Prospective Students

Among the nation's leading law schools, Vanderbilt stands out for its pathbreaking approaches 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 195 students in each entering class and an accessible and distinguished faculty, Vanderbilt offers a challenging and collegial intellectual environment. An extensive network of more than 8,000 alumni in 49 states, DC, three US territories, and 25 foreign nations reflects the school’s national and international reach.

Drawn from across the nation and around the world, our students have remarkably varied backgrounds and professional goals. But a surprising number have something important in common: a campus visit convinced them that Vanderbilt is where they want to be.

First-year class profile (JD Class of 2012)

Admissions representatives attend recruiting events across the nation to meet prospective students and discuss all that Vanderbilt offers. We also offer Admission Interview Days and on-campus interviews in various locations from coast to coast .

2009/10 admissions recruiting and interview events calendar

Admission Interview Program for J.D. Applicants

We believe that the quality of the educational environment at Vanderbilt benefits from considering the broadest possible range of information about each prospective student and from helping prospective students explore all that Vanderbilt offers. In addition to strong academic credentials, we seek to identify prospective students with outstanding leadership potential and a desire to make a difference. To those ends, we encourage all applicants to the J.D. program to interview as part of the admission process; with VULS alumni from coast to coast or abroad, at dozens of scheduled interview events across the nation, on-campus in Nashville, or by phone. Visit Virtual VULS for more information and to schedule an interview; interview requests must be made by December 1.

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Visit Vanderbilt and decide for yourself.

Vanderbilt offers:

An outstanding faculty of leading legal scholars committed to the idea that great scholarship makes for great teaching
Small classes where you can take full advantage of a challenging and intellectually rigorous curriculum
A close-knit school where you will be more than a face in the crowd
Academic centers that allow students to fully explore various areas of the law, connecting outstanding theoretical training to the complexities of 21st century law practice
An exceptional Career Services Office that helps students choose direction and manage their careers with a full range of services including an On-Campus Interview program with employers representing more than 550 law offices in 40 states, DC, and London, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. | Prospective students' FAQs |
Extensive clinical programs that take advantage of a range of opportunities available in Nashville and beyond
Foreign study program in Venice
Faculty and staff who work with you to tailor your education to meet your career goals
One of the best-designed and well-equipped law school facilities in the United States
An international network of alumni covering 49 states, DC, three U.S. territories, and 27 foreign nations
A beautiful campus and a vibrant university community of 10 schools and 12,000 students located in Nashville, a sophisticated, friendly and livable city
Joint degree programs in conjunction with Vanderbilt University’s other highly regarded graduate schools

J.D. program

About 195 new students enter the J.D. program each fall semester for a full-time course of study lasting three academic years. We do not offer part-time or evening programs. Applicants must hold (or expect to hold) a bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution.

J.D. students at other ABA-approved law schools who have completed one year of study may apply for transfer admission to Vanderbilt's second-year J.D. class.

J.D. students at other ABA-approved law schools may also apply as visiting students.

LL.M. program

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

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

Ph.D. in Law and Economics

In recognition of the increasing importance of economics in a number of legal fields, Vanderbilt University has developed a Ph.D. program that provides unique training in law and economics. Students admitted to the program must either hold a J.D. at the time of entry or complete the requirements for both the Ph.D. in Law and Economics and the J.D. concurrently.

| Law and Economics overview | Law and Economics application process | Apply now |

Questions? Contact the Admissions Office

615-322-6452 | admissions@law.vanderbilt.edu