LLM Admissions

LLM in Environmental Law

The LLM in Environmental Law degree program enrolls students on either a part-time or full-time program, beginning classes in the summer or fall semester. We evaluate each applicant by examining the whole person, and we admit students without consideration of their financial need.

VLS offers tuition scholarships to exceptional LLM candidates each year. In addition to a strong academic record, recipients will demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship and public service. There is no separate application process; all admitted candidates will be given full consideration. Scholarship recipients will be notified by April 1.

LLM in American Legal Studies

The LLM in American Legal Studies (ALS) degree program, a full-time program that begins only in the fall semester, is for International students. For complete program information, visit the ALS academic page.

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Academic Record

One of the most important LLM admissions criteria is the law school academic record. We consider the law school record from a number of perspectives: quality of the institution; performance compared to that of other students from the same school; and grade trend from first to third year. We also consider the quality of the undergraduate institution and the nature and rigor of the curriculum. Many of our applicants have completed graduate work. We look favorably upon this if the quality of work exceeds the minimum standards required for the graduate program.

Recommendations

We require two letters of recommendation. We seek thoughtful, substantive recommendations that speak specifically to and from personal knowledge of your academic potential and relevant personal qualities. We prefer at least one recommendation from a law school professor, although we understand that is not possible if you have been out of law school for some time. In that case, ask someone who knows your work in your profession or in your community to write on your behalf. We want to know about your intellectual ability, character, determination, professional and community achievements, your potential for contributions to the environmental legal community and community-at-large, and how you compare to other students the writer has known. We prefer to receive recommendations electronically, either via LSAC or emailed directly to the Office of Admissions.

Work Experience, Community Service and Extracurricular Activities

Most of our applicants have had work experience, be it in permanent positions or in part-time work in college and law school. We look upon your employment history as indicative of your ambition and persistence.

We hope to enroll students who will use their education and skills to administer and improve environmental policy. Thus we look favorably on applicants who demonstrate, through participation in civic, charitable, volunteer, and other activities, a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

We recommend that applicants give us a brief description of their extracurricular activities to round out their application. These activities provide some insight for the Admissions Committee which might be helpful in the decision-making process.

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