Nirva Kapasi Patel, an attorney of Indian origin and a passionate advocate for animal rights, has been chosen as the new executive director of Harvard Law School’s Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law and Policy Program. Patel, who has served on Farm Sanctuary’s board of directors for the past five years, boasts a diverse background in law, science, communications, and animal policy. Notably, she has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at ending public funding for cruel and unnecessary animal experimentation.
In her new capacity, Patel expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am overjoyed to join a team that boldly challenges and improves legal and policy decisions in order to further protect the billions of animals who suffer every single day.”
Patel’s commitment to animal welfare extends beyond her role at Harvard. She has also held positions on the boards of various organizations, including the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, the Fur Free Coalition, the International Vegan Film Festival, and Farm Sanctuary. Raised in Ashland, Massachusetts, Patel spent nearly a decade in Mumbai, India, where she actively engaged in animal rights advocacy. Upon her return to the United States, she played a pivotal role in several successful animal rights movements.
In response to Patel’s appointment, it was remarked, “I firmly believe Nirva is exceptionally well-suited to collaborate with Professor Kristen Stilt in shaping the future of the Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law & Policy Program.” This change aligns with Chris Green, the outgoing executive director, assuming the position of executive director at the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Patel holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from The New England School of Law, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University. Additionally, she embraces the ahimsa philosophy, which has deep roots in her Jain American heritage, advocating for nonviolence towards all living creatures.
