Elon University School of Law announced Wednesday they will offer a dual-degree program with Vermont School of Law beginning fall 2015.
Participants of the two-and-a-half year program will receive both a Juris Doctor degree from Elon Law and a Master of Environmental Law and Policy degree from Vermont Law School, the top-ranked law school for environmental law.
“We at Elon Law are delighted to partner with Vermont Law School to equip students to address many of the most pressing challenges facing businesses, governments and international institutions today,” Luke Bierman, dean of Elon Law, said in a statement released by Elon Law School. “We are not only broadening opportunities available to Elon Law students through this partnership, we are also creating more avenues for future lawyers to address major societal challenges, and we’re excited to do so in this instance with the nation’s premier environmental law school.”
In addition to having the opportunity to take Vermont Law School online courses, Elon Law students enrolled in the program will spend two summers taking environmental classes at Vermont Law School's campus.
During their second summer at Vermont Law School, students will have the opportunity to work at the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic.
“Reflecting Elon Law’s experience-based approach to legal education, the JD/MELP dual-degree program will be infused with on-the-job learning, including full-time residencies in environmental law organizations,” Faith Rivers James, Elon Law associate dean for experiential learning and leadership, said in a statement released by Elon Law.