Vermont Law School

Vermont Law School is a private law school that offers Juris Doctor and Master of Laws degrees and a Doctor of Juridical Science. The school's faculty includes several nationally and internationally known scholars, including Robert A. Gorman, William H. Rehnquist, and Cass R. Sunstein. The school has been ranked as one of the top law schools in the United States by several publications, including U.S. News & World Report and The New York Times. Vermont Law School offers many unique programs, such as its Environmental Law Center and International & Comparative Law Program.

History

Vermont Law School (VLS) is a prestigious institution of higher education that opened its doors in 1972. Located in South Royalton, Vermont, the law school welcomed its first class of students in the summer of 1973 with 113 learners. The success of the newly-founded school was fully realized in 1975 when it received provisional American Bar Association (ABA) approval. In 1978, VLS was granted full ABA accreditation, and the following year it became a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

As part of its commitment to providing students with an excellent legal education, VLS established its Environmental Law Center in 1978 with eight master’s degree students. Today, it is the most comprehensive environmental law and policy curriculum in the nation, earning consistent recognition from U.S. News & World Report for its Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) and Master of Laws in Environmental Law (LLM) programs.

Vermont Law School is dedicated to producing ethical, competent, and successful attorneys equipped to address the legal issues of the 21st century. With its innovative curricula, experienced faculty, and commitment to providing a quality legal education for all students regardless of background or circumstances, VLS is an esteemed institution of higher learning.

By attending Vermont Law School, you can rest assured that you’re receiving a well-rounded and comprehensive education that will prepare you for success in the legal field. You’ll also join a diverse community of students, professors, and alumni dedicated to creating positive change in their respective fields and worldwide. With its commitment to excellence, Vermont Law School is poised to become one of the most influential law schools for generations to come.

Admissions

Statistics

Admissions Stats
Class of:	2020-2021	2021-2022
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT	148 - 152 - 157	150 - 154 - 159
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA	2.96 - 3.19 - 3.49	3.08 - 3.4 - 3.65
Acceptance rate	64.5%	65.8%
Applications received	733	1001
Acceptances	473	659
Matriculants	44	38

Vermont Law School has a diverse and selective student body. During the 2022 application cycle, an impressive 1,001 individuals applied. Of that pool of applicants, 659 received offers of admission. Out of those 659 candidates who were offered admission, 174 accepted and became part of the 1L class for that year. This impressive yield of 26.40% shows that Vermont Law School is highly desirable among prospective law students.

The 1L class at Vermont Law School has a median LSAT score of 154. The 25th percentile LSAT is 150, and the 75th percentile LSAT is 159. This indicates that Vermont Law School seeks to accept students who are well-prepared for the LSAT and who have demonstrated a level of academic ability that coincides with their program's standards. The median GPA is 3.4, with the 25th percentile being 3.08 and the 75th percentile being 3.65. This demonstrates Vermont Law School's commitment to accepting students from various backgrounds who have achieved strong academic results.

By looking at the admissions data from Vermont Law School, it is clear that the school is highly selective in its admissions process and seeks to admit students with a certain level of academic excellence and potential for success. Through its rigorous admission standards, Vermont Law School can accept a diverse, talented student body that will benefit from its excellent educational opportunities.

Overall, Vermont Law School is an excellent choice for prospective law students who want to attend a selective, highly respected institution of higher education. With its rigorous admissions criteria and commitment to admitting high-achieving individuals from diverse backgrounds, it is easy to see why many applicants are eager to attend Vermont Law School.

Application Requirements

When applying to Vermont Law School, applicants should ensure that all the necessary materials are provided to be considered for admission. This includes completing an application form, submitting a $60.00 (USD) fee, providing a resume or CV detailing their professional and academic accomplishments, writing essays demonstrating their aptitude for law school, and supplying an LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report. This report should include an applicant's current LSAT score, transcripts from all schools attended, and two letters of recommendation. Additionally, character and fitness information must be provided to the school for applicants to be considered.

Lastly, applicants whose native language is not English and who have not lived or studied in an English-speaking country for at least two years must submit their TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS scores to the school. This demonstrates that they have the necessary language skills to understand the coursework and be successful in law school fully.

By ensuring all of these materials are supplied, applicants can be confident that they have provided Vermont Law School with the necessary resources to assess their application correctly.

