

David Rosengard is an integral component of ensuring justice for animal cruelty victims through trial support, amicus briefs, legislative efforts, and educational programs provided by ALDF.

He earned his Bachelor’s in History and Gender Studies from Claremont McKenna College before working in higher education before enrolling at law school at Lewis & Clark where he co-directed Lewis & Clark’s Student ALDF chapter and served as Editor-in-Chief of its Animal Law Review.

Early Life and Education

David Rosengard earned a bachelor’s degree in history and gender studies from Claremont McKenna College before going on to work in higher education. Later he enrolled at Lewis & Clark Law School to specialize in animal law to gain the skills needed for legal advocacy on behalf of animals. While at Lewis & Clark Law School he co-directed their Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter; clerked for Center for Animal Law Studies; represented Oregon criminal courts on behalf of Multnomah County District Attorney Office as certified law student student representative in court representation work for Oregon District Attorney’s Office as certified law student; co-directed Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter co-directed it by co-directing co-directing Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter; clerked Center for Animal Law Studies before representing Oregon criminal cases as certified law student on behalf of Multnomah County District Attorney Office.

At Lewis & Clark, he oversaw numerous student clubs such as the Gaming Society and Pagan Students Alliance. Additionally, he assisted both Cheese Club and United Sexualities with their growth from small start-ups into larger institutions on campus. Now, he is retiring as area director of Forest complex which houses mostly first and second year students.

Professional Career

David Rosengard serves as the Managing Attorney of the Criminal Justice Project for Animal Legal Defense Fund and leads efforts to help animals that have been victims of criminal cruelty secure legal status as crime victims through trial support, amicus briefs, legislative efforts and educational programs.

Before becoming a lawyer, David earned a bachelor’s degree in history and gender studies from Claremont McKenna College. Subsequently he began work in higher education focusing on sexual assault prevention and response strategies as well as peer counseling, crisis management, co-curricular education, sex-blind housing programs, community justice. David co-directed Lewis & Clark Law School’s Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter; clerked for Center for Animal Law Studies; represented Oregon criminal court cases as a certified law student; co-directed Lewis & Clark Law School Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter as co-director and clerked for Center for Animal Law Studies before representing Oregon criminal courts as certified law student certified law student; published numerous law review articles which assist prisoners obtain vegan meals; further discussing impacts legal recognition of animals’ sentience has on constitutional considerations.

Achievement and Honors

Rosengard was well-recognized for his achievements in life insurance business, having established what at one time was the world’s largest life policy and which remains listed in Guinness Book of Records today.

He is also an accomplished sports coach and owns the Windy City Fieldhouse, a 55,000-square-foot multi-sport complex in Chicago that hosts both professional and amateur competitions. Former athletic director at Northwestern University and owner/partner of Chicago Sting soccer club; marketing executive for Arlington International Racecourse.

He is widely respected for his dedication to social justice issues, such as sexual assault prevention and response, peer counseling, crisis management, co-curricular education programs, sex-blind housing programs, community justice efforts and more. For this work he has received multiple honors.

Personal Life

David Rosengard is no stranger to law; having graduated with honors from Claremont McKenna College with degrees in history and gender studies he is well-versed in both human rights advocacy as well as animal protection efforts. Since embarking upon his legal career he has made it his goal to use his considerable brainpower for animal well-being through trial support, education and legislation initiatives.

David has long been one of the most generous philanthropists, giving away over one million free copies of The Big Book of Life as gifts to others. However, despite this great charity work he has kept a relatively low profile since leaving courtroom work behind him; to learn more about him be sure to check out his biography and impressive list of achievements.