LLM in American Legal Studies
The LLM in American Legal Studies degree is designed for students with a law degree from outside the United States. Enhance your career options and prepare for global practice through the solid foundation you will gain in U.S. law and legal systems in our LLM program. Vermont Law and Graduate School is the leading school in the U.S. for environmental law and is nationally renowned in criminal law and clinical education. Our distinguished faculty have litigated major cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, testified as experts before Congress, and served in top leadership positions in U.S. and international organizations.
The LLM in American Legal Studies curriculum is designed to help candidates achieve bar passage and meets all the curricular requirements to sit for the bar in New York and Washington, D.C. The program focuses on essential skills, knowledge, and perspectives to help you succeed. We offer exceptional support to our LLM in American Legal Studies students:
- Training in case briefing, legal writing, exam preparation, bar exam workshops and resume-writing, with one-on-one assistance
- A Specialist in Legal Writing to help with English grammar, punctuation, and tone
- A friendly and supportive community of faculty, staff and students who care about your success
Curriculum
The LLM in American Legal Studies is a one-year program of two semesters in residence beginning in the fall, with a minimum of 28 credits and a maximum of 33 credits. View our degree requirements here.
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| Contracts | Criminal Law |
| Constitutional Law | Property Law |
| Civil Procedure I | Civil Procedure II |
| Torts | An elective from all JD courses* |
| Legal Writing | Course in Legal Profession: Required for those wishing to take the New York bar exam. |
| Legal Research |
*with prior approval of the Director of International and Comparative Law Programs
Faculty
Our faculty are dedicated teachers and motivated scholars whose publications have established them as recognized and respected experts in an impressive range of U.S. and international law fields. Many of our faculty have lived overseas and they interact regularly with colleagues abroad.
Every member of the Vermont Law and Graduate School faculty takes an active interest in the education and professional development of our students. As mentors they can provide direction, connections, and inspiration when graduates move forward into their careers.
Eligibility
To be eligible for admission to this degree program, applicants must have a first law degree from a university outside the United States and demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following tests:
| Minimum TOEFL required: 600 paper-based; 250 computer-based; or 100 Internet-based | Minimum IELTS required: 6.5 Minimum PTE required: 68 |
This testing requirement is waived if the applicant’s native language is English or if the applicant has a university degree from an institution whose courses are taught in English in a country whose language is English.
Review of applications is conducted on a rolling basis. The priority application deadline is April 15. This will allow sufficient time for the visa application process to be completed. Late applications will be accepted until June 1 on a space available basis. Please inquire with an admissions counselor for more information about the application process.
Visas and Housing
Several months before the fall semester, admitted students are sent information on housing options near the law school, as well as the information needed regarding the visa application process.