The Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program at Vanderbilt University Law School offers a rigorous academic experience in a collaborative and supportive environment.
At Vanderbilt Law, students learn from a renowned faculty of top legal scholars and gain the necessary skills to adapt to and excel in an ever-evolving legal environment. From an innovative curriculum to experiential learning opportunities that bring about real-world change, Vanderbilt helps J.D. students prepare for the complete spectrum of career paths for lawyers.
At Vanderbilt University Law School, we intentionally keep our student body small to enrich the learning experience. Our faculty cultivates an “open-door” environment to ensure you and your peers can meaningfully connect with some of the nation’s leading legal scholars and cultivate lasting relationships.
Smaller class sizes within our J.D. program also help build a strong rapport between classmates, fostering mutual support, respect, and collaboration. As you progress through your studies, you and your fellow law students share a joint commitment to challenge yourselves and each other to excel as legal professionals.
Our J.D. degree program emphasizes learning through experience. In addition to traditional law courses, students can work as research assistants for Vanderbilt’s expert faculty members, embark on semester-long independent study projects, or undertake transformative externships.
J.D. students can also strengthen their professional skills by working in one of our eight legal clinics or serve the local Nashville community by committing to our pro bono pledge. For innovative learning experiences, students can engage with cutting-edge initiatives like the Vanderbilt AI Law Lab (VAILL), where students learn how to use Artificial Intelligence to increase access to quality legal services. Students interested in political economy and regulation can join the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator (VPA) and engage in the process of policy research, education, and proposals.
With a broad spectrum of academic experiences, Vanderbilt Law integrates theory into practice, transforming education and preparing students for a thriving career in law.
As a Vanderbilt Law School graduate, you will enjoy national mobility. Our global alumni network, trustworthy academic reputation, and long-standing relationships with legal employers from coast to coast help you stand apart and support your post-graduation success.
In recent years, more than 80% of our graduates have secured out-of-state employment. Additionally, more than 10% of the members of each graduating class typically secure federal or state judicial clerkships or enter federal legal department honors programs.
At Vanderbilt, students find more than rigorous academics and top-tier career opportunities. They find an engaged community where classmates, professors, staff, and alumni are invested in their success. Students and faculty share what makes the Vanderbilt J.D. experience so distinctive.
Our Juris Doctor program delivers a holistic legal education created to elevate your expertise and propel your future forward.
As a first-year law student, your coursework focuses on building fundamental competencies and cultivating a comprehensive understanding of civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, and more. You also take skill-based classes to refine your written and verbal communication and strengthen your reasoning and analysis.
In your second and third years, you have more opportunities to personalize your education through electives and pursue specific areas of interest through our academic programs. Explore frontier fields of law and their emerging challenges, such as the legal implications of artificial intelligence, mental health law, or climate change and environmental law.
For a more detailed outline of required law courses and electives you’ll take, review our J.D. degree program curriculum.
Whatever your scholarly interests may be, Vanderbilt Law has a course for you. We offer 10 academic programs that allow students to tailor their graduate education to suit their professional goals. During their time in the J.D. degree program, students can choose from the following areas of study and take a deep dive into the fields of law that most interest them.
At Vanderbilt, students learn from the nation’s best. Our faculty—ranked fourth in the country by the Princeton Review—brings a broad range of expertise and unique perspectives to enrich J.D. students’ education. They serve as leading scholars across many disciplines, from international economics to environmental and property law. With their support inside and outside the classroom, J.D. students receive the high-quality instruction and guidance they need to excel.
Faculty Profile: Farhang Heydari
Faculty Profile: Matthew Patrick Shaw
Faculty Profile: Rebecca Haw Allensworth
Due to the academic rigor of our J.D. degree and intentionally small class sizes, the admissions process is holistic but highly selective. Our admissions committee uses this process to assess how Vanderbilt Law’s program aligns with your goals and gauge your ability to perform in our academic setting.
Because the application process has numerous intricacies, we recommend starting early to ensure you have enough time to gather your materials.
Review the complete application process for Vanderbilt’s Juris Doctor program.
Applications open
Binding Early Decision Deadline
Regular Decision Deadline
Vanderbilt Law strives to break down financial barriers, empowering students of all backgrounds to pursue their dream of becoming a lawyer. From awarding need-based grants and merit scholarships during the admissions process to stabilizing tuition costs, we take proactive measures to help students invest in their education and their future.
Elizabeth pursued a public interest career through social justice fellowships, journals, and the opportunity to have classes alongside inmates at the women’s prison in Nashville.
For Miles, Vanderbilt didn’t just help him secure a job offer or become a more analytical thinker; it helped him understand why lawyers think and act the way they do.
Through coursework, peers, and faculty, Anna found a way to merge her interest in international law with a corporate legal setting.
Dive into an immersive legal education at Vanderbilt Law School. Grounded in a rich academic tradition, our Juris Doctor degree program equips you with a thorough understanding of the U.S. legal system, equips you with a broad range of skills, and inspires you to pursue a thriving career in law.
Take the next step toward your future. Apply to Vanderbilt and make a lasting impact.
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