The development of strong writing and research skills is considered a fundamental part of a Vermont Law School education. The Legal Writing Program is a highly individualized program designed to familiarize students with legal research techniques and to develop writing and reasoning skills. During the fall of the first year, students are introduced to the techniques of legal writing. In the spring the focus is on persuasive legal writing and the lawyering skills necessary to resolve legal disputes.
Students draft memoranda of law to the court and present oral arguments.
In the fall of the second year, students take Moot Court. Each student researches a case currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court and writes an appellate brief. At the end of the semester students present oral arguments before a panel of practicing lawyers and judges. Every student must also complete a substantial written project during the second or third year.