Meet Our Team
A passionate collective of legal experts, conservationists, and advocates dedicated to advancing animal protection across Africa.
Board Members
Amy P. Wilson
Board Member
Amy P. Wilson is the co-founder of Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa. She is currently working as the Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy Fellow at UCLA School of Law's Animal Law and Policy Program. Amy is the first South African attorney to graduate with a Master's degree in Animal Law. She has over ten years of legal experience and her research focuses on the intersection of the rights of animals, humans and the environment in law and policy. Amy is the co-founder and director of the first organization dedicated to animal law in her country - Animal Law Reform South Africa, and holds a number of leadership positions in non-profits throughout Africa.
Prof. F. D. P. Situma
Board Member
Prof. Francis D. P. Situma is a distinguished scholar and legal expert in Environmental Law, International Law, and Natural Resource Management. He holds a PhD from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, with extensive experience in academia, and has served as a senior Professor at the University of Nairobi. He has worked as a consultant for UNEP, UNDP, and other international organizations on environmental law and policy.
Yolanda Eisenstein
Board Member
Yolanda is a published author and the first president of the Animal Law Commission of the Union Internationale des Avocats, a Paris-based international legal association. She has practiced animal law for more than 10 years and developed the first animal law and wildlife law classes at SMU Dedman School of Law. She has served on the board of the Texas Human Legislation Network and lobbied for pro-animal legislation.
Alison Howell
Board Member
Alison Howell is a Board Member at Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa (LAPA), bringing extensive experience at the intersection of law, animal welfare, and justice. She is deeply committed to strengthening legal and policy frameworks that protect animals while promoting sustainable and humane coexistence between people, animals, and ecosystems. Alison’s work and advocacy are grounded in a strong belief in the power of the law as a tool for accountability, protection, and systemic change. Her expertise aligns closely with LAPA’s mission to advance animal protection through strategic legal advocacy, policy reform, research, and community engagement across Africa. As a member of the Board of Directors, Alison plays a key role in guiding organisational strategy, strengthening governance, and supporting the growth and impact of LAPA’s work regionally and internationally.
Cindy Nariasi
Board Member
Cindy Nariasi is an Advocate and experienced legal professional with a strong background in international law, government service, and public advocacy. She serves as State Counsel at the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice in Kenya, where she provides expert legal advice, represents the State in complex legal matters, and supports the implementation of national and international legal frameworks. Her legal expertise spans international law, intellectual property, public policy, and regulatory matters, and she has contributed to legal discourse through articles and professional engagement on emerging legal issues.
Core Members
Judy Muriithi
CEO
Judy Muriithi is a co-founder of Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa and the current CEO. She is a passionate environmental conservation attorney with expertise in wildlife forensics, data analysis, and risk assessment. Judy leads capacity-building initiatives to promote sound governance in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
Jim Karani
General Counsel
Jim is the co-founder of Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa and the current General Counsel. He has a decade of experience as an attorney in environmental, criminal, and animal law. He graduated with a Master in Law from Lewis and Clark Law School and is currently pursuing a PhD in Criminal Justice at John Jay College, New York.
Technical Advisors
Dr. Elynn Njeri
Animal Welfare Expert
Dr. Elynn Njeri is a veterinary medicine professional with a strong focus on animal health and welfare in Africa. Currently pursuing a master’s in Wildlife Health and Management, she is dedicated to wildlife conservation and addressing human-wildlife conflict.She has led habitat protection initiatives, community education programs on bush meat poaching, and coordinated animal health services, including clinical care and disease control. With expertise in wildlife rescue and sustainable development, Dr. Njeri is passionate about advancing animal welfare through advocacy, education, and advisory roles.
Edwin Kabui
Technology Advisor
Edwin Kabui is an experienced software engineer and technology advisor with a strong background in building reliable and secure digital systems. He currently serves as a Technical Advisor at Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa (LAPA), where he helps guide the organization in creating practical and effective technology solutions. With vast experience, Edwin focuses on making systems work efficiently behind the scenes while supporting teams in using technology to achieve their goals.
David Kitavi
Geospatial Systems Developer
David Kitavi is a skilled geospatial systems developer with expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis. He supports LAPA's conservation efforts by developing mapping tools and spatial analyses to inform decision-making and enhance wildlife protection strategies.
