This post comes to us from Boston University School of Law
BU Law’s Graduate Tax Program (GTP), established in 1959 as one of the nation’s first graduate tax programs, stands as one of the best. It currently ranks second in the nation, according to the National Law Journal. We are #5 in tax studies among US law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. And for four consecutive years, we’ve been ranked among the country’s top five LL.M. in Taxation programs in the annual TaxTalent survey of corporate tax department heads.
Employers value the BU Law LL.M. credential because it signals rigorous training and superior preparation. Simply put, we equip students with the practical skills required for immediate success in the field of taxation, whether they earn the degree through residential studies in Boston, online from home, or through a combination of both formats.
Is this program for you?
The Graduate Tax Program is designed for lawyers who seek advanced training in the complexities of tax law. It draws a broad range of students, from recent law school graduates, to mid-career attorneys seeking new expertise, to seasoned lawyers from the pubic and private sectors. International students include practitioners, in-house counsel, academics, and government officials. The program’s online option is particularly attractive to practitioners whose jobs—or locations—make residential studies difficult.
The Boston University School of Law Difference
The Graduate Tax Program offers one of the best and most student-friendly experiences. Here is what sets us apart:
1) Unparalled Flexibility – Student’s have the opportunity to earn BU Law’s LL.M. in Taxation through full-time or part-time residential studies, online, or through a combination of both options. Additionally, we offer foreign-trained candidates two unique enrollment options (in addition to the enrollment options listed above):
a. The Extended LL.M. Enrollment Option – Under this arrangement, the LL.M. program begins with the six-week summer Pre-LL.M. Legal English Program at Boston University’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP). Then, in the fall semester, students take Federal Income Tax I and up to two additional courses in the Graduate Tax Program, in addition to their English classes at CELOP. In the second semester, students pursue law studies full-time. In the third and final semester, students complete all courses required for the degree.
b. The Bar Qualification Enrollment Option – Under this arrangement, students complete a total of 32 credits in the Graduate Tax Program, over the course of 3 semesters, in order to earn the credits required for the LL.M. In Taxation while also fulfilling the foreign-lawyer eligibility requirements set by forth by NY’s Board of Law Examiners. Students enrolled in this option must complete 24 credits, including all courses required for the NY Bar, through on-campus studies. The remaining 8 credits may be earned through online or on-campus studies.
At the GTP, we understand that our diverse student population has different needs, goals and priorities, and that these priorities may change. This is why we allow you to complete your degree requirements via different enrollment options.
2) Our Faculty: Instruction in the Graduate Tax Program is provided by a distinguished faculty: scholar-teachers who are members of BU Law’s full-time faculty and accomplished tax practitioners who are dedicated to students’ academic success and professional growth. We select and retain instructors not only for their professional achievements, but also for their outstanding teaching abilities and interest in student success, both inside and outside the classroom.
3) Our Commitment to Your Professional Success: BU Law provides a wealth of professional development resources to current LL.M. students and alumni. Students receive career and job search support from our professional development team, who work exclusively with full-time, part-time and online LL.M. students. Students receive one-on-one counseling on job search strategies, interviewing skills, résumé and cover letter preparation and other aspects of professional outreach. Our annual participation in the Tax Attorney Recruiting Event (TARE) held in Washington, D.C. – a job fair dedicated to recruiting for positions in law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments and major accounting firms – connects students to a broad range of employers.
This list contains just a few of the many reasons our Graduate Tax Program is unique and special. For a comprehensive overview of our program, I encourage you to visit our website.
Application Instructions
We look forward to receiving your application. Detailed information about the application process is available here. We are currently accepting applications for the summer 2015 and fall 2015 semesters. Candidates for admission may apply via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Web site.
Visits and Additional Information
Should you have additional questions about the Graduate Tax Program, or any of the other LL.M. Programs at BU Law, please feel free to contact our office at any time. If you have questions on the application process, our Graduate Admissions Specialist can be reached at bullm@bu.edu.
