Meet the Team
Jeremy McKay
Jeremy is a co-founder of and staff attorney at Environmental and Animal Defense. Since 2017, Jeremy has practiced in both federal and state courts on a wide variety of legal issues for clients that include animals, homeless, indigent, middle-class, and other nonprofit organizations. In addition, he represents Environmental and Animal Defense and its members in an organizational capacity to ensure state and federal government accountability, responsiveness, and transparency. Jeremy writes and speaks on animal law issues with a focus on expanding the practice to make it more inclusive and equitable. He was awarded the Top 40 Young Lawyers Award by the American Bar Association in 2019. He holds an LL.M. (Masters in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy), a Juris Doctor, and a Certificate in International Studies from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California San Diego with a major in Literature and Writing. Jeremy is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where he teaches Animal Rights Jurisprudence in Practice and the Animal Law Practicum. Jeremy contributed to the book What Can Animal Law Learn From Environmental Law? 2d. Ed. with his co-authored chapter, “Animal Socioequality: Lessons From the Impact of Environmental Justice on Environmental Law.” Jeremy has been published in the Colorado Lawyer for his article, “Colorado Breed-Specific Legislation and Criminal Defense“. Jeremy is licensed to practice in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals; the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals; the United States District Court for the District of Columbia; the United States District Court for the District of Colorado; and the state of Colorado.
Jeremy loves exploring the most remote areas of wilderness but also loves a good snuggle at the end of the day from his fluffy Malamute companion. While back in society he enjoys solving complex puzzles and playing games with friends.
Alexa McKay
Alexa is co-founder of and staff attorney at Environmental and Animal Defense. Since 2017, she has practiced in both federal and state courts to provide quality, affordable legal representation to Colorado citizens while also pursuing environmental and animal protection claims at the federal level. She holds an LL.M. (Masters in Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy) from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and graduated with her Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law with a Certificate in Environmental and Energy Law. She received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University with a major in Linguistics and a minor in Environmental Policy and Culture. Alexa is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law where she teaches Environmental Appellate Advocacy, Animal Rights Jurisprudence in Practice, and the Animal Law Practicum. She has presented at the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference at the University of Oregon on the topic of Expanding the Practice of Animal Law to incorporate increased access to justice and support systemic change within the field of animal law. Alexa contributed to the book What Can Animal Law Learn From Environmental Law? 2d. Ed. with her co-authored chapter, “Animal Socioequality: Lessons From the Impact of Environmental Justice on Environmental Law.” Alexa is licensed to practice in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals; the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals; the United States District Court for the District of Columbia; the United States District Court for the District of Colorado; and the state of Colorado.
Alexa is a lifetime animal lover, practices a plant-based lifestyle, and is the dog mom to a puppy mill rescue dog named Meeko. When not defending the Earth and its inhabitants, Alexa enjoys curling up with a good book or cozy game, preferably in the serenity of nature.
Sheba
Sheba is an old age rescue with a traumatic past that causes her to have severe separation anxiety. That is why she is the perfect Office Manager and never misses a day. She knows the value of gentle encouragement, and so she focuses on employee wellness. She demonstrates the value of the occasional break through relaxing belly-up poses on the floor and gives the occasional “Woooooo” of approval for a job well done.
Meeko
Meeko is the Assistant to the Office Manager. He was rescued from a puppy mill and brought to Colorado, where he offers his support to the eaDefense team. When he is not performing security checks, encouraging everyone to get their steps in, and requesting snack breaks, he likes to go out and spread joy to other animals and to people.