Course Descriptions
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Fall 2016 LLM in Taxation Class Descriptions
Advanced Business Planning (LWTE505)
Instructor(s): Staff
2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I or its equivalent, Corporations or its equivalent (at the JD level)
The course consists of a series of planning problems that arise in connection with the formation and operation of a corporation. Attention will be directed to the corporate law, securities law and tax law issues related to each event with emphasis placed on active class participation in problem solving and selection of alternative solutions. For each seminar meeting there will be ungraded homework assignments directed to issues raised with each problem. The final examination will consist of a 72 hour take-home examination and problem.
Agency Externship (LWVL596)
Instructor(s): John Sansone
1-3 credit(s), P/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Civil Litigation (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), Employment and Labor Law (JD), Health Law (JD), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Criminal Law (LLMG), Employment and Labor Law (LLMG)
The Agency Externship Program provides students the opportunity to gain valuable clinical legal experience for academic credit with a government agency or non-profit organization during the fall, spring or summer semesters. (The externship program does not allow students to receive academic credit for working in a private law firm). Students may enroll in the Agency Externship Course for 1 - 3 units of credit and must complete a minimum of 50 hours per credit (100 hours for 2 credits and 150 hours for 3 credits) of Externship work and activities (e.g., observing a trial).
Academic requirements include: mandatory orientation, journals between student and professor relating to the field placement; a three-five page reflective paper at the end of the semester; an example of work product for professor review; and, satisfactory completion of work experience. The externship is graded on a Pass-Fail basis.
If you have been offered and have accepted a field placement, meet the eligibility requirements, agree to meet the course obligations and want to register for the Externship course, fill out the Field Placement Form. The Office of Career and Professional Development will then confirm your placement and instruct you on registering for the course.
Contact lawcareers@sandiego.edu with placement questions. Contact Professor Margaret Dalton, Faculty Director, at mdalton@sandiego.edu with academic questions.
Note: There are limitations on JD concentration eligibility. Please check the JD concentration web pages for more information. Contact Law Student Affairs to find out if your Agency Internship qualifies for a concentration.
Additional Information: JD Concentrations Web Page, Email Law Student Affairs
Corporate Tax (LWTE560)
Instructor(s): Staff
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I
The course involves a study of the basic concepts of federal income taxation of C corporations and their shareholders, including organization of corporations; cash and stock dividends; redemptions of stock; partial and complete liquidations; sales of corporate businesses and reorganizations. Taxation of corporations is compared with taxation of partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations. The emphasis is on careful analysis of Code provisions, Treasury Regulations, other administrative materials and important judicial decisions in relation to problems that are frequently assigned in advance of class discussion.
Note: This is a required course for the Business and Corporate Law Concentration (JD).
Federal Estate & Gift Taxation (LWTE530)
Instructor(s): Miranda Perry Fleischer
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I
This survey course provides an introduction to the federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes, with attention to the treatment of various types of inter vivos and testamentary dispositions. Students who enroll in this course should already have taken Tax I (Federal Income Taxation).Trusts & Estates is recommended but not required.
Federal Tax Clinic I (LWVL555)
Instructor(s): Richard Carpenter
2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I
This is a hands-on clinical course for students who wish to develop tax controversy skills. Students working under the supervision of the Tax Clinic supervising attorney will represent low income taxpayers in resolving their tax disputes with the IRS. Students will learn client interviewing skills, how to interact with IRS personnel, and how to effectively resolve a client’s federal tax dispute. Students must also be available to participate in Tax Clinic Outreach presentations at various community locations and times. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.
Students must attend a mandatory orientation on Friday, August 26th from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in WH 3B.
Federal Tax Clinic II (LWVL556)
Instructor(s): Richard Carpenter
1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I
Clinic II interns refine their skills, working on complex cases and cases already begun as Clinic I interns. Students may mentor first time clinic participants, serve as lead attorney on cases, and have additional opportunities to appear in court or administrative proceedings. Supervising attorneys/adjunct professors provide individualized coaching, based on the Clinic II interns’ needs and interests. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clinic I in the same clinic. The clinic is graded on a 4-tier Pass-Fail basis.
