Program Overview
Introduction to Vanderbilt University Law School
Vanderbilt University Law School offers a rigorous academic experience in a collaborative and supportive environment. The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program provides students with the necessary skills to adapt to and excel in an ever-evolving legal environment.
Why Study at Vanderbilt Law?
The personalized approach, customizable curriculum, and national reach help graduates find success wherever they go. Vanderbilt Law intentionally keeps its student body small to enrich the learning experience, with a faculty that cultivates an "open-door" environment.
Small by Design
Smaller class sizes help build a strong rapport between classmates, fostering mutual support, respect, and collaboration. Vanderbilt Law students share a joint commitment to challenge themselves and each other to excel as legal professionals.
Innovative and Practical
The J.D. degree program integrates theory into practice, with students enjoying an extensive and varied curriculum. They can work as research assistants for Vanderbilt Law faculty, embark on semester-long independent study projects, and undertake transformative externships.
Nationwide Placement
Vanderbilt Law School graduates enjoy significant career mobility, with a global alumni network, trustworthy academic reputation, and long-standing relationships with legal employers. More than 80% of graduates have secured out-of-state employment, and over 10% secure federal and state judicial clerkships or enter federal legal department honors programs.
What You'll Learn
The Juris Doctor program delivers a holistic legal education, with first-year coursework focusing on building fundamental competencies and cultivating a comprehensive understanding of civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, and more. Students can personalize their education through electives and pursue specific areas of interest.
Academic Programs
Vanderbilt Law offers 10 academic programs, allowing students to tailor their graduate education to suit their professional goals. These programs include:
- Branstetter Litigation and Dispute Resolution Program
- Criminal Justice Program
- Energy, Environment, and Land Use Program
- George Barrett Social Justice Program
- Intellectual Property Program
- International Legal Studies Program
- Law & Business Certificate Program
- Program in Law & Government
- Program on Law & Innovation
- Weaver Program in Law, Brain Sciences, and Behavior
Learn from Legal Experts
The faculty at Vanderbilt Law is ranked fourth in the country by the Princeton Review, bringing a broad range of expertise and unique perspectives to enrich J.D. students' education. They serve as leading scholars across many disciplines, from international economics to environmental and property law.
Applying to Vanderbilt's J.D. Program
The admissions process is holistic but highly selective, with the admissions committee assessing how Vanderbilt Law's program aligns with the applicant's goals and gauging their ability to perform in the academic setting. The application process has numerous intricacies, and it is recommended to start early.
Affording Your Law Degree
Vanderbilt Law strives to break down financial barriers, empowering students of all backgrounds to pursue their dream of becoming a lawyer. The university awards need-based grants and merit scholarships during the admissions process and stabilizes tuition costs to help students invest in their education and their future.
Meet Our Students
Vanderbilt Law students share their stories and experiences, highlighting the community-focused and collaborative environment of the university. They praise the combination of culture, lack of debt, and opportunities coming out of law school.
Join Our Growing Community of Scholars
Vanderbilt Law School invites students to dive into an immersive legal education, grounded in a rich academic tradition. The Juris Doctor degree program equips students with a thorough understanding of the U.S. legal system, a broad range of skills, and inspires them to pursue a thriving career in law.