Tax LLM from TT? Forum

[omgomghi]

//mods, apologies if this type of post violates any rules

I have a friend graduating from a TT school (80s), around median. What would be his/her options for tax LLMs? I assume NYU is out, but what about GT on down?

Mostly interested in thoughts on admissions rather than the value of these LLMs in general. I know there’s skepticism around many of the non-NYU programs.

Thanks!

[QContinuum]

Georgetown's Tax LL.M. is worthwhile, so long as your friend understands BigLaw's more or less off the table and the "best realistically possible" (though still far from guaranteed!) outcome is Big 4 tax. UF and Northwestern are arguably worthwhile, and arguably not; to the extent they may be worthwhile, they almost solely place within their local market (Florida or Chicago). Tax LL.M. programs after Florida and Northwestern are generally not very helpful in increasing one's employability.

What are your friend's grades in tax classes? If s/he did well in tax classes, they may still have a realistic shot at Georgetown. And I guess it doesn't hurt to throw an app at NYU anyway. (Conversely, if your friend didn't take any tax classes, or didn't do well in the tax classes s/he took, then their chances would be lower, possibly much lower.) While overall law school GPA and law school rank are important, tax LL.M. admissions place especially great weight on tax grades, for obvious reasons.

[omgomghi]

Thanks for your thoughtful response. Good Q on grades in tax classes — I’m not sure but will ask.

Any thoughts on the NYU executive LLM?

[The Lsat Airbender]

Any thoughts on the NYU executive LLM?

It's for people who already have the job they want and need the LLM to progress further—generally, biglaw tax associates and therefore people who weren't median at a TT.

Like, read their website:

Admission and Program Requirements
Most of the students in the Executive LLM program are experienced attorneys who are located outside of the New York region. Current students include attorneys who work at law firms, accounting firms and in-house at corporations. They practice across the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia.

Admission to the Executive LLM program is highly selective. Executive LLM students must meet the same admission standard as our on-campus students. To apply, you must hold a first degree in law (JD or LLB) from a law school that is approved by the Section of Legal Education of the American Bar Association or a bachelor of law degree from a non-US law school approved by its foreign equivalent. For more information on application requirements, please visit our How to Apply page. If you would like to discuss which of our tax programs best suits your needs, please contact us.