Federal Tax Procedure (LWTE535)
Instructor(s): Staff
2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I
A study of the administrative procedures with reference to the audit of tax returns; information-gathering; practice before the IRS; pre-litigation administrative procedures; U.S. Tax Court litigation and rules of practice; settlement procedures and trial strategies; tax refund litigation, including preparation of claims for refund, jurisdictional prerequisites, and strategies; preparation of ruling requests; offers in compromise; collection; penalties and interest; and criminal tax investigations.
Finance & Accounting for Lawyers (LWBC555)
Instructor(s): Brian Brinig
2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)
Much of the practice of law relates to financial issues. This two-credit course deals with understanding and analyzing financial statements, basic business valuation techniques and their importance in litigation matters, economic damages calculations (both personal injury and business damages), and concepts of present value. Understanding these financial concepts is critical to lawyers who encounter them daily in their practices. The course is designed for the student who does not have a sophisticated background in accounting or finance.
International Taxation (LWTE539)
Instructor(s): Dennis Lilly
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), International Law (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), LLM in International Law (LLMI), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), International Law (MSLS), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I
This basic course in international taxation will focus on the principles relating to the taxation of foreign persons (individuals as well as legal entities) by the United States and the U.S. taxation of income received by U.S. individuals and entities from activities abroad. Topics will include principles of international tax jurisdiction; rules relating to the source of income and deductions; the foreign tax credit; Section 482 and transfer pricing; foreign currency translations; international double taxation treaties and an introduction to controlled foreign corporations.
Non-Profit Law (LWTE562)
Instructor(s): Miranda Perry Fleischer
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
This course takes a life-cycle approach to examine the legal and policy issues raised by non-profits. It covers the formation of a non-profit under state law, qualification for federal tax exemption, fiduciary duty issues, restrictions on private benefit and political activity, the unrelated business income tax, the charitable deduction, and the private foundation rules. Throughout the course, attention will also be paid to the broader social questions raised by giving, charities, and philanthropy. Grade determined by final examination. Prerequisite: Tax I is recommended but not required.
Partnership Tax (LWTE545)
Instructor(s): Staff
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
This course considers the federal tax consequences of entity classification of partnership and limited liability companies; formation of a partnership; basis of partnership interests and assets; effect of liabilities on basis; allocation of income and deductions; partnership elections; continuation, merger, and termination of partnerships; family partnerships; sales and exchanges of partnership interests; liquidating and non-liquidating distributions; retiring partners; and pertinent policy considerations.
Note: This class is only open to LLM in Taxation students who are graduating in December 2015.
State Income Tax Clinic I (LWVL560)
Instructor(s): Staff
2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)
This litigation clinic, also known as the "Taxpayer Appeals Assistance Program (TAAP) - Franchise and Income Tax," is a joint effort between the USD Legal Clinics and the California State Board of Equalization (BOE). Under supervision of an attorney from the BOE's Taxpayer Rights Advocate Office, students assist taxpayers with state income tax disputes against the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Students receive legal practice skills training, including gathering and identifying evidence, drafting legal briefs, and representing clients/taxpayers in negotiations with the FTB and at oral hearings before the BOE.
Students must attend a mandatory orientation on Friday, August 26th from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in WH 3B.
State Income Tax Clinic II (LWVL561)
Instructor(s): Staff
1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I
Clinic II interns refine their skills, working on complex cases and cases already begun as Clinic I interns. Students may mentor first time clinic participants, serve as lead attorney on cases, and have additional opportunities to appear in court or administrative proceedings. Supervising attorneys/adjunct professors provide individualized coaching, based on the Clinic II interns’ needs and interests. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clinic I in the same clinic.
State Sales & Use Tax Clinic I (LWVL562)
Instructor(s): Michael Larkin
2-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)
This clinic is a joint effort between USD Legal Clinics and the California State Board of Equalization (BOE). Under the supervision of an attorney from the BOE’s Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office, students will represent clients who are appealing California Sales and Use Tax determinations (tax bills). Students will have the opportunity to gain practical legal skills including client interview and counseling, evidence gathering, preparing legal briefs, and actual negotiation with auditors and attorneys. Furthermore, when necessary, students will have the opportunity to represent clients in a litigation setting at Appeals Conferences (informal hearings) and Oral Hearings (similar to court trials).
