Top Tax Law Schools

The University of Florida Levin College of Law Graduate Tax Program has established itself as one of the nation’s premier legal education offerings in the field of taxation. Recognized for its consistent ranking as one of the best tax law programs, it stands out particularly as the highest-ranked public law school in the area of taxation. The Graduate Tax Program at UF offers various advanced degrees including the Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation, the LL.M. in International Taxation, and the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) in Taxation. These programs have earned a reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive instruction, and UF's dedication to preparing students for success in the field of tax law is reflected in the program’s impressive national standing.

The LL.M. in Taxation at UF is particularly renowned for its focus on the practical application of tax law. This program allows students to engage deeply with both the theoretical foundations and the real-world complexities of taxation. With a rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with the skills necessary to handle complex tax issues, graduates of UF’s tax law programs are prepared to navigate the intricacies of both domestic and international tax systems. The LL.M. in International Taxation, another flagship offering at UF, addresses the increasing global nature of taxation and the need for lawyers who are well-versed in cross-border tax issues. Given the interconnected nature of global markets and finance, the demand for tax professionals with expertise in international taxation is growing, and UF’s program prepares students to meet this demand. The S.J.D. in Taxation, the highest level of legal education offered by UF’s tax program, is designed for those who wish to pursue academic careers or advanced research in tax law.

The University of Florida’s Graduate Tax Program has been widely praised for its faculty, who are experts in their fields and bring a combination of academic rigor and practical experience to the classroom. The program is also supported by a strong network of alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in tax law, both in private practice and in government positions. UF has consistently ranked highly in U.S. News & World Report, and its program is frequently highlighted for providing exceptional value to its students. The combination of a high-quality education, affordable tuition, and the opportunity to study at a nationally recognized public institution makes UF a top choice for aspiring tax law professionals.

In addition to its academic strength, UF is also recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The law school is ranked among the top 10 law schools in the nation for Hispanic students by Hispanic Business Review. This ranking reflects UF’s commitment to creating an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive. The inclusion of diverse perspectives is critical in the study of tax law, as the field frequently involves issues that touch on multiple cultural, societal, and international considerations. The university’s focus on providing opportunities for underrepresented groups ensures that students from a variety of backgrounds can make meaningful contributions to the field of taxation.

Another law school that stands out for its tax law program is Georgetown University Law Center, whose Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation is regularly ranked among the top tax law programs in the country. Georgetown’s program offers a unique combination of expert adjunct faculty and full-time tax faculty, ensuring that students receive a broad range of perspectives and expertise. The faculty at Georgetown are highly regarded for their contributions to tax law scholarship and practice, and many of the adjunct professors are leading professionals in the field, including tax practitioners, government officials, and scholars.

Georgetown’s LL.M. in Taxation is designed to offer students a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of tax law. The program provides a solid foundation in the fundamental areas of U.S. tax law, including income taxation, corporate taxation, and estate and gift taxation, while also offering specialized courses in topics such as tax policy, tax procedure, and international tax law. Georgetown’s strong connections with the legal and business communities in Washington, D.C., further enrich the program by providing students with opportunities for internships and practical experience with leading law firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

The LL.M. in Taxation at Georgetown is known for its flexibility, with students able to customize their course of study according to their professional interests. The program is particularly suited for individuals who wish to deepen their expertise in tax law while continuing their careers, as it offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options. Georgetown’s strong reputation and the quality of its faculty ensure that its graduates are highly sought after by employers in the tax field, including top law firms, government agencies, and multinational corporations.

Northwestern University School of Law also boasts an excellent tax law program, consistently ranked among the top programs in the United States. According to the 2011 edition of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Graduate Schools," Northwestern's Tax Law Program is ranked 4th in the nation. The Tax Program at Northwestern offers students the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in the principal areas of tax law while also providing practical training on how to deal with complex real-world transactions. Northwestern is known for its rigorous academic environment, and its tax law program is no exception, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of both the legal and business aspects of tax law.

One of the standout features of Northwestern’s tax law program is its low student-to-faculty ratio. This enables students to receive personalized attention from faculty members, who are themselves highly accomplished in the field. Northwestern’s tax faculty includes leading scholars and practitioners who are engaged in cutting-edge research and policy development. This access to faculty members is one of the reasons why Northwestern's program is consistently ranked highly, as students benefit from a learning environment that is both intellectually stimulating and practically oriented.

The program is open to both U.S. law school graduates and international students who have a law degree equivalent to a J.D. from a foreign country. The LLM Program in Taxation at Northwestern provides students with a comprehensive understanding of U.S. tax law while also offering courses in international tax law, tax policy, and tax dispute resolution. The breadth of the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to handle complex tax issues in both domestic and international contexts.

In addition to the LL.M. program, Northwestern also offers a variety of other tax law-related courses and opportunities for students to gain practical experience through externships, internships, and other hands-on learning opportunities. Northwestern’s location in Chicago, one of the largest legal and financial hubs in the United States, provides students with access to numerous internship and career opportunities with top law firms, multinational corporations, and government agencies.

2011 U.S. News Tax Law Rankings (Top 10 list):
1 New York University
2 Georgetown University
3 University of Florida (Levin)
4 Northwestern University
5 University of Miami
6 Boston University
   University of San Diego
8 Harvard University
9 Loyola Marymount University
10 University of Virginia

* Three law schools successfully made it to the top 10 position in 2011:
- University of San Diego up from 11th in 2010 to 6th in 2011.
- Loyola Marymount University moved up seven places from 16th in 2010.
- University of Virginia jumped up a place to 10th in 2011.