JD-LLM in Taxation
The Joint JD-LLM in Tax Program is open to both current Northwestern Law students and students at other ABA-approved law schools. Through the joint degree program, students are able to count 14 credits towards their JD degree, allowing them to complete both degrees in as few as six or seven semesters. Non-Northwestern JD students receive the JD degree from their home institution and the LLM in Tax degree from Northwestern.
The Advantages of the Joint JD-LLM in Taxation
By enrolling in the joint degree program, students can maximize their time in law school by earning their JD and LLM in Tax degrees sequentially or simultaneously. The comprehensive course of study will provide them with the knowledge necessary to enter into the practice of tax law.
Northwestern Joint Degree Tax Students
Admission Process
Northwestern JD students may apply for admission to the Tax Program either as part of the JD application process or by filing a separate application directly with the Tax Program during their first or second year of law school.
Curricular Requirements
Northwestern joint degree students must complete the required 24 credits for the LLM in Tax degree in addition to completing the requirements for the JD degree. Joint degree students may count up to 14 credits of courses in the Tax Program toward the requirements for the JD degree.
In order to earn the LLM in Tax degree, the student must accumulate at least 10 credits from Northwestern in addition to the required 85 credits necessary to obtain the JD degree.
Typical Curriculum Timelines
- Students complete both their JD and LLM in Tax degrees in three years. Students accumulate the 10 extra credits through summer, intersession, or by taking extra classes throughout the year at Northwestern or another ABA-approved law school. (Total semesters: Six)
- Students complete their JD in three years while also taking courses for their LLM in Tax degree. Students complete the 10 extra credits on a full-time basis at Northwestern or another ABA-approved law school. (Total semesters: Seven)
- Students complete their JD in three years while also taking courses for their LLM in Tax degree. Students complete the 10 extra credits on a part-time basis at Northwestern or another ABA-approved law school. (Total semesters depend on the student's part-time schedule)
For more information and to discuss different curriculum timelines, contact Admissions.
Tuition
Full-Time Students:
- Six Semesters: Students will be charged tuition equal to three years of tuition at the JD rate plus an additional one-semester's tuition for the LLM in Tax degree. This extra charge will be added upon the student's approval during his/her last spring semester.
- Seven semesters or more: Students will be charged tuition equal to three years of tuition at the JD rate and will be charged a semester of LLM Tax tuition for each additional semester.
Part-Time Students: Students attending on a part-time basis will be charged the tuition for the LLM in Tax degree on a per-course basis as they enroll in additional courses.
For more information and to view current tuition rates, visit Tuition and Financial Aid.
Non-Northwestern Joint Degree Tax Students
Admission Process
Non-Northwestern JD students interested in the joint degree program may apply for admission to the Tax Program during their second year of law school.
Curricular Requirements
Non-Northwestern joint degree students must complete the requirements for the JD degree, mandated by their JD institution and complete the required 24 credits for the LLM in Tax degree.
While a student's home institution may accept all 24 credits earned in the Tax Program in fulfillment of the school's JD requirements, Northwestern will not award the LLM in Tax degree unless the student has accumulated at least 10 credits from either Northwestern or another ABA-approved law school in addition to the number of credits necessary to obtain the JD degree from the student's home institution. For example, if a JD institution requires 85 credits to earn a JD degree, a LLM Tax student must complete 95 credits to earn both degrees.
Students are responsible for determining the extent to which credits earned at Northwestern while enrolled in the Tax Program may be used to satisfy the JD requirements of their home institution.
Typical Curriculum Timelines
- Students visit at Northwestern during their third year of law school to complete the credits required for their JD and LLM in Tax degrees. Students complete the 10 extra credits through summer, intercession, or by taking extra classes throughout the year at Northwestern or another ABA-approved law school. (Total semesters: Six)
- Students visit at Northwestern during their third year of law school to complete the credits required for their JD and LLM in Tax degrees. Students then return to Northwestern or another ABA-approved law school to complete the 10 extra credits on a full-time basis. (Total semesters: Seven)
- Students visit at Northwestern during their third year of law school and complete the credits required for their JD and LLM in Tax degrees. Students return to Northwestern or another ABA-approved law school to complete the 10 extra credits on a part-time basis. (Total semesters depend on the student's part-time schedule)
For more information and to discuss different curriculum options, contact Admissions.
Tuition
Full-Time Students: Students will be charged tuition equal to the annual tuition at the LLM Tax rate if enrolled full-time for one academic year. If students return for more semesters after one academic year, they will be charged one-semester's tuition for each additional semester of coursework.
Part-Time Students: Students attending on a part-time basis will be charged the tuition for the LLM Tax degree on a per-course basis as they enroll in additional courses.
For more information and to view current tuition rates, visit Tuition and Financial Aid.