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Post-JD students find unparalleled opportunities for intensive study in Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Master of Laws (LLM) programs.

As one of the top ranked environmental law schools in the country, VLGS offers more environmental and energy law courses than any other U.S. law school and is nationally renowned in environmental law and policy and clinical and experiential learning. Graduates further define and advance their careers through the practice of law, research, teaching, or public policy.

LLM in Animal Law

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.

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.

LLM in Energy Law

The LLM in Energy Law prepares you to specialize in law and policy relating to energy use, production, and transmission.

You’ll build an intensive, practical curriculum that matches your objectives. Taught and guided by faculty affiliated with the law school's highly respected Institute for Energy and the Environment, you’ll engage in real energy law and policy work and meet and learn from energy experts who collaborate on institute projects. You’ll also complete independent research, writing, or an externship and participate in a seminar focused on advanced topics.

Full-time LLM students typically complete the program in 12 months but students have up to five years to obtain their degree. The program can be started in either the summer or fall semester, or online in any one of our six term start dates.

An LLM in Energy Law can also be obtained through the online degree program.

LLM in Environmental Law

The LLM in Environmental Law is designed for Juris Doctor graduates who want to focus their career on environmental law and issues including climate change, land use, natural resources, water resources, or environmental tax policy.

Students pursue a general education in environmental law or concentrate in a particular area. You’ll design an intensive, practical curriculum that matches your objectives. Degree work includes completion of a thesis, research project, teaching practicum, or externship. You’ll participate in a graduate seminar which explores advanced research topics through discussions and lectures by environmental law 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 can be started in either the summer or fall semester, or online in any one of our six term start dates.

An LLM in Environmental Law can also be obtained through the online degree program.

LLM in American Legal Studies

Designed for students who have earned a law degree outside the United States, the LLM in American Legal Studies prepares students for bar passage and career advancement.

The LLM in American Legal Studies curriculum builds a solid foundation in U.S. law and legal systems and focuses on skills, knowledge, and perspectives essential for success in national and global practice. You’ll receive exceptional support—often one-on-one assistance—in case briefing, legal writing, exam preparation, and resume writing. A Specialist in Legal Writing can help you with English grammar, punctuation, and tone.

Vermont Law School’s renowned faculty—who are experienced in litigating major cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, testifying before Congress, and leading organizations around the world—are part of a friendly and supportive community that is committed to student success.

The LLM in American Legal Studies curriculum meets all requirements to sit for the bar in New York and Washington, D.C. 

LLM IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL LAW

The LLM in Food and Agricultural Law prepares you to specialize in law and policy relating to sustainable food and agriculture systems. Taught and guided by faculty affiliated with the law school's Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, you will build an individual academic plan that matches your objectives. Full-time LLM students typically complete the program in 12 months but students have up to five years to obtain their degree. The program can be started in either the summer or fall semester, or online in any one of our six term start dates.