The Best Schools And Programs for Tax Law

Searching for a program with strong international flavor? Then take a look at the University of Miami, which emphasizes taxation concepts in multiple jurisdictions. In fact, the school offers an LL.M. in Taxation of Cross-Border Investment and a concentration in International Taxes. In addition, the faculty features a blend of private practioners who’ve operated overseas and public servants who’ve worked in agencies like the Treasury Department and the IRS.  Despite an average of 30 students participating in the program, the university offers nearly 25 courses related to tax law.

Harvard Law students can enroll in 10 tax-related courses while pursuing their J.D. and LL.M. Students can also earn a $5000 Sidney I. Roberts prize for authoring the best paper on taxation. Student papers submitted to law journals and competitions are also eligible for prize money and a trip to the Federal Bar Association’s Annual Tax Law Conference. Harvard offers a separate international tax program too. The faculty includes Robert H. Sitkoff, who co-authored Wills, Trusts, and Estates, the leading text in the field.

The University of San Diego brands itself as the “top LL.M. in Taxation program west of the Mississippi.” As result, it enjoys an impressive alumni network in both the public and private sectors. Their tax law program, which is available to both full-time and part-time students, includes four foundational courses and 25 electives. Aside from its full-time faculty’s deep commitment to scholarship, the program is also distinguished by experiential learning initiatives. For example, students can participate in Federal and State tax clinics, where they represent low income and delinquent taxpayers in everything from drafting briefs to negotiating settlements.

Based near the home of Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, the University of Washington delivers a rigorous tax law LL.M. curriculum that includes eight required courses (and 15 electives). Along with a Federal Tax Clinic, where students can represent low income clients before the IRS, students can also enroll in an Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, where they assist tech start-ups and small business owners with launching and sustaining their businesses.