Come earn your Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation at one of the best Tax LLM programs on the West Coast and California. The LLM in Taxation prepares attorneys for the private practice of tax law, for in-house counsel positions, for legal positions in large accounting firms and for positions in taxing agencies at the state and federal levels.
The Tax LLM program at USD School of Law features a highly flexible curriculum, several opportunities for hands-on practical learning, and experienced faculty members from some of the top tax firms in the region. Do not miss out on a unique opportunity to develop sought-after skills in tax law! Click here to learn about our Tax LLM Online program.
Faculty
Our Tax LLM faculty include some of the nation’s top tax law scholars and tax practitioners. Our adjunct professors include partners from the big four public accounting firms, prominent tax lawyers, and tax professionals from other Fortune 500 companies. The low student-to-faculty ratio ensures every student has access to an individualized learning experience.
Curriculum
The Tax LLM curriculum at the USD School of Law combines traditional classroom instruction with unique hands-on experiences designed to educate practice-ready tax lawyers. Our curriculum is also highly flexible. With few required courses and a wide range of electives, you can tailor your Tax LLM experience to fit your interests and meet your professional goals.
Professional Development
As the only Tax LLM program in San Diego – a city that is home to all the big four accounting firms, industry leaders in energy and biotech, and more – our graduates are always in high demand. Our professional development programs ensure that our graduates are practice-ready when they graduate and able to immediately contribute wherever their professional lives may take them.
Learn more about our professional development programs
Events
The Tax LLM program at the USD School of Law hosts an array of events and speakers designed to expose students, faculty and alumni to the latest advances in tax law. Our renowned Tax Speaker Series and the Richard Crawford Pugh Lecture on Tax Law and Policy bring to campus some of the nation’s top tax scholars every year.
Why Get an LLM in Taxation?
Professor Fleischer Explains the Tax LLM
Hear from a Tax LLM Alum
#10
ranked Tax LLM Program in the Nation (LLM Guide)
1,000+
Tax LLM alumni
6:1
student-to-faculty ratio
The One-Semester Advantage
All JD students enrolled at ABA-accredited law schools have the unique opportunity to earn an LLM in Taxation in just one additional semester after completion of the JD degree. Up to 12 credits of advanced tax courses (excluding Tax I), taken as a JD student within 30 months of enrolling in the LLM in Taxation program may be applied toward advanced standing for the Tax LLM degree. Students considering this option should contact Graduate and International Programs for planning and advice.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
The Tax LLM program at the USD School of Law emphasizes hands-on training that bridges the gap between the classroom and “real world” practice. The California State Tax Clinic and Federal Tax Clinic at the USD Legal Clinics provides students with an opportunity to work with real clients to resolve tax-related disputes. Students who participate in one of the tax clinics at USD receive practical training in legal skills including interviewing clients, identifying evidence, drafting appeals briefs, and representing clients in negotiations with the State Board and at hearings. Learn more about the USD Legal Clinics.
An Extensive Alumni Network
As one of the nation’s oldest Tax LLM programs, our alumni network is extensive. Immediately upon joining the Tax LLM program at the USD School of Law, students are welcomed into a professional community of over 1,000 graduates working in every tax-related field around the globe. Our alumni take an active interest in the success of our students, offering career guidance and innumerable professional connections into the world of tax law. The success of our alumni means that graduates of the USD Tax LLM program are held in high esteem throughout the San Diego tax community. Learn more about our extensive alumni network.
Educating the San Diego Tax Community
The Tax LLM program at the USD School of Law partners with local firms to host several conferences and events. Conferences include the USD School of Law - Chamberlain International Tax Conference and the USD School of Law - RJS LAW Tax Institute. These conferences bring together top tax scholars and professionals to discuss the latest evolutions and advancements in tax law. They also provide students with the opportunity to develop important professional connections and experience how the law is continually reshaped and reformed. Learn more about tax conferences at the USD School of Law.