Vermont Law School Centers, Institutes, and Legal Clinics
Vermont Law School (VLS) provides a robust ecosystem of specialized centers, research institutes, and experiential clinics designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and legal practice. By focusing on critical global challenges—ranging from climate change and food security to social justice and land conservation—the institution prepares students to become leaders in public policy and legal advocacy.
Key Facts
- Top-Ranked Programs: The Environmental Law Center is consistently top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
- Diverse Degrees: Offers specialized degrees including the Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) and Master of Laws (LLM).
- Pioneering Work: Established the first legal clinic in Russia in 1994 at Petrozavodsk State University.
- National Recognition: The General Practice Program is a recipient of the ABA's E. Smythe Gambrell Award for Professionalism.
- Specialized Focus: Home to one of the few clinics in the U.S. dedicated specifically to environmental justice.
Law Centers and Research Institutes
The research institutes at VLS serve as hubs for scholarly inquiry and policy development, providing resources for both the public and private sectors.
Environmental Law Center (ELC)
Founded in 1978 by eight master's degree students, the ELC has grown into a premier institution for environmental legal studies. It confers both the Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) and the Master of Laws in Environmental Law (LLM).
Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS)
CAFS is dedicated to training advocates and entrepreneurs within the new food movement. It offers a JD Certificate in Food and Agriculture, as well as Master's and LLM degrees in Food and Agriculture Law and Policy. As the most comprehensive sustainable food, agriculture, and environmental law graduate program in the country, CAFS also publishes extensive resources on policy topics.
Institute for Energy & the Environment (IEE)
The IEE acts as a global resource for energy law and policy. It provides a full curriculum, Energy Summer seminars, and a certificate of concentration. The institute focuses on graduate research with an environmental awareness, utilizing a research team selected from top energy and environmental students.
Environmental Tax Policy Institute
This institute analyzes how taxation can be used to solve environmental problems. It serves as a resource for academia, the press, NGOs, and government sectors to inform the debate on local, state, and federal environmental taxes.
Land Use Institute (LUI)
The LUI focuses on sustainable society development through land use law. Key areas of focus include smart growth (urban planning that avoids sprawl), ecological planning, affordable housing, and flood hazard mitigation. LUI collaborates with faculty, students, and nonprofit partners to support regional planning agencies and prepare critical legislation.
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Clinics and Experiential Programs
Experiential learning is central to the VLS curriculum, allowing students to apply legal principles to real-world cases under professional supervision.
Environmental and Energy Advocacy
- Environmental Advocacy Clinic: Supports major conservation organizations and community groups. In 2019, it was selected by the National Wildlife Federation to lead its national legal advocacy work.
- Environmental Justice Clinic: Launched in 2019, this clinic provides legal services to low-income communities and communities of color to fight the unjust distribution of pollution.
- Energy Clinic: Established in 2014, this clinic focuses on renewable energy and climate justice (the fair treatment of all people regardless of race or income regarding climate change impacts).
Community and Public Service
- Food and Agriculture Clinic: Addresses challenges in food security, animal welfare, public health, and land justice through partnerships at all levels.
- South Royalton Legal Clinic: Provides essential legal aid to Vermont residents who cannot afford counsel, covering bankruptcy, family law, immigration, and veterans' issues.
- Immigration Clinic: Expanded in 2020 with the opening of the Burlington satellite office to assist Vermonters with immigration law.
Legislative and Professional Development
- Legislative Clinic: Students work with the Vermont General Assembly and the Vermont Legislative Council on bills, amendments, and research.
- General Practice Program (GPP): Instituted in 1987, this program focuses on advancing professionalism in the practice of law.
- Legal Clinic of Petrozavodsk State University: A landmark international collaboration that opened Russia's first legal clinic in 1994.
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Program Summary
| Program Type | Key Focus Area | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Research Institute | Environmental Law | Consistently top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report |
| Research Institute | Food & Agriculture | Most comprehensive sustainable food law program in the US |
| Legal Clinic | Environmental Justice | Dedicated to low-income and communities of color |
| Legal Clinic | Energy & Climate | Focuses on renewable energy and climate justice |
| Legal Clinic | Public Interest | South Royalton clinic serves indigent Vermont residents |
Frequently Asked Questions
What degrees are offered by the Environmental Law Center?
The Environmental Law Center confers both the Master of Environmental Law and Policy (MELP) and the Master of Laws in Environmental Law (LLM).
How does the Land Use Institute contribute to sustainable development?
The LUI advances sustainable society goals by focusing on smart growth, ecological planning, affordable housing, and land conservation strategies, while providing direct support to regional planning agencies.
What is the focus of the Environmental Justice Clinic?
Launched in 2019, the clinic provides legal services to communities of color and low-income populations to combat the unjust distribution of pollution sources.
Does Vermont Law School have international programs?
Yes, VLS established the first legal clinic in Russia in 1994 at Petrozavodsk State University, supported by the Council of Judges.
What can students do in the Legislative Clinic?
Students work under attorney supervision to support the Vermont General Assembly by drafting bills and amendments, conducting research, and attending committee hearings.