Thoughts on tax LLM? Forum

[Mr.Bulldops]

Long time lurker, first time poster here.

I am trying to increase my chances of meaningful employment after graduation and was wondering if a tax LLM from NYU/GULC would be a good idea.

For some background, I go to a small TTTT and may have made a fatal mistake in not transferring out after my first year. I am ranked in the top 5, editor in chief of law review. I have state and federal court externship experience, legal aid work, and I summered at a well respected regional mid size law firm but was not offered a position as an associate. I am aware that my JD reputation leaves something to be desired (to put it politely).

I feel pretty lost as to what to do. I had one interview for a clerkship with a federal judge but the offer went to someone else. I have applied for federal clerkships that did not require post-JD experience. I have mailed to small, medium, and large size firms but nothing has come of it. I have been networking with a few attorneys at large firms in my state, but again, no positions available.

So back to the question at hand: would it be beneficial for me to pursue a tax LLM at one of those schools? Or should I be focusing my attention elsewhere. I would prefer a job, that pays, pretty much anywhere.

I would appreciate any advice.

[nealric]

It would be helpful if you have a demonstrated interest in tax and/or an accounting background, but an NYU LLM would likely give you a second bite at the apple.

A big4 job is more likely than a biglaw job, but biglaw isn't totally out of the question. Other than a significant scholarship elsewhere, there is no reason to attend anywhere else, as you should get into NYU with your grades and EIC of the law review status.

[Mr.Bulldops]

Thank you for the information. I don’t have an accounting degree or anything but I have taken a few tax classes in law school and wrote on a tax issue, and I really enjoyed the material and its challenges.

I am going to look into applying ASAP.