Students must attend a mandatory orientation on Friday, August 26th from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in WH 3B.
State Sales & Use Tax Clinic II (LWVL563)
Instructor(s): Michael Larkin
1-4 credit(s), H/P/L/F Graded
Requirement(s): Skills
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT)
Clinic II interns refine their skills, working on complex cases and cases already begun as Clinic I interns. Students may mentor first time clinic participants, serve as lead attorney on cases, and have additional opportunities to appear in court or administrative proceedings. Supervising attorneys/adjunct professors provide individualized coaching, based on the Clinic II interns’ needs and interests. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Clinic I in the same clinic.
Tax Practice & Penalties (LWTE574)
Instructor(s): Ronson Shamoun
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I
This course will examine the range of penalties that must be considered when advising on transactional tax and tax controversy matters, and it will provide a thorough background for preparing opinion letters in an effort to prevent and defend against penalties. Both transactional tax advisers and tax controversy attorneys must have a comprehensive knowledge of these penalties in order to satisfy their professional obligations. Transactional tax advisers must consider penalties when structuring business deals and will need to reference them when preparing opinion letters. Tax controversy attorneys will need to understand and be able to adequately defend against the assessment of penalties to effectively represent their client in settlement and court proceedings.
In this class we will examine relevant statutes, regulations, and case law. The class will focus on substantive and procedural law and on practical legal strategies when confronted with these issues. We will examine the statutory, regulatory, and ethical standards governing those who practice in the tax field, including the applicability of Circular 230 and other state rules regulating an attorney’s professional conduct. There will be a few guest speakers throughout the course from various firms and agencies who will discuss the application of tax penalties to their practice and work along with examples of current cases they are working on. Nearly every class will touch on a tax practitioner’s ethical obligations as they pertain to Circular 230. In addition to the statutes and opinion letters, we will also be discussing methods of proof and defenses of penalties, which are crucial to successfully representing a client.
Taxation of Intellectual Property (LWTE572)
Instructor(s): Staff
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Intellectual Property (JD), Intellectual Property (LLMUS), Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Intellectual Property Law (LLMG), Intellectual Property Law (MSLS)
Intellectual Property development and exploitation are very significant for many businesses. This requires attention to IP legal protection and dispute resolution, but also to IP taxation in both the US and abroad. This course addresses key tax challenges and opportunities – in both the US and selected other countries – affecting IP development and exploitation. The course first focuses on basic tax rules such as treatment of income and expenses as ordinary or capital, source of income, timing of income recognition, and the effects of tax treaties on taxation of cross-border IP transactions. The course then applies such rules to selected business arrangements involving IP such as sales, licenses and cost sharing arrangements, financing techniques such as securitization, and business combinations such as mergers and joint ventures. The aim is to impart solutions for developing and exploiting IP in light of US and other tax rules. At the beginning of the course, students are assigned to teams. Each team is provided with a brief case study proposing one or more of the IP business arrangements covered in the course. In the final sessions of the course, each team makes a presentation and provides a paper covering key tax challenges and opportunities presented by its case study. One or more previous courses in taxation and/or intellectual property law are recommended but not required.
Taxation of Property Transactions (LWTE575)
Instructor(s): Phillip Jelsma
2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Taxation (LLMUS), LLM in Taxation (LLMT), Taxation (MSLS)
Prerequisite(s): Tax I (LLM students may take this concurrently)
This course examines practical planning opportunities involving closed sales, open sales, deferred payment reporting, installment sales elections, imputed interest, cost recovery reporting, two-way and three-way real estate exchanges, all-inclusive trust deeds, subordinated financing, midpoint refinancing, and negative basis. Considerable emphasis is placed on understanding interest concepts such as mortgage annual constant percentages, lump sum and annuity present value analysis, and real rate of return (after inflation) analysis.