Application Fee

At Vermont Law School, applicants are required to pay an application fee amounting to sixty United States Dollars. This fee allows students to submit their applications and be considered for admission into the prestigious law school. It must be noted that the same fee applies to all applicants regardless of their nationality or current academic standing.

Lsat Scores And Academic Records

Vermont Law School puts a lot of emphasis on the LSAT scores and academic records of its JD applicants. To be admitted to the school, all prospective students must have obtained a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution before they start their studies at VLS. Moreover, their LSAT scores must be recent, as they are only valid for five years.

The undergraduate record of applicants is taken into consideration in several ways. The school looks at the quality of the college, the nature and difficulty of the program taken in it, how the applicant performed compared to other students from the same university, any improvement or decline in grades over time, and how long has passed since they received their degree. Furthermore, applicants with a higher education diploma and their bachelor's degree will be perceived favorably if their performance surpasses the minimum standards of the graduate program.

Therefore, prospective students should ensure that they are aware of these criteria and have prepared accordingly before applying to Vermont Law School. This way, they can increase their chances of admission and have a successful experience at the school.

Pre-Legal Education

The Vermont Law School provides aspiring lawyers with the unique opportunity to receive a comprehensive pre-legal education focused on developing precision, fluency, and economy in speaking and writing. A wide range of educational backgrounds is welcomed; applicants are not required to have studied political science, economics, or related fields. However, all applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Vermont Law School's curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen legal field. Through analytical thinking and critical evaluation courses, students will develop their capacity for complex problem-solving and be prepared for a successful law career. Their faculty also emphasize experiential learning and professional skills, providing students with the necessary tools to succeed in their field.

At Vermont Law School, we believe that legal education should be a comprehensive experience beyond what can be acquired from traditional college programs. Their faculty strive to provide an exceptional educational experience tailored to each student's needs and interests, allowing them to stand out among their peers in their chosen field. By providing a pre-legal education focused on the development of precision, fluency, and economy in speaking and writing, Vermont Law School provides aspiring lawyers with the opportunity to acquire legal knowledge and cultivate an inquiring, disciplined, and cultivated mind. Our unique approach to legal education prepares our graduates to practice law confidently and successfully.

Recommendations

Vermont Law School requests two letters of recommendation to gain an understanding of an applicant's academic potential and personal qualities. The school prefers that at least one letter is from a college or graduate school professor but understands that this isn't possible if the student has been out of college for some time. In these cases, the school suggests asking someone who knows the student's work in their profession or community to write a letter on their behalf.

The letter of recommendation must speak to the applicant's intellectual ability, character, determination, professional and community achievements, and potential for contributions to the legal community and the broader community. It is also essential that the letter writer provide an assessment of how the applicant compares to other law school students they have known.

Letters of recommendation are encouraged to be sent to the Law School Admission Council to be included in the applicant's CAS report. However, if a recommender prefers, they can email it directly to the Office of Admissions. Vermont Law School appreciates thoughtful, substantive letters of recommendation and looks forward to receiving them as part of the application process.

​Overall, Vermont Law School wants to see evidence that an applicant is qualified and can handle the rigors of legal education. Procuring two well-written and considered letters of recommendation can provide invaluable insight into an applicant's character and abilities. With these letters, the school can better assess if an applicant will become a successful law student and lawyer.

Character And Fitness, Qualifications For Bar Admissions

To become an attorney, one must meet specific character and fitness requirements set by various jurisdictions across the United States. It is highly recommended that those seeking to pursue a legal practice consider these regulations beforehand. This means researching the relevant agencies through the National Conference of Bar Examiners and gaining insight into what is needed for admission. Vermont Law School encourages its students to do the same.

It is important to note that being accepted into law school does not guarantee certification by bar examiners. Those with doubts or questions about their eligibility should contact the Board of Bar Examiners in the jurisdiction they intend to practice and get further clarification. With proper research and guidance, anyone can go on to pursue a successful and fulfilling career in the legal profession.

Cost of Attendance

At Vermont Law School, we want to help our students be successful and comfortable while completing their degrees. We have created a budget that allows students to live comfortably while being resourceful and avoiding unnecessary spending. This budget can help students minimize their student loan debt.

