Law school announces six-semester tax LL.M.

The School of Law recently became the first top law school to allow students to earn both a juris doctorate and a master of laws in taxation in six semesters without any summer coursework.

By not requiring a summer component, students interested in this joint degree program can continue to take advantage of summer employment opportunities while earning the J.D. and the LL.M. in three years.

“This new program is a great opportunity for our students who accept permanent employment outside of St. Louis, and, therefore, cannot take advantage of our current seven-semester LL.M. option,” said Mary Perry, J.D., director of the LL.M. in Taxation Program and assistant dean for adjunct faculty. “It also offers students who participate in the program the competitive advantage of having a tax LL.M. in hand when they graduate.”

To earn the additional degree, students must take eight credits beyond those required for the J.D., and the students’ coursework must include “Federal Income Tax” and 24 additional qualifying credits in tax-related courses — the same requirements as for the traditional one-year LL.M. in Taxation Program.

For more than 40 years, the tax LL.M. at the law school has offered a rigorous course of study in the field of tax law.

“Employers like to see a more focused courseload in tax when filling tax positions,” said Michael Spivey, assistant dean for career services, strategy and marketing.

“Students interested in the tax field should find this program highly beneficial to their job search.

“Additionally, the ability to complete internships over the summer will uniquely position these students to start their legal careers with valuable and relevant experience,” Spivey said.