Llm tax v MS Accounting Forum

[Legalchicken91]

I am in a somewhat hopeless situation and need some solid advice. I'm a 3L graduating in May from a 4th tier school (possibly the worst law school in the country in one of the most saturated markets in the country.) I did not have stellar grades and always ranked in the top 50% of my class. I will be graduating with a $100K in debt. Why did I make a bunch of irresponsible decisions? I am not sure; I was young and new to this country and somehow going to law school seemed like a good idea at the time... I am not a lazy person and have a solid immigration law related experience ranging from non-profit to fed gov and private law firm. None of the internships were obtained through the OCI, they've been the most useless career advisors I've ever met in my life, my undergrad university with over 50,000 students seemed to manage their career services better. So what's my point? I'm moving to the northeast for personal reasons where I have absolutely no connections,'my school won't connect me with anybody and I have no idea what am I going to do post graduation. A couple people suggested to me I should start my own immigration firm and I feel confident in my skills but the idea of being on my own so soon scares me and intimidates me. I have been reading a lot about the LLM in tax and seeing how much I enjoy the immigration code and filling out petitions/visas I think I would be good at it. However I am soon turning 26 and I feel like I can't bet on another unknown, more debt and hopes for employment. I have no background in finance or business but maybe a Masters in Accountimg and sitting for the CPA could give me some edge? If I don't figure out what to do I will be soon joining the ranks of unemployed law students from my school. This is sad and it's not how I've pictured my future. Thanks for reading.

[mvp99]

Hey sorry to hear things have not worked out. Unfortunately, you're not alone.

About the CPA, I wouldn't do it. The "edge" is not worth it and it is more of a marketing tool for law firms. If you want to be a CPA, then by all means go ahead but not for law. It is nice to have a business background for law but it is not required. Getting an LLM in tax might only work if its from GT or NYU. Even then its a pretty big risk and you'll be taking on more debt. Have you tried getting an immigration law gig at a small law firm in the northeast? Seems like you best bet right now. Good luck.

[dabigchina]

don't get a MS in accounting. If you go where I think you go, you definitely should not look at getting any sort of accounting degree from there.

Go work in immigration for a few years.

[nealric]

I am in a somewhat hopeless situation and need some solid advice. I'm a 3L graduating in May from a 4th tier school (possibly the worst law school in the country in one of the most saturated markets in the country.) I did not have stellar grades and always ranked in the top 50% of my class. I will be graduating with a $100K in debt. Why did I make a bunch of irresponsible decisions? I am not sure; I was young and new to this country and somehow going to law school seemed like a good idea at the time... I am not a lazy person and have a solid immigration law related experience ranging from non-profit to fed gov and private law firm. None of the internships were obtained through the OCI, they've been the most useless career advisors I've ever met in my life, my undergrad university with over 50,000 students seemed to manage their career services better. So what's my point? I'm moving to the northeast for personal reasons where I have absolutely no connections,'my school won't connect me with anybody and I have no idea what am I going to do post graduation. A couple people suggested to me I should start my own immigration firm and I feel confident in my skills but the idea of being on my own so soon scares me and intimidates me. I have been reading a lot about the LLM in tax and seeing how much I enjoy the immigration code and filling out petitions/visas I think I would be good at it. However I am soon turning 26 and I feel like I can't bet on another unknown, more debt and hopes for employment. I have no background in finance or business but maybe a Masters in Accountimg and sitting for the CPA could give me some edge? If I don't figure out what to do I will be soon joining the ranks of unemployed law students from my school. This is sad and it's not how I've pictured my future. Thanks for reading.

Tax is a very different practice than immigration, and tax law is very different from tax accounting. Based on your background, I wouldn't attempt either. You are absolutely betting on the unknown attempting to switch to tax this late in the game.