VERMONT LAW SCHOOL RANKING

Introduction

The Vermont School of Law focuses on environmental law and aims to address the world’s complex environmental challenges. The school offers a comprehensive environmental law program with five legal clinics, six centers and institutes, 67 courses, and 76 faculty members. This guide has all the information you need to understand more about the Vermont Law School ranking, including admission requirements and acceptance rate.

About the Vermont Law School

The Vermont Law School stands out as a private, independent law and graduate institution deeply rooted in the belief that the role of lawyers and legal scholars goes beyond the courtroom. They actively advocate for the common good and help preserve the environment. Offering a Juris Doctor (JD) program emphasizing public service, VLS equips its students to make substantial impacts in diverse fields that affect the public interest, public policy, and social justice. 

Internationally recognized for its leadership in environmental law, Vermont Law School is committed to expanding the scope of issues addressed by legal scholars and practitioners, including social justice, energy policy, and climate crisis. The institution offers specialized programs in international law as well as dual JD/master’s degree programs in fields like business administration, environmental management, and philosophy.

Is Vermont Law School Good?

When considering the quality of Vermont Law School, there are some statistics that might help you make an informed decision. Let’s look at bar statistics first: during the Winter and Summer 2021 administrations, VLS had a first-time bar passage rate of 59%. While this is below the average first-time bar passage rate of 72% among states, it’s important to remember that this is just one measure of a law school’s effectiveness.

As for job prospects, the Class of 2021 had a total of 165 graduates. Out of these, 23.6% were employed right at graduation, and the employment rate increased to 73.9% ten months after graduation. These employment numbers suggest that the majority of VLS graduates find opportunities in their field within a year of completing their studies. 

2023-2024 Vermont Law School Ranking

In the most recent 2023 edition of U.S. News Best Law Schools, Vermont Law School is ranked No. 164 out of 197 accredited programs. This places Vermont Law in the bottom quartile of ranked schools. However, Vermont Law is elevated by its subject-specific rankings. It ranks 4th in Environmental Law, revealing the school’s specialty strength despite its lower overall placement.

Vermont Law School ranking indicates it is not an elite, competitive national law school. However, its leading position in Environmental Law underscores its prowess in its signature area. Students prioritizing environmental law training may still find Vermont Law an attractive choice. Ultimately, the law school rankings provide a helpful perspective but should be weighed alongside other factors in determining fit and value.

JD Programs of Vermont University Law School

The University of Vermont School of Law stands out for its comprehensive array of programs and specializations. Here’s a detailed look at the school’s JD program:

Juris Doctor (JD) Programs

Traditional Three-Year JD Program: This full-time, three-year program allows students to engage in real-world law practices through two clinics and externships.

• Accelerated Juris Doctor (AJD): Begin in August and graduate by the next August, enabling you to sit for the bar exam in February. You need to maintain a 3.0 GPA after the fall semester to stay in the program.
• Online Hybrid JD: Perfect for busy pros, this part-time program offers online classes and brief in-person sessions. You can focus on environmental law, food and agriculture law, and more.
• Extended Four-Year JD Program: Designed for those needing more time. Take 10 credits per semester and graduate in four years with tuition billed at 80% of the standard rate. Scholarships are also available.
• Reduced Residency Juris Doctor (RRJD): A flexible option with just three semesters on campus, allowing you to complete the rest online and through a Semester-in-Practice externship.

Joint Degrees

• JD/Master of Climate and Environmental Policy (MCEP): Geared towards aspiring environmental lawyers, offering additional skills in climate policy and environmental justice.
• JD/Master of Animal Protection Policy (MAPP): Ideal for those who wish to advocate for animal rights, this combines law and policy courses related to animal protection.
• JD/Master of Energy Regulation and Law (MERL): As the energy sector changes, this program trains you in policy and public advocacy, focusing on alternative and traditional energy production.
• JD/Master of Food and Agriculture Law and Policy (MFALP): A program that equips you with the legal tools to support sustainable food and agriculture systems.
• JD/Master of Arts in Restorative Justice (MARJ): Prepares you for a new way of looking at conflict and justice, combining restorative justice practices with traditional law courses.
• JD/LLM in Energy Law: Deepen your expertise in energy law and policy, benefiting from the diverse curriculum offered at Vermont Law School.
• JD/LLM in Environmental Law: Similar to the JD/MCEP, it takes you deeper into environmental law and policy.
• JD/LLM in Food and Agriculture Law: For those who aim to focus their career on sustainable agriculture and food systems, this program allows you to go deeper into these specific laws and policies.

What Is The Acceptance Rate For Vermont Law School?

It’s helpful to know the Vermont Law School acceptance rate to gauge your chances of admission. The acceptance rate at Vermont Law School stands at 60.94%. This rate indicates a moderately competitive admissions process, allowing a broad range of aspiring legal professionals to become part of this esteemed institution. 

