LLM Admissions

Our Master of Law (LLM) programs are specially designed for lawyers who are ready to further define their careers. VLS currently offers three LLM degrees:

LLM in Energy Law

The LLM in Energy Law degree program enrolls students commencing in the fall semester only. This program is only offered in residence at Vermont Law School and can be completed as a full-time (12 months) or part-time student.

LLM in Environmental Law

The LLM in Environmental Law degree program enrolls students on either a part-time or full-time (12 months) basis, offered in residence at Vermont Law School or through online Distance Learning (approximately 18 months). The residential program offers enrollment commencing in the summer or fall semesters and the Distance Learning program has a spring, summer and fall start.

LLM in American Legal Studies

The LLM in American Legal Studies degree program is specifically designed for students who hold a law degree from an institution outside of the United States and wish to gain a solid foundation in U.S. law and U.S. legal method. The program is a full-time two semester program that enrolled students may begin in the fall term only. Our American Legal Studies LLM students take all courses together with the JD students, so they have immersion in the U.S. law school experience. The curriculum is designed to help candidates achieve bar passage and meets all the curriculum requirements to take the bar exam in New York and Washington, D.C. Details regarding this LLM program and the application form are available here.

English as a Foreign Language, International Credentials, and International Students

English as a Foreign Language: If English is not your primary language, you must submit official test results of English as a foreign language (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) scores with your application (TOEFL School Code: 3946). The minimum scores are: TOEFL - 600 paper based, 250 computer based, 100 internet based; IELTS - 6.5; and PTE - 68. International students who received a bachelor's degree from an accredited United States institution are exempted from this requirement. Candidates that have lived and worked in an English speaking country for more than two years should contact the Office of Admissions for potential waiver of this requirement.

International Credentials: Applications with international credentials must obtain and submit an official transcript evaluation through an evaluation agency such as World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (www.ece.org). In addition to the agency evaluation, all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be submitted. Students applying for the JD or LLM may use the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) foreign credential evaluation services (www.lsac.org).

International Students: International students must submit a completed application by the general consideration deadline. This will allow sufficient time to obtain the additional documentation required to study in the United States. In addition, once accepted, international students must submit the International Student Information form, a copy of their passport, and financial documentation showing sufficient funding for at least one year of study and living expenses. This documentation must be submitted at least two months prior to the start of the semester in order to allow sufficient time for the school to issue an I-20 for the student to obtain an F-1 visa, if needed. An I-20 visa will not be issued without this documentation.

VLS offers tuition scholarships to exceptional LLM candidates each year. There is no separate application process; all admitted candidates will be given full consideration.

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Online Program Admissions
(Master of Environmental Law and Policy, LLM in Environmental Law)

Admission Requirements

Application to Vermont Law School's three LLM programs is open to any person who has completed a Juris Doctor (JD) or the international first law degree equivalent and who meets other entrance requirements. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors that are considered in admission are: GPA from undergraduate, graduate, and law schools, successful work history, the required admission essays, legal writing sample, and letters of recommendation from academic professors or professional or volunteer experience supervisors. Students must submit official transcripts from all schools attended.

Please see the application for detailed instructions and information regarding application requirements, application deadlines, and letters of recommendation. Vermont Law School has an application fee of $60.00(USD).

Applicant Notification

Vermont Law School reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once review begins, complete applications will be considered by the Admission Committee and applicants will be notified regarding the admission decision. Vermont Law School does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.

If a student is offered admission, in order to secure a place in the incoming class, a total non-refundable tuition deposit of $500 will be required by the deposit deadlines indicated in the offer of admission. The non-refundable deposit will be applied in full toward the student's tuition upon enrollment.

Admissions Questions

Please contact the Admissions Office if you have questions about admissions or programs.
Toll free: 888-277-5985
Phone: 802-831-1239
E-mail: admiss@vermontlaw.edu