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Riley Forson
Brussels
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic policy and legal professional specializing in EU climate, biodiversity, and animal welfare governance, with a strong focus on advocacy and systemic change. Proven ability to translate complex legal and regulatory analysis into actionable advocacy strategies, fostering stakeholder engagement and producing impactful, policy-relevant outputs. Solid background in cross-border litigation, complemented by extensive civil society engagement, supports evidence-based advocacy, regulatory reform, and sustainability-driven decision-making. Committed to advancing EU-level policy development, advocacy efforts, and strategic litigation initiatives in Brussels.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Advocacy & Policy Volunteer
Jane Goodall Institute Brussels
Brussels
04.2026 - Current
- Conduct advocacy and policy research on great ape protection within EU and international frameworks.
- Collaborated with team members to implement fundraising strategies for conservation projects.
Legal Researcher
I-CARE (Europe)
France (Remote)
03.2026 - Current
- Comparative legal analysis on animals in disasters contexts in Africa and Europe. Supporting development of EU-facing policy and advocacy outputs.
Stewardship Committee
Legal Voices for the Future
01.2024 - Current
- Develop legal education and advocacy initiatives linking practitioners with climate and biodiversity policy.
- Co-ordinate stakeholder engagement across NGOs and academia.
Associate – Litigation
Macfarlanes LLP
London
03.2023 - Current
- Delivered legal and strategic analysis in complex cross-border disputes involving sustainability, energy transition and regulatory frameworks. Advised on ESG-related litigation risks, including climate governance, stranded assets and fiduciary obligations.
- Produced written submissions and analytical materials synthesising legal and policy considerations for international decision-makers and co-ordinated multi-jurisdictional stakeholders.
Trainee Solicitor
Macfarlanes LLP
London
03.2021 - 03.2023
- Seats in Tax, Corporate & M&A, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
Paralegal
Advocates for Animals
12.2020 - 03.2021
- Legal research on wildlife governance (CITES, MEAs, farmed animal welfare), informing and supporting advocacy strategies addressing key EU compliance gaps.
- Drafted advocacy correspondence supporting regulatory reform regarding wild animals and illegal trade of endangered species.
Communications Co-ordinator
Lawyers for Animal Protection Africa
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Monitored legislative developments and supported cross-border strategic advocacy campaigns.
Communications & campaign assistant volunteer
Save The Asian Elephants
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Supported advocacy initiatives to end the legal sale of exhibitions involving animal exploitation and lobbying the UK Parliament on the same.
Campaign Writer
Born Free Foundation
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Drafted advocacy materials contributing to campaigns leading to the removal of exploitative wildlife attractions and to lobbying for legislative reform.
Education
European Green Deal
Brussels School of Governance & GreenDeal Net
01.2026
Contemporary Issues in Animal Rights Law
International Centre For Animal Rights & Ethics
Remote12.2026
Continuing Professional Development - European Green Deal
Brussels School of Governance & GreenDeal Net
01.2026
Animal Law Jurisprudence
Harvard Online / Non-Human Rights Project
01.2020
LLM International Human Rights Law (Distinction) - undefined
Université Catholique de Louvain
Brussels01.2020
LLM & LPC (Distinction) - undefined
BPP Law School
01.2019
LLB Law (High 2:1) - undefined
University College London
01.2018
Skills
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Organized and efficient
- Detail-oriented
- Problem-solving
- Public speaking
- Public engagement initiatives
- Verbal and written communication
- Collaborative strategy building
Languages
English (native)
French (B2)
Spanish (A1)
Publications & Recognition
- Co-author on nature risk for forthcoming Routledge publication on sustainability risk.
- Climate & Biodiversity publications for Central London Lawyer Magazine.
- Ahead of the Herd blog (see here) - acknowledged as a top 100 wildlife blogger.
- 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List for England and Wales
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Advocacy & Policy Volunteer
Jane Goodall Institute Brussels
04.2026 - Current
Legal Researcher
I-CARE (Europe)
03.2026 - Current
Stewardship Committee
Legal Voices for the Future
01.2024 - Current
Associate – Litigation
Macfarlanes LLP
03.2023 - Current
Trainee Solicitor
Macfarlanes LLP
03.2021 - 03.2023
Paralegal
Advocates for Animals
12.2020 - 03.2021
Communications Co-ordinator
Lawyers for Animal Protection Africa
01.2020 - 01.2021
Communications & campaign assistant volunteer
Save The Asian Elephants
01.2019 - 01.2020
Campaign Writer
Born Free Foundation
01.2017 - 01.2018
Animal Law Jurisprudence
Harvard Online / Non-Human Rights Project
LLM International Human Rights Law (Distinction) - undefined
Université Catholique de Louvain
LLM & LPC (Distinction) - undefined
BPP Law School
LLB Law (High 2:1) - undefined
University College London
European Green Deal
Brussels School of Governance & GreenDeal Net
Contemporary Issues in Animal Rights Law
International Centre For Animal Rights & Ethics
Continuing Professional Development - European Green Deal
Brussels School of Governance & GreenDeal Net