Department of Education Regulation

Professional Licensure Disclosures

The criteria for eligibility admission to the bar are regulated separately by each state, district, and territory within the United States. Federal law requires Vanderbilt to disclose to all admitted students if the degrees offered by Vanderbilt will qualify them to sit for the bar exam of the state of their residence.

Vanderbilt Law School is an ABA-accredited school and our J.D. degree program is capable of satisfying this requirement in every state, as shown in the chart below. Each state, however, has specific requirements for admission distinct from Vanderbilt’s graduation requirements. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met the specific requirements of the state in which they intend to practice. The law school makes available courses that satisfy states’ requirements, and the Academic Life Office provides counseling so students can select an appropriate course of study.

Students and applicants to law school are strongly encouraged to contact the bar admissions authority in the jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission for detailed information regarding the eligibility requirements to be admitted to the bar.* Information on each state's rules and a directory of state bar admission agencies can also be found in the ABA's Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements.

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students should familiarize themselves with updated policies and procedures for bar examinations in their jurisdiction of choice.