Jennifer Friedman obtained her Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto (1999) and her Juris Doctor from the University of Western Ontario (2002). She was called to the Bar in the Province of Ontario in 2003. Upon her admission to the Bar, Jennifer practiced administrative law and corporate litigation.
In 2006, Jennifer was hired as the first ever General Counsel for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She released the inaugural edition of the book, Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Annotated.
In 2008, Jennifer was hired by the Ontario (horse) Racing Commission as Litigation Counsel. In 2012, her submissions to the Ontario Bar Association led to the creation of the province’s first section dedicated exclusively to Animal Law; just the second of its kind in Canada. She acted as Chair from 2012-2014.
In 2016, Jennifer opened her own practice devoted exclusively to Animal Law, Canada’s Animal Lawyer. She handles a diverse array of files across Canada (except for Quebec). She acts on behalf of clients in relation to breed specific legislation, condominium matters, dog bite and dangerous dog allegations, equine law, pet custody and ownership, plant-based products, shelter and breeder disputes, and veterinary malpractice.
Jennifer has been a chair and panelist for various continuing legal education seminars, and a guest speaker and moderator at diverse animal-related sessions. She also appears on a podcast, teaches Animal Law and Advocacy at the university and law school levels, and is regularly quoted and featured as an Animal Law expert in mainstream media.
For the past 18 years, Jennifer has handled hundreds of animal cases before courts and tribunals across Canada.