Check out the Law School Numbers platform to have a better understanding of what to expect while applying to law school. It’s a platform where you can get valuable statistics as well as meet other prospective students.

University of Vermont Law School Admission Requirements

Getting into Vermont Law School is about demonstrating your complete potential as a well-rounded individual. Here’s a list of law school requirements you’ll need:

1. Pre-Legal Transcripts

All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree before applying. Vermont is open to students from all academic backgrounds. They don’t specify a certain major but do look for evidence of critical thinking and creativity in your studies.

2. LSAT Scores

The only test score Vermont accepts is the LSAT. Make sure to prepare well for this standardized test, as it’s one of the key factors in the admissions process.

3. Resume

The law school resume should highlight your academic accomplishments, work history, volunteer efforts, skills, and extracurricular activities. Most students at Vermont have some form of work experience, which the admission committee values as it often indicates ambition and persistence.

3. Two Letters of Recommendation

You must submit two letters of recommendation. At least one should come from a professor and should focus on your academic strengths and personal qualities. If you’ve been out of school for some time, an employer’s recommendation is also acceptable. Make sure these letters are thoughtful and well-crafted.

4. Personal Statement

A law school personal statement should give a captivating glimpse into who you are, detail your motivations for studying law, and showcase qualities that make you an excellent fit for the program. It often starts with a compelling story or fact and then delves into the academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for legal studies. It should highlight why you’re interested in attending UVM Law School, aligning its offerings with your career goals.

5. Essay 

Each applicant must write an essay in response to a specific prompt: Discuss the goals driving you to seek a JD and how Vermont Law School can help you achieve these goals. Take your time to research and craft a compelling narrative, going beyond basic information to why Vermont is the right choice for you.

What LSAT Score Do You Need For Vermont Law School?

To secure a spot at Vermont Law School, you should aim for an LSAT score between 149 and 158, as these scores represent the 25th to 75th percentile of accepted students. Enhance your chances of admission by striving for a median LSAT score of 154. Gain a better understanding of LSAT percentiles to determine your target LSAT score.

What GPA Do You Need To Get Into Vermont Law School?

It is recommended that you aim for a law school GPA of 3.09 to 3.69 in order to maximize your chances of admission to Vermont Law School. This range covers admitted students’ GPAs that fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles. Additionally, the median undergraduate GPA for admitted students is 3.36, making it a useful goal for you to aim towards.

Tuition and Financial Aid of Law School Vermont

When it comes to tuition and financial aid at Vermont Law School, several options are available depending on the program you choose, such as the traditional 3-year JD, accelerated JD, JD extended, etc. Vermont Law School acknowledges the continuous rise in the cost of legal education and is dedicated to reducing these escalations. 

To secure financial assistance, it is imperative to submit your application at the earliest opportunity. Various forms of financial aid are accessible to alleviate the weight of tuition fees. These may include law school scholarships, federal, work-study opportunities, law school loans, and occasionally grants. Each type of aid has its own application process and criteria, so it’s essential to research and apply to as many as possible to maximize your financial support.

Get Accepted To The University Of Vermont Law School With Our Expert Advice And LSAT Prep

The path to attending Vermont Law School begins with preparing for the LSAT, widely viewed as the most important factor in your application. To give yourself the best shot, consider taking an LSAT prep course. Our program aims to make you a standout applicant from LSAT preparation to admission consulting.

Odyssey Test Prep provides a comprehensive approach to the admissions process:

1. LSAT Prep Course: The course is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the LSAT test structure and question types, with targeted exercises to boost your score. Enroll in our LSAT Prep Course and face the LSAT with great confidence! 

2. LSAT Tutoring: Get one-on-one attention to address your specific needs and challenges. A personal tutor will assess your initial performance, identify your weak areas, and tailor a study plan to maximize your score improvement. Excel on the LSAT and secure your spot at Vermont Law School!

3. Law School Admission Consulting: The LSAT is just one part of the equation. To have a strong law school application, you also need a compelling personal statement, solid letters of recommendation, and a clear strategy for choosing the schools to which you’ll apply. Unlock your path to Vermont Law School with our expert Consultants!

Conclusion

While Vermont Law School ranking may not be at the very top when compared to other law schools, what it offers goes beyond mere numbers. The school has gained recognition primarily for its emphasis on environmental law, social justice, and community engagement. It provides a range of program choices, such as a traditional 3-year JD, accelerated JD, and extended courses tailored to meet the varied requirements of its students. 

So, if you’re looking to become a skilled lawyer who is also deeply involved in making a positive social impact, Vermont Law School provides a comprehensive and flexible educational experience.