The Future of Innovation, Sustainability, and the Law Symposium
2026 Annual Animal Law Symposium
Friday, April 3, 2026 | 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Northwestern Pritzker Law, the Program on Food and Animal Law and Sustainability and the Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center present our Third Annual Animal Law Symposium
In this symposium, we will delve deep into the critical issues that arise at the crossroads of animal welfare, public policy, regulations, environmental issues, and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive platform for engaging discussions and knowledge sharing, and we are pleased to present an agenda that promises a day filled with meaningful insights.
The program is pending approved for general CLE credit hours in Illinois. Click here to access written materials.
This event will bring together leading experts and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds to explore the pressing challenges and potential opportunities within this complex intersection.
Schedule
Registration (12:30 - 1:00 p.m.)
Panel I - Barriers to Sustainable Agriculture and Paths to Reform (1:00 - 2:00 p.m.)
Participants:
- Tammi Etheridge, Associate Professor of Law, The Washington and Lee University School of Law
- Kiki Hubbard, Researcher, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Christian Lovell, Senior Director of Programs, Farm Action
- Moderator: David Dana, Kirkland & Ellis Professor of Law, Professor of Real Estate, Kellogg School of Management & Director, Program on Sustainability and Food and Animal Law, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Break (2:00-2:15 p.m.)
Panel II - Financing Food Innovation: Legal and Policy Issues in Alternative Proteins and the Future of Animal Welfare (2:15-3:15 p.m.)
Participants:
- Madeline Cohen, Associate Director of Regulatory Affairs, The Good Food Institute
- Karuna Rawal, Angel Investor/Advisor, Marketing Executive for consumer-driven industries
- Aaditi Tamhankar, Associate, Bluestein Ventures
- Moderator: Esther Barron, Clinical Professor of Law & Director, Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center
Reception and Poster Presentation (3:15- 4:30 p.m.)
Registration
Open to the public. Virtual and in-person attendance options are available. No charge to register, but space is limited. We expect the symposium will be fully subscribed. Attendees come from various backgrounds, including start-up founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, activists, academics, thought leaders, and students from law, business, undergraduate and engineering schools. Due to overwhelming interest, please register early to reserve your spot.
Parking Information
The nearest paid parking structure is located at 222 E. Huron (C-Lot, Huron-St. Clair Self Park), but there is also street parking. You may enter the main law school entrance at 420 E. Superior St. Other doors may be locked.
Parking Information | Driving Directions