UF Tax LLM Biglaw Chances Forum

[VanillaSalt]

I have been accepted all of the Tax LLM programs that I have applied to (NYU, GT, UF and UC Irvine). While I understand that NYU/GT give the best chances for getting into Biglaw, for financial reasons I will likely attend UF (or UCI).

What are the chances of getting Biglaw out of UF's Tax LLM, and what should I do to maximize my chances of getting Biglaw interviews given that most Biglaw firms only recruit at TIP, which only NYU/GT students have access to?

For context, my GPA was around median at a T14 but I did not get into Biglaw previously, and I returned to my home country to work for a few years in non-legal roles after graduation.

Any advice is welcome, harsh or not -- I need the reality check. Thank you!

[nealric]

I have been accepted all of the Tax LLM programs that I have applied to (NYU, GT, UF and UC Irvine). While I understand that NYU/GT give the best chances for getting into Biglaw, for financial reasons I will likely attend UF (or UCI).

What are the chances of getting Biglaw out of UF's Tax LLM, and what should I do to maximize my chances of getting Biglaw interviews given that most Biglaw firms only recruit at TIP, which only NYU/GT students have access to?

For context, my GPA was around median at a T14 but I did not get into Biglaw previously, and I returned to my home country to work for a few years in non-legal roles after graduation.

Any advice is welcome, harsh or not -- I need the reality check. Thank you!

Realistically, your chances of biglaw are far from certain, even from NYU. The T14 background may help, but you'd need to stars to align to get an offer. I wouldn't go to Florida unless you are ok without biglaw. You would have a pretty strong chance at a Big4 job.

In terms of maximizing chances, you may increase them somewhat with an ERISA or exec comp focus. They are typically less competitive than tax proper. Networking can help, but the location in Florida is a bit tough- there are only a handful (probably low single digit) number of entry level biglaw tax hires in the state of Florida each year. Biglaw outside of the region (i.e. DC/NYC) is going to be more focused on Georgetown/NYU. On top of that, you have some strong resumes out there right now from tax people with IRS/DOJ/Treasury experience, with potentially more coming over the next year or two.

[CanadianWolf]

Did you consider Northwestern's LLM Taxation program (since you attended law school at NU according to your user profile) ?

What type of work have you been engaged in since finishing law school in 2021 ?

Why tax law ? Any specific area of interest in tax ?

Typically, I would encourage you to attend NYU if you want Biglaw, then Georgetown, then Northwestern's tax LLM program. However, U Florida's LLM in Taxation programs appears to have changed its focus to foreign lawyers. Have you discussed (or researched) your career goals with the placement office at the University of Florida ?

Are you focused on UC-Irvine and U Florida because of cost of attendance ?

What is the overall COA for each tax LLM program to which you have been accepted ?

[VanillaSalt]

Nope, I didn't apply to NU. While I loved my time there, the winters were really too much for me to bear. I worked for my home government in a non-legal role related to national security.

I enjoyed my tax and trusts & estates classes during law school, and kinda regretted going down my non-legal career path. I'm particularly interested in T&E or private client work as I really like the idea of developing personal connections with my clients, and the sense of fulfillment I can get from helping them organize and get their matters in order.

It also helps that my home country is known as a private wealth hub and I know that I can likely find legal work as a US-trained lawyer back home when I need to return to take care of my own elderly parents eventually.

I have not researched my career goals with UF's placement office as I figured it's the only option I can afford right now, and that I will simply have to make the most out of it.

Yup I am focused on UF and UCI (mainly UF right now) because of COA... unfortunately there is zero chance I will go to NYU/GT despite being accepted by both programs because I can't afford them.

[nealric]

Nope, I didn't apply to NU. While I loved my time there, the winters were really too much for me to bear. I worked for my home government in a non-legal role related to national security.

I enjoyed my tax and trusts & estates classes during law school, and kinda regretted going down my non-legal career path. I'm particularly interested in T&E or private client work as I really like the idea of developing personal connections with my clients, and the sense of fulfillment I can get from helping them organize and get their matters in order.

It also helps that my home country is known as a private wealth hub and I know that I can likely find legal work as a US-trained lawyer back home when I need to return to take care of my own elderly parents eventually.

I have not researched my career goals with UF's placement office as I figured it's the only option I can afford right now, and that I will simply have to make the most out of it.

Yup I am focused on UF and UCI (mainly UF right now) because of COA... unfortunately there is zero chance I will go to NYU/GT despite being accepted by both programs because I can't afford them.

It may be worth writing a beg letter for a price reduction. Sometimes GULC/NYU does offer scholarships for the LLM programs.