Tax Law Certificates
Develop Focused Expertise in a Specialized Area of Tax Law
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law offers Tax Law Certificates for students who want to pursue focused study in a particular area of taxation.
Certificates are available in:
- Corporate Tax
- International Tax
- Wealth Transfer and Legacy Planning
Each certificate requires five approved courses, totaling 10 credits. All Tax Program courses are 2 credits.
Certificate coursework may be completed as part of a student's Tax LLM program or through eligible Tax Program study.
Courses may not be double-counted toward more than one Tax Law Certificate.
Students should plan their coursework carefully and consult with the Tax Program to confirm that their course selections satisfy the requirements for the certificate they wish to pursue.
Corporate Tax Certificate
The Corporate Tax Certificate is designed for students who want to develop specialized knowledge of the tax issues affecting businesses and complex transactions.
Students pursuing the certificate must complete the following five approved courses:
- Corporate Taxation
- Consolidated Returns
- Corporate Reorganizations
- Divisive Reorganizations
- Advanced International Corporate Tax Transactions
The certificate may be particularly valuable for students interested in corporate tax practice, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, transactional law, or advising businesses.
Certificate requirement: 5 courses | 10 credits
International Tax Certificate
The International Tax Certificate is designed for students who want to develop advanced knowledge of tax issues arising from cross-border transactions and international business activities.
Students pursuing the certificate must complete five of the following six approved courses:
- International Taxation
- Transfer Pricing
- Tax Treaties
- International Taxation of Partnerships
- Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs)
- Advanced International Corporate Tax Transactions
The certificate may be particularly valuable for students interested in international tax practice, multinational businesses, cross-border transactions, transfer pricing, tax treaties, or international estate planning.
Certificate requirement: 5 courses | 10 credits
Wealth Transfer and Legacy Planning Certificate
The Wealth Transfer and Legacy Planning Certificate is designed for students who want to develop specialized knowledge of estate planning, wealth transfer, trusts and estates, and related tax issues.
Students pursuing the certificate must complete the following five approved courses:
- Estate and Gift Taxation
- Estate Planning
- Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates
- International Estate Planning
- Tax-Exempt Organizations
The certificate may be particularly valuable for students interested in estate planning, trusts and estates, private client practice, wealth management, charitable planning, or advising individuals and families.
Certificate requirement: 5 courses | 10 credits
Who Can Earn a Tax Law Certificate?
Tax Law Certificates are available to eligible students enrolled in Northwestern's Tax Program, including:
- Full-Time LLM students
- Part-Time LLM students
- Joint degree students
- Non-degree students
Eligibility and course availability may vary by program and academic year. Students should consult with the Tax Program when planning their coursework.
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