June 2024

Dear AVMLA Members,

Get ready for an enriching experience that brings together veterinarians, attorneys, and stakeholders passionate about animal law.

The 2024 AVMLA Annual Conference, held in conjunction with the AVMA Convention in Austin, Texas, promises an exciting lineup of sessions and speakers. Here’s a glimpse of what attendees can expect:

Sessions:

• Importance and Pitfalls of the VCPR: Explore the critical aspects of the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).

• Microchips: Dive into discussions about microchipping practices and their impact.

• Animal Abuse: Learn about recognizing and addressing animal abuse cases.

• HISA (Health Information Sharing and Analysis): Stay informed about this essential topic.

• Forensic Experts: Gain insights from experts in the field of veterinary forensics.

Speakers: The conference brings together top professionals in the veterinary legal and medical domain, ensuring valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Don’t miss this opportunity! 🐾 Let’s make a difference together. See you in Austin! 

Debra Hamilton, JD

AVMLA President 2023-2024

Debra Hamilton, JD

June's Membership Meeting, Tuesday, June 25, 8pm, ET. Guest Speaker:

Topic:

Facilitator: Debra Hamilton, JD, AVMLA President

Register here.

Meet the Speakers

Robyn Katz, J.D.

• Robyn Katz is an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University School of Law. She specializes in Animal Law, Criminal Law, and Municipal Law.
• She currently serves as City Attorney and City Prosecutor for several Central Texas cities, as well as the General Counsel for two Economic Development Corporations in Texas.
• Prior to her career in Municipal Law, she served as an Assistant District Attorney focusing on family violence and animal cruelty cases.
• Katz has published articles related to animal law and testified as an expert during several Legislative Sessions regarding animal law and penalties for animal cruelty.

Donna Kline, J.D.

• Donna Kline is an attorney with extensive experience in various areas of law, including personal injury, family law, and bankruptcy.
• She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School and has been practicing law since 1979.
• Kline is licensed in Florida and has been an active member of the legal community.

Kenyon Conklin, V.M.D.

• Dr. Kenyon Conklin is a licensed veterinarian with over 20 years of experience in private practice, corporate, military, and research sectors.
• She specializes in toxicology, neurotoxicology, and neurodegeneration.
• Dr. Conklin has practiced in various clinical settings, including small animal general medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine.
• She also served as a United States Army Veterinary Corps Officer, where she cared for working dogs and conducted research in toxicology.
• She specializes in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine.
• Dr. Conklin provides expert witness investigations related to veterinary standards of care, animal bites, injuries to humans, animal abuse, neglect, and other disputes involving animals.
• Her background includes working with working dogs, horses, and addressing safety issues in veterinary hospital operations.
• Dr. Conklin’s expertise contributes to resolving litigation cases effectively.

Madeline Brezin, J.D.

• Madeline Brezin is an attorney with expertise in state advocacy.
• She has been actively involved in legal matters related to veterinary medicine and animal welfare.
• Brezin’s work focuses on advocating for the universal right to health care for all children.

Vanessa Fitzanakis, Ph.D.

• Dr. Vanessa Fitzanakis is a nationally recognized scientist with expertise in toxicology, pharmacology, neuroscience, and environmental toxicology.
• Her specialized knowledge lies in neurotoxicology and neurodegeneration.
• Dr. Fitzanakis has spent over 15 years studying the adverse effects of chemical, biological, and physical agents on living organisms.

Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, J.D.

• Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton is the principal at Hamilton Law and Mediation, PLLC, the first solo mediation practice in the US dedicated to helping people resolve conflicts involving animals. Debra’s work focuses on ensuring that both parties are heard, respected, and understood, ultimately aiming for peaceful resolutions that benefit the animals involved.
• She specializes in alternative dispute resolution, particularly in cases related to pet ownership, animal conflicts, and veterinary malpractice.
• Her expertise extends to areas such as divorce-related pet custody agreements, neighbor disputes over barking dogs, and confrontations between clients and veterinarians.

Dr. Linda Ellis, M.D.

• Dr. Linda Ellis is a pediatric pathology specialist with over 28 years of experience in the medical field.
• She graduated from the University of Missouri / Columbia Campus in 1995.
• Dr. Ellis’s expertise lies in pediatric pathology, where she contributes to diagnosing and understanding diseases in children.
• Her work involves analyzing tissue samples, identifying abnormalities, and providing valuable insights for patient care.

Dr. McGee Leonard, D.V.M., DACVECC

• Dr. McGee Leonard is a board-certified specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine.
• With a decade of professional experience, she applies her expertise to investigations involving animal bites, abuse, neglect, veterinary malpractice, and the prescription of opioids.
• Dr. Leonard has worked in high-volume, fast-paced emergency and critical care settings, gaining exposure to trauma cases and chronic illnesses.
• Her background also includes serving as a United States Army Veterinary Corps Officer, where she cared for working dogs and conducted research in toxicology.
• Dr. Leonard’s commitment to animal welfare and her extensive knowledge contribute to resolving complex disputes.

Dr. Lance Roasa, DVM, MS, JD

• Dr. Lance Roasa is a 2008 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he was the first student to undertake a 4th-year business track, focusing on veterinary business and industry during his clinical training.
• In 2016, he completed a law degree from the University of Nebraska, specializing in small business law, taxation, and veterinary medicine.
• Dr. Roasa is the founder and principal of Roasa Law Group, P.C., dedicated to serving veterinarians in practice transactions, employment contracts, and legal counsel for startup businesses.

Dr. Jodi Lovejoy, DVM

• Dr. Jodi Lovejoy is a veterinarian with over 28 years of experience working exclusively in small animal medicine.
• She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993.
• Dr. Lovejoy has been actively involved in investigations related to animal blood banks and animal welfare.

Dr. Michael Murphy, DVM, JD, PhD, DABVT, DABT

• Dr. Michael Murphy is a distinguished veterinarian with a unique combination of degrees: DVM, JD (law), and PhD (toxicology).
• He graduated from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in 1981.
• Dr. Murphy is a diplomate of both the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology and the American Board of Toxicology.
• His expertise spans toxicology, veterinary medicine, and legal matters related to animal health and public health.
• Dr. Murphy has served as a Veterinary Medical Officer in the Division of Surveillance at the FDA, focusing on safety and effectiveness evaluations of veterinary medical products.