Download App | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
 Upload Your Resume   Employers / Post Jobs 
  1. Home
United States
We Believe in You. Let's Find Your Next Job.

Advanced Search

Browse Legal Jobs | By State | By City | Government | Law Firm | In-House | Public Interest
Employers & Reviews | Upload Resume | Search Articles

Vanderbilt University Law School

MAILING ADDRESS
131 21st Ave. South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
MAIN PHONE
615-322-2615
WEBSITE
http://law.vanderbilt.edu
ADMISSIONS EMAIL:
admissions@law.vanderbilt.edu
REGISTRAR'S PHONE/FAX/EMAIL:
000-000-0000/000-000-0000/
donna.pavlick@vanderbilt.edu
CAREER SERVICE PHONE/FAX/EMAIL:
615-322-6192/615-343-8467/
cso@law.vanderbilt.edu

An Overview


Vanderbilt is one among the nation's leading law schools; it stands out for its ground breaking approach to preparing lawyers for the 21st century; connecting outstanding theoretical training to real-world strategies and experiences that provide immediate advantages to graduates. With about 175 students in each entering J.D. class, Vanderbilt has an accessible and distinguished faculty that offers a challenging and collegial intellectual environment. An extensive network of more than 8,500 alumni in 49 states, DC, three US territories, and 32 foreign nations, clearly reflects the school's national and international reach.

Each year the LL.M. program accepts a small number of foreign lawyers and international students for a one-year master's degree, which explores American legal issues and research methods.

LL.M. students are fully integrated into the Vanderbilt community, studying alongside American and other international students in the J.D. program. Students have access to the law school faculty, administration as well as the Vanderbilt University's international students and scholar's office.

Degrees Offered
N/A

Admission Information


Requirements Details
Eligibility Admission decisions are made on a regular basis and on each application as quickly as possible; although the time required may vary this case to case. Each application is evaluated thoroughly, which reflects the university's belief in the quality of educational environment at Vanderbilt Law School.
Transcripts Official academic transcripts in English or in the applicant's native language accompanied by a certified English translation from all colleges and universities that applicants have attended , which show that they have earned a university degree in law (equal to J.D. or LL.B degree) from an accredited institution outside the United States. The university strongly recommends that they register for the LSAC LL.M. Credential Assembly Service (as above), or also use other academic evaluation services such as the Educational Credential Evaluators or World Education Services. These services summarize courses taken, grades received, degrees conferred and then translate these academic credentials into English.
Letters of Recommendation Two letters of recommendation and accompanying forms, which should be sent to the Law School Admission Council's LL.M. Credential Assembly service. Recommenders may send letters directly to the admission office or they may submit the letter themselves in a sealed envelope. Letters should be from people who have closely worked with the student and know them well; like faculty members who have served as their advisors, research supervisor, or professors who have taught them and are familiar with their work which will give relevant information about them as a prospective law student. Recommendation letters can also be sent from those familiar with their professional performance; these will help the readers to evaluate their application.
Personal Statement Personal statement that describes their interests for seeking an LL.M. degree at Vanderbilt along with qualification details.
Proof of Competency in English Official TOEFL score. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for the LL.M. program. If the native language is not English, applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). To have their TOEFL score report sent directly to Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt's institution code 1871 and department code 03 can be used, and their TOEFL score will reported directly to the Admissions Office. If they have registered for the LSAC LL.M. Credential Assembly Service, LSAC's designated institution code 8395 can be used, and their TOEFL score will be submitted to the university, through LSAC with their other credentials.
Application Fee $50
Law School Admission Test No
Curriculum Vitae Prospective students may send their applications for J.D. program, between September 1st and April 1st of each year. Applicants must hold (or expect to hold at the time of entry to the J.D. program) a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. All first-year students enroll at the beginning of the fall semester.

Other Information


Criteria Details
Nature and Tenure of Courses Offered One academic year
Application Procedure/Time to apply/Application deadline Applications for the LL.M. may be submitted between September 1st and April 1st.
LL.M. Degree Requirements
  • Pursue full-time resident law school study for a fall and spring semester, in that order during one academic year;
  • Earn between 24 and 30 credits;
  • Take and earn a passing grade in the required Life of the Law (2 credit) course;
  • Take and earn a passing grade in the required Introduction to Legal Research, Writing and Analysis in the United States (2 credits) course;
  • Maintain at least a 'C' average;
  • Students on the thesis track must complete a substantial scholarly research and writing project during the spring semester, earning up to 7 credits;
  • Pay in full all financial obligations due Vanderbilt University prior to the granting of the degree; and
  • Receive the favorable recommendation from the faculty for the degree.
Vanderbilt does not offer specialized programs for LL.M. students.

Details of Courses Offered


Each fall, a selected group of foreign attorneys and international students around the world come to Vanderbilt Law School for a special academic year of advanced study of American legal issues and legal research methods in classes with American law students. Beyond the law school, LL.M. students have access to advice and support from Vanderbilt University's International Students and Scholars Services which serves the university's thriving international student community. More than that, LL.M. students experience life at a major American research university in a sophisticated and vibrant city.

Financial Aid


Vanderbilt Law School awards merit-based scholarships to LL.M. students each year. Recipients identified during the selection process are then notified after admission to the program. All admitted candidates will be considered for scholarship awards.

Early in the application process, applicants can investigate other sources of support such as government or employer grants and loans. Non-U.S. citizens can apply for a student loan, but it should be co-signed by a U.S. citizen.

Cost of Attendance

9-Month Cost of Attendance, 2013-14:

Tuition $47,746
Books & Supplies $1,842
Housing $9,676
Meals $3,942
Personal/Miscellaneous $5,614
Transportation $$1,966

Career Development/Services Offered


Many LL.M students of Vanderbilt Law School seek short-term practical training or permanent employment upon graduation. Although this is a challenging process, the career services office is committed to offering personal assistance throughout the year. Recently Vanderbilt LL.M. graduates have found employment in firms, government, corporations, non-profit organization and other settings in the U.S. and abroad.

The university offers informational meetings orienting students to the legal job market in the United States, as well as personal assistance in developing a strategic plan for their job search. It also guides students through the process of developing a strong resume, cover letters, and provides opportunities for practice interviews. Its office includes a Resource Center that affords access to extensive materials in hard copy or on-line to aid in job searches, and the university provides basic business services (copy, fax and print) for students convenience.

Vanderbilt students can attend the International Student Interview Program (ISIP) held in New York, in January every year. Approximately 130 employers from the United States and around the world select students for initial interviews based on the resumes they receive.