The General Practice Program at Vermont Law School allows second- and third-year JD students to learn by solving problems—just as practicing lawyers do on a daily basis. Meshing substantive law with professional training, the hands-on program is designed to help enterprising students achieve their ambitions, whether working for themselves or in the public, nonprofit, or private sectors.

Using problems and simulations as tools of teaching, the program encourages creativity, collaboration and self-reliance while providing a safe and effective setting for participants to experiment with legal solutions. Through small classes taught by real-world practitioners, students learn the skills needed to frame and address problems from different perspectives, design and implement a wide range of strategies, and evaluate the impact of their advocacy.

Students who participate in the program gain the skills and knowledge to enhance their value to potential employers. A certificate is awarded at graduation to students who successfully complete the requirements, in addition to the JD.

In 2007, the American Bar Association awarded the forerunner to the Experiential Advocacy Program, the General Practice Program at Vermont Law School, with the prestigious E. Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award, in recognition of projects that contribute to the understanding of professionalism among lawyers.

*Pictured above, students participate in an Improv for Lawyers class at Northern Stage in White River Jct, VT.