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Juris Doctor

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE JD PROGRAM

Earning a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School indicates dedication and commitment, not just to the legal profession, but to making an impact through the law.

While preparing for general practice in all 50 states, you’ll develop the knowledge and acquire the skills needed for leadership in environmental law, criminal law, dispute resolution, energy law, international and comparative law, land use, or water resources law.

The core curriculum focuses on legal doctrine and analysis, emphasizes the broader social context of the law, and provides education in the skills and values required for effective law practice. In the first year, you’ll build a foundation for legal study through exposure to basic subjects, the techniques of legal analysis, fundamental legal skills, and perspectives on the origins, function, and development of the legal system. During your second and third years, you’ll use Vermont Law School’s extensive course catalog to focus on the issue areas in which you’d like to work and lead.

To accommodate the financial realities of many students, Vermont Law School offers accelerated two-year, extended four-year, and reduced-​residency enrollment options for the JD program.

Traditional Three-Year JD Program at Vermont Law School, students working in a clinic
Traditional Three-Year JD
Students in this program complete their studies over the course of three academic years, attending classes in the fall and spring semesters. 
AJD students pose on a stone wall on the front lawn at VLS
Accelerated Two-Year JD
Vermont Law School's Accelerated Juris Doctor program will save you a year's tuition and living expenses. And you'll enter (or re-enter) the work force a year sooner.
Woman with laptop studying for her online hybrid JD
Online Hybrid JD
The Online Hybrid JD makes it easier for working professionals to earn their law degree.
Extended Four-Year JD Program at Vermont Law School, Students sitting in front of library
Extended Four-Year JD
The extended four-year enrollment option for the JD program affords applicants with family, work, or life circumstances the opportunity to take fewer credits per semester and graduate in four academic years.
Reduced Residency Juris Doctor, Vermont Law School
Reduced Residency Juris Doctor
​​​​​​​​The Reduced-Residency Juris Doctor (RRJD) program at Vermont Law School offers students a more flexible way to earn a JD.
students on the VLS campus, fall
Joint Degrees
The joint degree program opens up additional employment options by equipping students with a deeper understanding of environmental law and credentials demonstrating a strong commitment to the field.
Students standing outside in the forest wearing rain jackets and looking through binoculars.
Specializations
Show prospective employers that you have mastered a specific subject matter area in environmental law.
Specializations, Vermont Law School
Specializations
Whether your passion is sustainable food and agriculture, the environment, sports law, or traditional legal practice, you will graduate from Vermont Law with the specialized skills and knowledge that you'll need to succeed.

JD DEGREE AT VERMONT LAW SCHOOL

JD Degree Requirements »

Learn more about JD degree details including required courses, number of credits, and options.

How to Apply »

Application instructions for how to apply to the VLS JD program.

JD Learning Outcomes »

Learn more about the JD learning outcomes of the VLS JD program.

Vermont Law School JD Alumni

Kendra aims to ease students' acclamation to law school. She addresses issues that first- and second-generation law students face.

Kendra Brown JD'12

Scott orchestrated a sophisticated strategy, to pressure the Energy Department to pull the plug on a nuclear reactor.

Scott Cullen JD'97

"To me, big things start in little bitty towns. South Royalton is my Selma, Alabama." Learn more about Alex Manning, an alumni from Vermont Law.

Alex Manning JD'06