JD-LLM in Taxation

Joint Degree Programs

Interdisciplinary Study in Tax Law and Related Fields

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law offers Joint Degree Programs that allow students to combine advanced study in tax law with graduate study in another discipline at Northwestern University. These programs are designed for students who want to develop expertise across fields and prepare for careers that require both legal and interdisciplinary knowledge.

Joint Degree students benefit from the strengths of multiple schools within Northwestern while maintaining a strong foundation in tax law through the Law School’s rigorous curriculum.

Who Should Consider a Joint Degree?

Joint Degree Programs are best suited for students who want to connect tax law with broader academic or professional interests.

This path may be a strong fit for:

Students interested in law and business
Future policymakers and public sector leaders
Individuals pursuing careers that span legal and financial disciplines
Students seeking a broader academic foundation alongside tax law

These programs are ideal for those who want to understand how tax law interacts with other areas such as business, economics, or public policy.

Why Pursue a Joint Degree at Northwestern?

A Joint Degree at Northwestern allows students to benefit from the academic strengths of multiple top-ranked programs while maintaining a focused course of study in tax law.

Key advantages include:

Integrated study across two academic disciplines
Access to faculty and resources from multiple schools at Northwestern
A broader perspective on legal, financial, and policy issues
A strong foundation in tax law combined with interdisciplinary training
Preparation for complex roles in business, government, or academia

This structure supports students who want to approach tax law from a wider analytical and strategic perspective.

Academic Structure

Joint Degree students complete coursework in both the Law School and a partner graduate program. The structure is designed to allow efficient progress toward both degrees while maintaining academic rigor in each field.

Students remain grounded in Northwestern’s Tax Program while expanding their expertise through complementary graduate study.

Tax Law Component

Within the Joint Degree structure, students complete coursework in tax law that provides:

A foundation in core principles of taxation
Exposure to domestic and international tax systems
Analytical training in statutory and regulatory interpretation
Opportunities to engage with advanced tax topics

This ensures that Joint Degree students graduate with strong tax law expertise alongside their secondary field of study.

Career Pathways

Graduates of Joint Degree Programs pursue a wide range of careers that integrate legal and interdisciplinary knowledge, including:

Corporate leadership roles
Policy and regulatory positions
Government advisory roles
Business and financial consulting
Academic and research careers

The combination of tax law and another discipline provides a strong foundation for roles that require cross-functional expertise.

Partner Programs

Joint Degrees may be pursued in collaboration with other graduate programs at Northwestern University. Students should consult both schools to understand specific requirements, application procedures, and academic planning considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Joint Degree Program?

A Joint Degree Program allows students to earn two graduate degrees concurrently, combining tax law with another field of study at Northwestern University.

How long does a Joint Degree take?

Program length varies depending on the partner degree, but Joint Degree students typically complete both programs in an integrated timeframe that is shorter than pursuing each degree separately.

Do I still study tax law?

Yes. Joint Degree students complete a full tax law curriculum through the Law School while also studying in another academic discipline.

What fields can I combine with tax law?

Joint Degrees are commonly pursued with business, public policy, and other graduate programs at Northwestern, depending on eligibility and academic planning.

Is this program more academic or professional?

It is both. The Joint Degree combines academic depth with practical relevance, preparing students for interdisciplinary careers.

Next Steps

If you are interested in combining tax law with another field of study, we encourage you to explore admissions requirements and consult with the Law School and your partner program early in the application process.

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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)