Thrifty Budget	Monthly	Annual (9 months)	Annual (12 months)
Rent	$700	$6,300	$8,400
Transportation	$300	$2,700	$3,600
Books/Supplies	-	$1,500	$1,500
Food	$250	$2,250	$3,000
Utilities	$300	$2,780	$3,600
Other/Personal	$200	$1,800	$2,400
Health Insurance	-	-	-
Total Living Expenses	$1,750	$17,330	$22,500

Students who wish to borrow money for living expenses while attending law school can do so up to $28,000 annually. However, on average, our students only borrow $20,700 per year. For questions about student loans or how to minimize your debt, please get in touch with the VLS Financial Aid Office.

Fianancial Aid

Vermont Law School is committed to helping students finance their legal education. The school works hard to keep its programs' costs reasonable, offering various financial aid options to help students achieve their educational goals.

The school's policy is to provide an equal opportunity for all students, regardless of race or ethnic background, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, gender, or national origin.

Students can get help from various sources to finance their legal education, including federal loans and grants; scholarships; employer tuition reimbursement; private loan programs; and the school's payment plan.

The Financial Aid Office at Vermont Law School is dedicated to helping students understand the financial aid process and to assisting them in finding all available options. The office works closely with each student to assess their unique situation and determine the best way to finance their degree.

Academics

First-year students at Vermont take all the typical first-year courses - Contracts, CivPro I & II, ConLaw I & II, Torts, Property, Criminal Law, Legal Writing I & II, and Legal Research and Writing - with no electives. After the first year, the remaining required courses are determined by a student's chosen degree path, with the remainder of his/her schedule filled with various classes and clinics. For "students with busy schedules," Vermont offers an extended J.D., to be completed in four years instead of three.

One particular area of study in Vermont deserves mention: environmental law. Vermont's program is currently ranked number one by U.S. News and World Report; in the last 18 years, Vermont was never ranked lower than second, as has been ranked first 12 times. The school also offers the Masters in Environmental Law and Policy degree, an innovative course of study that can be earned in combination with the J.D, or can stand alone. Though this is the only dual program with both degrees earned from Vermont, several other dual degrees - many focusing on different aspects of environmental law - are offered with partner schools, both domestic and foreign, including Yale, Cambridge, and Dartmouth. Other than the Vermont Law Review, the school's only other journal is (unsurprisingly) the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law.

Environmental Advocacy Clinic

The Environmental Advocacy Clinic at Vermont Law School stands as a shining example of an in-house legal clinic that works to provide students with the chance to hone their skills and become excellent attorneys. The clinic operates in the spirit of public interest law, partnering with the National Wildlife Federation to provide legal counsel and advocacy for individuals and organizations in need. The clinic is a collaborative effort between students, faculty members, and staff attorneys that helps everyone involved to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful environmental advocates.

Environmental Justice Clinic

The Environmental Justice Clinic at Vermont Law School is a unique program that provides its students with the opportunity to engage in real-life cases related to environmental justice. This interdisciplinary approach combines civil rights and environmental protection to promote sustainability, equity, and justice for all communities. The EJ Clinic staff are highly trained, offering expertise in legal strategies such as environmental litigation and policy research.

Energy Clinic

The Energy Clinic at Vermont Law School offers a unique experience for JD, LLM, and MERL students to expand their knowledge of energy law and policy while also assisting clients who aim to have access to dependable, clean, and affordable energy sources. This invaluable program grants student the opportunity to develop skills in an increasingly important area in the modern world.

Farmed Animal Advocacy Clinic

The Farmed Animal Advocacy Clinic (FAAC) at Vermont Law School provides an opportunity for Masters, JD, and LLM students to develop their legal advocacy skills to protect the rights and welfare of farmed animals. The clinic allows students to get involved in real-world litigation and regulatory efforts to improve these animals' lives. Students can represent real clients in court or other legal settings and gain invaluable experience.

Food And Agriculture Clinic

The Food and Agriculture Clinic at Vermont Law School offers students engaging real-world experiences in which they work on practical projects that directly impact the public. Working with local, regional, national, and international partners, this clinic focuses on tackling issues related to food justice, public health, economic stability, food availability, and animal rights.

Jd Externships

Vermont Law School (VLGS) provides its students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience and knowledge through its externship program. This program allows second and third-year law students to spend an entire semester undertaking an off-campus apprenticeship to learn from practice by working directly with legal professionals such as judges and attorneys.

