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 175 students in each entering JD class and an accessible and distinguished faculty, Vanderbilt 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 reflects the school’s national and international reach.
Drawn from across the nation and around the world, VLS 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 (J.D. Class of 2015)
Statistics and profiles for previous entering classes
Admission Interviews for J.D. Applicants
More information promotes better decisions. That's why we offer in-person interviews as part of the J.D. application process. An interview allows us to know more about you as a prospective student, and allows you to meet individually with a Vanderbilt representative and learn more about this very special place in American legal education.
More than 700 VLS alumni conduct in-person interviews with applicants in 37 states, DC, and 12 foreign locations, and VLS admissions officers interview applicants at dozens of scheduled events on university campuses and in major cities from coast to coast. Prospective students visiting Vanderbilt may also schedule an on-campus interview with an admissions officer.
For more information about interview locations and to schedule an interview, visit Virtual VLS.
Interview requests must be made by December 1.
VLS Recruiting Calendar
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 nationwide.
2012/13 admissions recruiting and interview events calendar
Vanderbilt offers:
- An outstanding faculty that ranks among among the most productive and influential in the nation
- Small classes where students can take full advantage of a challenging and intellectually rigorous curriculum
- Academic centers that allow students to fully explore various areas of the law and provide the tools to adapt to the fast-changing legal landscape 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.
- 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 affordable 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.
| J.D. program overview | JD application process | Request viewbook | Apply now |
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.
| LL.M. program overview | LLM application process | Request viewbook | Apply now |
Ph.D. in Law and Economics, J.D. / 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 |
J.D. / Ph.D. in Law and Neuroscience
Vanderbilt University, headquarters of the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience , offers the nation's first J.D. / Ph.D in Neuroscience.
| Law and neuroscience at Vanderbilt | J.D. / Ph.D. in Law and Neuroscience |
Questions? Contact the Admissions Office
615-322-6452 | Via Skype | admissions@law.vanderbilt.edu