Skip to main content

LLM Programs

Layout Builder

Vermont Law and Graduate School offers LLM in Animal Law, LLM in Environmental Law, LLM in Energy Law, LLM in Food and Agricultural Law, and LLM in American Legal Studies degrees. Applications to Vermont Law and Graduate School's​ LLM programs are open to any person who has completed a Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited institution or the international first law degree equivalent.​

Opportunities and Options

If you have any questions about the following, please contact the Admissions team via the information at the bottom of this page.

Online/Distance Learning Opportunities

Several of our LLM degree programs can be completed in whole or in part online. Application requirements are identical for online applicants. For more information, see Online Degrees.

Duration And Start options

Full-time LLM students typically complete these 30-credit program in 12 months or online in 18 months. Students can take courses on a part-time basis and have up to five years to obtain their degree. The residential program can be started in either the Summer or Fall semesters. The online program can be started in any of our six terms.

Joint DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in pursuing a joint degree, see How to Apply to Joint Degree Programs for more information. Please note that admission to a LLM program does not ensure admission to a joint degree program.

DUAL DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in pursuing a dual degree, please refer to the program descriptions and application information specific to each of the dual degree programs. Please note that admission to an LLM program does not ensure admission to a dual degree program.

Transfer Credits

A student enrolled in the LLM program may be granted credit for courses satisfactorily completed in an LLM program at an ABA-approved law school or at the graduate level of a comparable international academic institution. A student may transfer a maximum of 6 such credits to the LLM program with the approval of the Director or the Director's designee.

Application Evaluation Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors that will be considered in the application review are:

  • GPA from undergraduate, graduate, and law schools
  • Successful work history
  • Essays as described below
  • Letters of recommendation from professors or professional or volunteer experience supervisors.

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools attended. Please see the application for detailed instructions and information regarding application requirements, application deadlines, and letters of recommendation.

Application Requirements

Check-List of Materials

  • Completed application form
  • $60.00 (USD) application fee
  • Professional resume or curriculum vitae
  • Essays as described below
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • OPTIONAL OR UPON REQUEST: Official LSAT Score
  • All applicants whose native language is not English and have not lived or studied in an English-speaking country for at least two years must submit TOEFL, PTE or IELTS scores

Completed Application Form

Applicants to the VLGS LLM program from the United States have two options to submit an application.

International applicants to the VLGS LLM program must apply through the Law School Admission Counsel (LSAC). In addition, international applicants must follow the special "International Applicants" section provided below.

Please speak with an Admissions Counselor if you require assistance in choosing which method is best for your situation.

Application Fee

Vermont Law and Graduate School has an application fee of $60.00(USD).

Required Essays (2)

  • Goals Essay (500 word limit) - In essay format, describe the goals that are motivating you to pursue a graduate program. How do you think the skills and experience you will gain at Vermont Law and Graduate School will help you achieve these goals?
  • Diversity Statement (300 word limit) In what ways would you contribute to and/or support Vermont Law and Graduate School's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

Optional Essays

  • Give a realistic appraisal of your academic work since graduation from high school. Please note any inconsistencies in your record and the reasons for them.
  • How have you tried to effect change in relation to an issue of personal, local, or national significance?

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

  • It is preferred that one letter of recommendation be academic in nature. If an applicant has been out of school for a number of years, two professional letters will be accepted.
  • Applicants applying via LSAC should follow LSAC instructions for submitting letters of recommendations.
  • Applicants applying via the VLGS web application should advise recommenders to email their recommendations to admiss@vermontlaw.edu or send directly to the admissions office. Letters received directly from applicants will not be accepted.

International Applicants

If you are currently enrolled at an institution which has an established International Dual Degree partnership with VLS, please work through your home-institution's processes in order to apply for an opportunity to learn at VLGS. For individuals outside of the United States who are not currently enrolled at another institution, or who are enrolled at an institution that VLGS does not have a formal partnership with, please note the following additional application requirements:

INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIAL EVALUATION REQUIREMENT

  • All international transcripts must be evaluated by an official evaluation agency. Recommended evaluation agencies include Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE.org) and World Education Services (WES.org).

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

  • TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score is required of all students for whom English is not the primary language spoken. Applicants who have studied in the U.S. or at an English-speaking institution for more than two years may be waived from this requirement.
    • TOEFL minimum score: 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, 100 Internet-based
    • IELTS minimum score: 6.5
    • PTE minimum score: 68

APPLICANT NOTIFICATION

Vermont Law and Graduate School reviews applications on a rolling basis. The Admission Committee reviews all complete applications and applicants are notified promptly of the admission decision. Vermont Law and Graduate School does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.

Acceptance of offer for admissions

An applicant offered admission must make a total non-refundable tuition deposit of $750 by the deposit deadlines indicated in the offer of admission in order to secure a place in the incoming class. The deposit will be applied in full toward the student's tuition upon enrollment.


Contact Us

Please contact the Admissions Office if you have questions about admissions or programs.

Toll free: 888-277-5985
Phone: 802-831-1239
Email: admiss@vermontlaw.edu

Please submit all physical application materials to:

Vermont Law and Graduate School Office of Admissions
164 Chelsea Street, PO Box 96
South Royalton, VT 05068