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.
This program has been approved for 2 general CLE credits in Illinois for in-person attendees only. Click here to access written materials.
To receive Illinois CLE credit, please fill out this CLE request survey certifying your attendance after the program, but no later than April 17, 2026. Late requests for credit cannot be accommodated. Submissions received before the conclusion of whichever sessions you are claiming credit for will not be accepted. This program is only approved for CLE credit in Illinois. If you would like an attendance certificate to use when you self-apply for credit in another state, please indicate this on the survey.
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, Executive Director, Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition
- 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. 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 375 E. Chicago Ave. Other doors may be locked.
Parking Information | Driving Directions