LLM Degrees at VLGS
Overview
LLM Programs at VLGS
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. Nationally renowned for environmental law and policy, as well as clinical and experiential learning, VLGS further defines and advances its graduates’ careers through the practice of law, research, teaching, and public policy.
What to Expect from the LLM Programs
Post-JD students find unparalleled opportunities for intensive study with Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Master of Laws (LLM) programs. Full-time LLM students typically complete the program in 12 months, but enrollees have up to five years to obtain their degree. The program can be started in either the summer or fall semester or online on any one of our six-term start dates.
Please note that required courses are subject to change. For more information, please view the latest Academic Regulations or contact the Office of the Registrar: [email protected].
LLM Program 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, or animals used for entertainment and experimentation. Degree work includes completion of a thesis, research project, teaching practicum, or externship.
Students learn about the intersection of animal law issues with climate change, labor exploitation, consumer protection, and other social justice issues. Additionally, 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.
LLM Program in Animal Law Required Courses:
- LLM9606 LLM Graduate Seminar
- ENV5105 Administrative Law
- ENV5307 Animals and the Law
The Director of the Animal Law and Policy Institute (ALPI) may waive Administrative Law and/or Animals and the Law upon showing that the candidate has completed an equivalent course of study.
LLM Program in Energy Law
The LLM in Energy Law at Vermont Law and Graduate School prepares you to specialize in law and policy relating to energy use, production, and transmission.
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 while meeting and learning 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.
An LLM in Energy Law can also be obtained through the online degree program.
LLM Program in Energy Law Required Courses:
- ENV5226 Energy Law & Policy in a Carbon-Constrained World
- ENV5228 Energy Regulation, Markets and the Environment
- ENV5105 Administrative Law
- LLM9606 LLM Graduate Seminar
LLM Program 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 projects, teaching practicum, or externship. You’ll participate in a graduate seminar that explores advanced research topics through discussions and lectures by environmental law scholars.
An LLM in Environmental Law can also be obtained through the online degree program.
LLM Program in Environmental Law Required Courses:
- ENV9606 LLM Graduate Seminar
- ENV5105 Administrative Law
- ENV5115 Environmental Law
LLM Program 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 and Graduate 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 Program in American Legal Studies Required Courses:
- REQ7112 Constitutional Law
- REQ7104 Civil Procedure I
- REQ7103 Civil Procedure II
- REQ7130 Contracts
- REQ7150 Torts
- REQ7140 Criminal Law
- REQ7160 Property
- REQ7120 Legal Analysis and Writing I
- REQ7122 Legal Research
New York Bar Courses
All of the following courses are required for the New York Bar:
- REQ7265 Legal Profession
LLM Program in Food and Agriculture Law
The LLM in Food and Agriculture 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.
LLM Program in Food and Agriculture Law Required Courses:
- LLM9606 LLM Graduate Seminar
- ENV5105 Administrative Law
- ENV5108 Introduction to Agriculture and Food Law and Policy
Joint Degree Opportunities & Nontraditional Learning Options
Online/Distance Learning Opportunities
Several of our LLM degree programs can be completed in whole, or in part, online. Application requirements are the same for online applicants. For more information, please see the Online Degrees section.
Duration and Start Options
Full-time LLM students typically complete these 30-credit programs 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 the Joint Degree Programs page 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, see our Dual Degree Programs page for more information. It’s important to note that admission to an LLM program does not ensure admission to a dual degree program.
Transfer Credits
A student enrolled in an 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 six such credits to the LLM program with the approval of the Director or the Director’s designee.
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Application Process Roadmap
Application Requirements
Checklist of Materials
- Completed application form
- $60.00 (USD) application fee
- Fee waived for any new Masters’, LLM or PCRJ application received by April 15th. If applying for an LLM through LSAC, please request a fee waiver code by emailing your admissions counselor or [email protected].
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Essays as described below
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- 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 apply.
- Preferred Method: Submit your application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
- Other Method: Submit your application through the VLGS Web Application
International applicants to the VLGS LLM program must apply through the Law School Admission Council (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 Essay
- 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 of the two required letters 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.
Recommenders should email their recommendations to [email protected] or send them directly to the admissions office. Letters received directly from applicants will not be accepted.
International Applicants
If you are currently enrolled at an institution that has an established International Dual Degree partnership with VLGS, please follow your home institution’s process to apply for an opportunity to study 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 take note of the following additional application requirements:
International Credential Validation 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
Application 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. Please note that Vermont Law and Graduate School does not share information or offer feedback regarding admission decisions.
Application Evaluation Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors that will be considered in the application review include:
- GPA from undergraduate and any graduate schools
- Successful work history after completion of the baccalaureate degree
- Essays as described below
- Letters of recommendation from professors or professional or volunteer experience supervisors
- OPTIONAL: Official GRE and LSAT Scores
Neither the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) nor the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for applicants to the Master’s programs. However, students who have taken the exams may submit their scores to support their application. Scores should be sent directly to the school (GRE & LSAT School Code: 3946) for consideration.
Acceptance of Offer for Admissions
An applicant who is offered admission must make a total non-refundable tuition deposit of $750 by the deposit deadlines–indicated in the admission offer–to secure a place in the incoming class. This deposit will be applied in full toward the student’s tuition upon enrollment.