The Online Hybrid JD program may be completed in as little as three years and one semester (a total of 10 semesters). The classes will primarily be in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Synchronous classes will be held virtually in the evenings Monday through Thursday 6:30-9PM eastern. The asynchronous classes enable students enable students to interact with classmates and faculty through discussion, projects, and feedback with no set meeting times. There will be only three short in-person (Thursday through Sunday) residencies held at the school's downtown Burlington, Vt., campus, during the first, sixth and final semester. At the end of the program, students will be prepared to take the bar* and practice law.
Who is the Online Hybrid JD for?The Online Hybrid JD program was created for working professionals and people who have other obligations in their lives that may prevent them from doing a full-time residential program. The program’s hybrid (online and in-person), part-time nature allows you to manage your profession, life, and families, all while building a strong connection with fellow students and faculty. And by being able to maintain your career while earning your JD, you'll be able to enter the field of law while minimizing long-term student debt.
What are the application requirements?Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to matriculating, and the LSAT is required for admission. LSAT and GPA percentages for our last incoming JD class can be found here. Students applying to any JD program are required to submit all application materials via LSAC.org. The full application checklist can be found by clicking the APPLY NOW button above.
Why Vermont Law School?Consistently ranked among the nation's best environmental law schools by U.S. News & World Report, Vermont Law School is home to the most comprehensive environmental law program in the country and groundbreaking restorative justice, energy, and food and agricultural law programs. From its founding, Vermont Law School has consistently attracted students and faculty with a passion for service, a concern for justice, and an interest in pursuing legal education as a means to make a difference in the world.
*This program does not qualify students to take the New York bar exam.
Online Hybrid JD Curriculum
Fall
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Legislation and Regulation | 3 | (S) |
| Civil Procedure | 3 | (S) |
| Legal Research and Writing | 2 | (BR) |
| Essay Writing for Exams | 1 | (BA) |
| Subtotal 9 credits | ||
Spring
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Writing II | 3 | (S) |
| Civil Procedure II | 2 | (S) |
| Contracts | 4 | (S) |
| Subtotal 9 credits | ||
Summer
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Environment/Energy/Food/RJ Elective | 3 | (S) |
| Torts 4 | 4 | (S) |
| Subtotal 7 credits | ||
Key:
(S): Synchronous
(A): Asynchronous
(BA): Blended delivery. Generally asynchronous, with a synchronous component.
(BS): Blended delivery. Generally synchronous, with an asynchronous component.
(BR): Blended delivery. Blended delivery begins with a residency component and transitions to an asynchronous component.
Fall
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Environ/Energy/Food/RJ Elective | 2 | (A) |
| Constitutional Law | 4 | (S) |
| Professional Responsibility | 3 | (A) |
| Subtotal 9 credits | ||
Spring
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Environ/Energy/Food/RJ Elective | 3 | (A) |
| Property | 4 | (S) |
| MPRE Preparation | 1 | (BA) |
| Subtotal 8 credits | ||
Summer
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Law | 3 | (A) |
| First Amendment Law | 4 | (A) |
| Environ/Energy/Food/RJ Elective | 3 | (BR) |
| Subtotal 10 credits | ||
Key:
(S): Synchronous
(A): Asynchronous
(BA): Blended delivery. Generally asynchronous, with a synchronous component.
(BS): Blended delivery. Generally synchronous, with an asynchronous component.
(BR): Blended delivery. Blended delivery begins with a residency component and transitions to an asynchronous component.
Fall
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Law | 3 | (A) |
| Environ/Energy/Food/RJ Elective (AWR) | 3 | (A) |
| Environ/Energy/Food/RJ Elective | 3 | (A) |
| Experiential (Simulation) BLOCK I | 1 | (BS) |
| Subtotal 10 credits | ||
Spring
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence | 4 | (A) |
| Constitutional Criminal Procedure | 3 | (A) |
| Experiential (Simulation) BLOCK II | 2 | (BS) |
| Subtotal 9 credits | ||
Summer
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Environ/Energy/Food/RJ Elective | 3 | (A) |
| Experiential (Simulation) BLOCK III | 3 | (BS) |
| Communication, Advocacy, and Leadership | 3 | (A) |
| Subtotal 9 credits | ||
Key:
(S): Synchronous
(A): Asynchronous
(BA): Blended delivery. Generally asynchronous, with a synchronous component.
(BS): Blended delivery. Generally synchronous, with an asynchronous component.
(BR): Blended delivery. Blended delivery begins with a residency component and transitions to an asynchronous component.
Fall
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Exam Skills and Tactics (BEST) | 3 | (A) |
| Appellate Advocacy | 3 | (BR) |
| Environ/Energy/Food/RJ Elective | 2 | (A) |
| Subtotal 8 credits | ||
Post Graduation December Through February Bar Exam
| Class | Credits | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| February Bar Prep – Dec. to Feb. | (BS) | |
Key:
(S): Synchronous
(A): Asynchronous
(BA): Blended delivery. Generally asynchronous, with a synchronous component.
(BS): Blended delivery. Generally synchronous, with an asynchronous component.
(BR): Blended delivery. Blended delivery begins with a residency component and transitions to an asynchronous component.