Each year, thousands of alumni, friends, law firms and corporations throughout the world make a gift to Vanderbilt Law School. Please read below and visit the following links to learn about the many ways you can show your support and get involved with one of the nation's finest law schools.
The Vanderbilt Law School Annual Fund represents the steady stream of unrestricted gifts from alumni and friends each year. This annual support helps bridge the gap between student tuition and the actual operating costs, allowing the law school to recruit and retain high-quality faculty and provide financial assistance to deserving students. Gifts to the Annual Fund are available for immediate use, giving Dean Chris Guthrie the flexibility to meet the school's most pressing needs.
Financial aid is often the single deciding factor in whether a student chooses Vanderbilt Law School over another institution. Among the nation's top 20 law schools, Vanderbilt ranks 15th in the amount of scholarship money it offers per student. While 85% of law school students receive financial aid from Vanderbilt, much of that aid comes in the form of loans to be repaid after graduation. The law school needs additional scholarships to continue to attract talented students to Vanderbilt and ensure that graduates are free to pursue meaningful work in the private or public sector.
The Vanderbilt law faculty's outstanding scholarship commands attention nationally and internationally. Yet, on any given day, the vast majority of the law school's faculty can be found in their offices and classrooms, available to students and energetically involved in the life of the school. To retain such exceptional professors and to attract talented new faculty, the ability to offer endowed chair places the law school at a decided advantage. The recognition and honor an endowed chair confers upon the faculty member holding it are vital incentives in a dynamic market where the best faculty are in great demand.
Other Restricted Gifts
At times, the law school embarks on a special project that requires the financial support of our alumni and friends. In addition, the law school maintains many special funds to meet specific needs. Restricted gifts help support endeavors such as faculty research, term scholarships, the moot court program, public interest stipends and the legal clinic. You are always welcome to designate your contribution as you choose. If you would like to restrict your gift, please include a note to that effect when making the donation.
Many areas of the law school building are still available for naming. By naming a room or other area, you can assure that your legacy, or that of a loved one, will live on for years to come. Naming opportunities exist for a wide variety of giving levels.
For more information on making a gift to Vanderbilt Law School, please contact the Development & Alumni Relations staff.
"Applying as I did in August 1975 for VLS' entering fall 1L class, I had no business being admitted. That the law school was willing to do so earned my undying gratitude, which only grew with the education I received, the culture I encountered (both at the law school and on the campus generally), the lasting friendships I made, and the classmate I met and married. And my son, who was A&S 2006, had an equally wonderful experience. It is an exciting university in the process of fulfilling its potential to be among the best, and it both needs and warrants our support as it goes there.” —Nathaniel Cartmell, JD’78
“A Vanderbilt education would not have been possible for me without generous financial support. While there, I learned every day alongside outstanding faculty, staff, and of course, students. I give to support students during their time as Commodores, especially those who have a strong desire to serve their communities. My gift is a symbol of the values I experienced at Vanderbilt: service, opportunity and love.” —Sara Muller, BA’12
"I give to Vanderbilt because the experience shaped my character and who I am today. From fond memories with friends and faculty to eventual job opportunities that came forth based on being a Vanderbilt graduate, I’m constantly reminded of how fortunate I am to have gone there and will forever feel indebted.” —Sarah McGlamery, BS’03
"I value the education I received at Vanderbilt because it helped me to broaden my perspectives, experiences and self-image. I’ve never been able to give large gifts, but as an ordinary alumnus, it is important for me to give back to Vanderbilt every year, partially repaying those whose past gifts made my education possible.” —William Russell Young, BA’56
Call us at (615) 322-2606
Mailing address:
Vanderbilt Law School
Development & Alumni Relations
131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
