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2026 Commencement

Vanderbilt will celebrate Commencement for the J.D., LL.M., and MLS Classes of 2026 on May 7 and 8, 2026

The Hooding Ceremony will be held Friday, May 8 at 11AM on Curry Field.

commencement class photo

Open House Schedule

On Thursday, May 7 from 2:30 -4:30 p.m. the Law School will host an Open House for family and friends of graduates. Ceremonies, meet and greets, and celebrations will take place throughout the open house. See the below schedule for details. 

EventTimeLocation
Law and Business Certificate Ceremony Thursday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m.2nd Floor North Lobby
MLS Program Meet and Greet Thursday, May 7 at 2:45 p.m.2nd Floor North Lobby
PIO/Clinic Meet and Greet Thursday, May 7 at 3:30 p.m.2nd Floor North Lobby
LL.M. Toast to Class of 2026 Thursday, May 7 at 4:00 p.m.Cowden Auditorium
Undergraduate Minor Pre-Law Graduate CelebrationThursday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m.2nd Floor North Lobby

Commencement Schedule

EventTimeLocation
M.L.S. Class of 2026 Class PhotoFriday, May 8 at 9:10 a.m.Front steps of the Law School
LL.M. Class of 2026 Class PhotoFriday, May 8 at 9:20 a.m.Front steps of the Law School
J.D. Class of 2026 Class PhotoFriday, May 8 at 9:40 a.m.Front steps of the Law School
Pro Bono Pledge Recipients PhotoFriday, May 8 at 9:50 a.m.Front steps of the Law School
Law School Processional Line UpFriday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m.Front steps of the Law School
Law School Hooding CeremonyFriday, May 8 at 11:00 a.m.Curry Field
Champagne CelebrationImmediately following the Commencement ceremonyCurry Field

Graduation Requirement Reminder

The Career Services Department distributes a Graduate Employment Survey to all J.D. students during the spring semester of their 3L year. This survey must be completed by the stated deadline. Students will receive approval of submission from the Career Services Department.

The American Bar Association requires every law school report on employment of graduates at the time of graduation. Please take a moment to complete the Graduate Employement Survey in Symplicity by April 1. If you have any questions or problems, please contact Christy Biggs.

FAQs

  • Where do I find information on the University ceremony?

    Find more information on the University wide Commencement page.

  • How do I order regalia?

    Students can order regalia through the Vanderbilt Commencement site.

  • Do I need tickets? How many people can attend?

    You do not need tickets. The law school hooding ceremony is open to the public. There is no limit to the number of guests who can attend the ceremony.

  • Is seating reserved?

    No. All seats are first-come/first-served. We recommend that guests arrive early.

  • What happens if there is inclement weather?

    The ceremony will take place under a tent. It will be held even if it is raining, although heavy rain may necessitate canceling the procession. If there is a threat of severe weather nearby, the ceremony may be delayed. If the severe weather persists, the ceremony will take place inside the Law School building, and guests will watch a livestream.

  • Where should I park?

    The Vanderbilt University Commencement site will provide full parking details once available. 

  • Will the events be accessible?

    All events will be accessible for those needing mobility accommodations.

    For our ceremony, accessible seating is clearly marked and available on a first-come, first-served basis under the tent. We recommend that a member of your party arrive early when possible. Staff will be available to assist.

  • Will there be a professional photographer?

    Yes. Vanderbilt Law School will have a photographer taking candid photos of 2025 Commencement.

    Vanderbilt University also arranges for an external vendor to take portraits of each graduate onstage receiving his or her diploma, and a link that allows graduates to locate and purchase their Commencement portraits will be posted on the University Commencement website soon after Commencement day.

  • Can I order announcements to give to family and friends?

    Yes, you can order official university Commencement announcements through Herff-Jones.