JD-LLM in Taxation

JD-LLM in Taxation Joint Degree Program

Earn a JD and an LLM in Taxation

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law offers a joint JD-LLM in Taxation for students who want to develop substantial expertise in tax law while completing their JD.

The program allows Northwestern JD students to pursue the LLM in Taxation concurrently, providing an opportunity to build a deeper understanding of tax law while completing the requirements for both degrees.

Students who complete the program earn both the JD and the LLM in Taxation.

How the Program Works

Students pursuing the JD-LLM in Taxation will complete 95 total credits, 10 more than the required 85 credits to complete the JD.

Joint degree students will take 24 credits of tax coursework, which is required of all Tax LLM students. Of the 24 credits, 14 can count toward the JD, and the remaining 10 will be standalone tax credits.

Students in the JD-LLM in Taxation Program are subject to the program requirements for each degree. Please refer to the Tax LLM Program Curriculum to learn more about Tax LLM Program requirements.

JD-LLM in Taxation Program Pathways

Candidates may apply for the JD-LLM in Taxation program at different stages of their JD studies.

Incoming JD applicants: Candidates who have not started their JD studies may apply to the JD-LLM in Taxation through the Northwestern JD application. Candidates who are admitted through this pathway must earn a total of 95 credits, through JD and LLM coursework. With proper planning, both degrees can be completed in six semesters.
Current Northwestern JD students: Candidates who are currently enrolled in the JD program at Northwestern may apply to the JD-LLM in Taxation by contacting the Office of Admissions. Candidates must complete a brief application, and submit a brief statement of interest and a copy of their Northwestern JD transcript. Candidates who are admitted through this pathway must earn a total of 95 credits, through JD and LLM coursework. With proper planning, both degrees can be completed in six semesters. Students who do not reach the credit hour requirements within six semesters may continue as a part- or full-time student in subsequent semesters.
Non-Northwestern JD students: Applicants who are enrolled in the JD Program at another ABA-accredited law school may apply to the Northwestern JD-LLM in Taxation Program during their second year by completing the LLM in Taxation application. Non-Northwestern JD-LLM students spend their third year at Northwestern enrolled as a full-time Tax LLM student. Upon graduation, students will receive a JD from their current law school and an LLM in Taxation from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. To earn both degrees, student who pursue this pathway must complete the 24 credit hours required for the Northwestern Tax LLM Program, plus 10 credit hours beyond what is required for the JD at the degree-granting institution. For example, if your current law school requires 85 credit hours to earn the JD degree, you will be required an aggregate total of 95 credit hours (including the 24 Tax LLM credits).

Why Earn an LLM in Taxation During the JD?

For students who know they want to practice tax law, the JD-LLM in Taxation offers an efficient way to develop advanced, specialized expertise without pursuing a separate graduate degree after completing a JD.

By earning both degrees concurrently, students save significant time and tuition costs compared to completing a JD and Tax LLM separately. In addition, an LLM in Tax is a valuable credential that can provide a competitive advantage in the job market and expand career opportunities beyond those available through tax coursework alone.

JD-LLM in Taxation students also benefit from dedicated support from both the JD Career Strategy Center and the Tax LLM career advisor. This dual advising model provides access to a broader professional network, specialized guidance, and enhanced career resources as students navigate their academic paths and prepare for careers in tax law.

Who should I contact?

For questions about the JD-LLM in Taxation, Tax Program coursework, or planning a course of study, please contact the Tax Program Administrator Lauren Wisniewski, lauren.wisniewski@law.northwestern.edu

Student Perspectives

"The opportunity to earn both a JD and LLM in tax concurrently put me lightyears ahead of my peers trying to work in tax law and set me up for the career I have now. Taking classes such as International Estate Planning and Employee Benefits put me on the right path for my legal career. Through these classes I discovered a love of complex tax work, and I draw on the legal knowledge I acquired in law school daily. Further, I find the connections I made in the program to be equally as beneficial. Northwestern opened doors for me and taught me how to think about difficult problems, and I cannot recommend the program enough."

Cyrus Commissariat (JD-LLM Tax ’24)

"I experienced a program defined by exceptional instruction, generous faculty support, and a collaborative community that invests in its students long after graduation. The classroom experience was outstanding: courses were rigorous, thoughtfully structured, and taught by professors who combined deep technical expertise with practical insight. The support did not end at graduation. Faculty members continued to mentor me throughout my career. What stands out most is the culture. Northwestern’s Tax LLM is genuinely community-minded—collaborative, supportive, and invested in student success."

Tyler Johnson (JD-LLM Tax ’17)

"I truly enjoyed my time at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law pursuing a joint JD/LLM in Taxation degree. During my second and third year of law school, I had the opportunity to join the Tax Program, which allowed me to build a solid foundation in tax law. I greatly appreciated the close interactions with professors, who made the classroom experience both engaging and practical, keeping in mind current tax developments and the application of tax concepts beyond the classroom. The variety of tax courses offered also allowed me to explore other areas of interest. I particularly enjoyed the Tax Procedure and Tax Audits and Litigation courses, which helped me discover my passion for a career in tax controversy and have since proven invaluable in preparing me for my current role as a law clerk at the Tax Court."

Magaly Lopez-Berrios (JD-LLM Tax '25)

"Northwestern’s JD/LLM Tax Program provides an excellent foundation in the core areas of tax law, as well as the opportunity to take elective courses in more specific tax practice areas. The faculty are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about tax law, and while the program is demanding, it is very rewarding. I came to the program with a background in litigation and particular interest in tax controversy. The JD/LLM Tax program allowed me to combine these areas of interest while strengthening my tax expertise, which has proven useful in my career. I highly recommend the JD/LLM Tax program for any students who are interested in taking a deeper dive into tax law."

Alex Becker (JD ’20, LLM Tax ’21)