The LLM in Animal Law is designed for students who want to focus their career on animal law and policy issues including advancing legal protections for companion animals, wildlife, farmed animals, and animals used for entertainment and experimentation. Courses explore ethics, conservation, the use of science to shape policy, effective communication, and much more. Animal law focused clinics and externships provide real-world experience in litigation, policy design, regulatory enforcement, and research and writing skills, training students to be effective animal advocates. Students learn about the intersection of animal law issues with climate change, labor exploitation, consumer protection, and other social justice issues.
Program Description
Our comprehensive curriculum, developed by faculty of VLGS's Animal Law and Policy Institute, includes residential and online courses, as well as the only farmed animal law clinic in the country. As a pioneer in the field of animal law, Vermont Law and Graduate School offers students a unique educational opportunity. Choosing from a wide range of animal law and policy courses, dozens of environmental law and policy courses, and more,
You’ll design an intensive, practical curriculum that matches your objectives whether you are a young attorney or an experienced advocate pursuing a new career path. Degree work includes completion of a thesis, research project, teaching practicum, or externship. You’ll participate in a graduate seminar that explores advanced research topics through discussions and lectures by leading attorneys and scholars.
Full-time LLM students typically complete the program in 12 months, but students have up to five years to obtain their degree. The program may be started residentially in either the summer or fall semester, or online in any of our six term start dates.
At a Glance
Program Center: Animal Law and Policy Institute
Location: Online, on campus, or a hybrid of both
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Careers
Vermont Law and Graduate School LLM graduates are the leaders, policymakers, and professionals our communities and our world most desperately need. Earning a LLM in Animal Law will prepare lawyers for careers advocating for animals in government, private practice, academia, non-profit organizations, and more.
Fellowships
In partnership with the Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy, Inc. and Brooks McCormick Jr. Trust for Animal Rights Law and Policy, the Animal Law and Policy Institute (ALPI) at Vermont Law and Graduate School is pleased to offer up to three premier Animal Law and Policy LLM Fellowships. Click here for details and availability.