Legislative Clinic

The Vermont Law School Legislative Clinic gives students enrolled in the JD and LLM programs a unique chance to assist the Vermont General Assembly. As student clinicians of the Office of Legislative Counsel, participants have the opportunity to hone their legislative lawyering skills and gain valuable experience.

Studying at the clinic enables students to help with bill draft requests from the legislators, testify in committee hearings, observe the legislative process and research current legal and policy issues. With this clinic, students gain valuable insight into the workings of government and become more knowledgeable in their areas of expertise.

Master's Externships

Externships are essential to Vermont Law School's master's, LLM, and joint degree programs. With the guidance of experienced mentors, students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by participating in a variety of activities related to environmental law, science, and policy. These activities include counseling clients on legal matters; drafting regulations and legislation; preparing legal memoranda; drafting or commenting on environmental or land use plans; and fieldwork related to wetlands, energy efficiency, local food, and other environmental issues.

South Royalton Legal Clinic (SRLC)

At Vermont Law School, the South Royalton Legal Clinic (SRLC) is a valuable resource dedicated to helping Vermonters who need assistance with various legal matters but cannot afford counsel. The clinic offers assistance in bankruptcy, children’s rights, disability, domestic violence, family law, housing, immigration, and more.

Quality of Life

Vermont Law School is situated in the small town of South Royalton, with a population of just over two-and-a-half thousand people. It's easy to feel isolated here, as there are few amenities or establishments such as shopping malls, movie theatres, or even supermarkets. This can lead to boredom for those who crave city life. Still, thankfully, Hanover (home to Dartmouth University) is a thirty-minute drive away and offers more entertainment options. Of course, the cities of Boston and Montreal are only three hours away by car if you can't face another day in South Royalton.

The scenery here is beautiful, too, with the best hiking locations in America within reach. Although life at the school is quite relaxed and laid-back, it should be noted that Vermont Law School is 80% white, with no other ethnic group making up even 3% of the student body. Unfortunately, diversity isn't as prevalent here as in larger cities or universities. Nevertheless, Vermont Law School is still a great place to study and an excellent learning environment. With its stunning scenery and relaxed atmosphere, this little town has plenty to offer. You just have to know where to look!

Employment Prospects and Bar Passage

Vermont Law School produces well-rounded, knowledgeable lawyers of the highest caliber. Graduates of this esteemed institution typically make a median salary of $70,000 if they work in the private sector. Alternatively, those who pursue public service will see an average base salary of around $51,637.

Regarding career paths, 25.0% of graduates go directly into law firms, while 27.9% are selected for judicial clerkships. 12.5% of Vermont Law School alums choose to pursue public interest work.

Regardless of where they decide to take their careers, the graduates of Vermont Law School have a high success rate of passing the bar: 67.0% of those who have taken the exam have passed on their first attempt. With this level of success, it's no wonder that Vermont Law School is one of the most respected institutions for legal learning in all of America. Graduates of this school are sure to have bright futures in the legal field.

Synopsis

For a student interested in environmental law and who doesn't mind living in insular South Royalton, Vermont can certainly be a good start to a legal career. However, the tuition is extremely steep, and employment statistics suggest that most graduates struggle with debt for many years. Since Vermont is, in fact, a private school with no distinction between in- and out-of-state tuition, it is difficult to fully recommend the school unless an admitted student is awarded a hefty scholarship to offset the expense.

Contact Information

Vermont Law and Graduate School
Admissions Office
164 Chelsea Street
South Royalton, VT 05068-0096

Toll Free: 888-277-5985
Phone: 802-831-1239
Fax: 802-831-1174

Email: admiss@vermontlaw.edu
https://www.vermontlaw.edu/admissions/apply-now/jd-programs

Summary

Established	1972
Location	South Royalton, VT
Dean	Beth McCormack
2022 US News Ranking	142
LSAT Median Score	154
GPA Median Score	3.4
Bar Passage Rate	67% (2022)
Employment Rate	39% (2022)
Cost	$49,700
Average Debt	$120,585
Application Deadline	15-April-2023

Forum and Discussion

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Reference

https://www.vermontlaw.edu/
Vermont Law School
Rank #142
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