FAQs

On July 1, 2022, Vermont Law School (VLS) became Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) as part of a major restructuring and long-term growth plan that will see the school double down on its public interest mission and transition to a graduate institution housing two schools–law and graduate. The creation of a new graduate school on par with the existing law school and the resulting name change is part of a strategic plan l developed by faculty and staff and approved by the board of trustees.

VLGS is located in the town of South Royalton, Vermont. For more specifics, please visit our Map and Directions page, or download a Campus Map.

The position of President at VLGS is currently held by Rodney A. Smolla.

Vermont Law School (VLS) was established in 1972 and held its first classes in the summer of 1973. In 2022, VLS was renamed VLGS as part of a restructuring to include the school’s expansion as a graduate institution.

Vermont Law and Graduate School is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association.

The University of Vermont has partnered with Vermont Law and Graduate School to offer Accelerated JD Programs wherein students can obtain a Bachelor’s Degree and a Juris Doctor Degree in a total of five or six years. More information can be found on our Accelerated JD Programs page.

VLGS is a private, independent, law and graduate institution.

Application deadlines are based on the program being applied to. Visit our Deadlines and Calendars page to learn about requirements specific to your degree or program.

At Vermont Law and Graduate School, students are responsible for arranging their own off-campus housing accommodations. You can learn more about housing options available for students by visiting our Housing page.

Details regarding the cost of attendance at VLGS can be located on our Cost of Attendance page as well as our Tuition and Fees page.

Students admitted to VLGS may apply for financial aid as well as grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance. More information about the options and requirements—including answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid—can be found on our Tuition and Financial Aid page.

In general, applications to Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Juris Doctor (JD) or Master’s programs are open to any person who has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent international degree and who meets other entrance requirements.

Applications to the Masters of Law (LLM) programs must have earned a Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited institution​ or hold an equivalent foreign law degree. Some exceptions​ apply. Additional information about the application process and requirements can be found by visiting our Degrees Programs page and selecting the degree or program you wish to pursue.

Enrolled students are granted 24/7 access to the Julien and Virginia Cornell Library using their ID card. Additional information regarding library policies and procedures can be found in the Library FAQs PDF.

Every student at VLGS has the opportunity to enroll in our externship programs which are designed to help students gain hands-on experience and prepare them for the practice of law. You can learn more by visiting the Clinics and Externships page or consult VLGS’s JD Externship FAQs.