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Admissions

Vermont Law School consistently attracts intellectually curious and motivated students who bring diverse perspectives, interests, and talents to the school. Candidates with degrees in fields ranging from civil engineering to philosophy, earned from institutions as varied as Yale and Warren Wilson College, find at VLS a distinctive community that encourages their passions and aspirations. Shaped by their VLS experience, graduates regularly become law clerks and litigators, policy makers and legislators, defenders of the environment, advocates for social justice—and leaders in their fields.

VLS students quickly recognize one another’s shared desire to make a substantial impact and, as a result, build personal and professional relationships that are both supportive and durable. VLS graduates tend to remain connected to one another, to faculty members, and to others in the school community. We strongly encourage prospective students to visit campus and meet faculty, administrators, and current students face to face and determine if VLS is a strong fit. If a campus visit is not feasible, interested candidates are invited to schedule a phone interview to talk with an admissions counselor at any point in the consideration or application process. Take this opportunity not only to learn about VLS but also about the intricacies of the law school search and application process.

 

Online Access to Application Status

When the admissions office receives your application for the JD, LLM, or MELP program, you will be sent an email with a log-in and password. Click on this link to log in, personalize your password, and track the status of your application.

Check Your Application Status Online >

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PDF LogoDownload the 2010–2011 viewbook.

PDF LogoDownload the 2009-2010 catalog.

JD Admissions

All JD students at VLS are enrolled in a full-time day study program that begins with the fall semester. We evaluate each applicant by examining the whole person, and we admit students without consideration of their financial need.

MELP Admissions

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Our Master of Environmental Law and Policy applicants demonstrate strong academics and excellent written skills. Program options include a year of full-time study, a summers-only format, or five years of part-time study. Financial aid is available in a variety of forms.

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LLM Admissions

We accept 15-17 LLM applicants each year, all of whom must have a JD degree or comparable credentials from a non-U.S. law school. Our programs include a Master of Laws in Environmental Law and a Master of Laws in American Legal Studies.

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Why VLS

Academically challenging, acclaimed for its programs, focused on students, and known for its commitment to the environment, VLS is dedicated to educating agents of positive change.

Transfer, Visiting and Exchange Admissions

We welcome students from all over the globe and from institutions throughout the nation and beyond.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Currently, over 90 percent of VLS students receive some sort of financial assistance, be it loans, grants, or fellowships.

Visit VLS

We encourage all applicants to visit our South Royalton campus and experience first-hand the energy of our academic community, the diversity of our VLS family, the permeating spirit of good will and public service, and the great beauty of our natural surroundings.

Academic Calendar

Check here for important dates for the VLS academic year.