I'd appreciate any thoughts on the validity of the University of Alabama Tax LLM which can be taken over the internet beginning in August 2008. I'm a partner (34 years old) at a firm looking to expand my area of expertise and this could be my only opportunity to pursue a Tax LLM since I have a career and family. That being said, I don't want to pursue something that is not viewed well. If you have are or going to participate in this program, I'd like to e-mail you about it.

Appreciate it.

I am interested in the LLM tax program at U of A also for the same reasons. Have you heard anything negative about the progam?

I haven't heard anything negative, but not really anyting positive either. In fact, other than from the law school itself, I haven't heard much period. I would like to know the thoughts of others who are thinking about this program.

I spoke with the program director and he had good things to say, but then again that is his job. I am somewhat more comfortable knowing that the U of Alabama J.D. program is highly rated.

I agree. I haven't heard much of anything either. Its my understanding that the online program is the same as the part time program except that the classes are webcast. As long as that is true I see no reason to be concerned. For me, the option of keeping my job and not moving my little girl to another state for a short time is worth it. Have you already applied to the program?

Another option could be the NYU part-time, online tax LLM beginning this fall.

I have applied for the Alabama program just to keep my options open while I consider what to do. I would appreciate any information you uncover.

First, if you can do the NYU Tax LLM, I would do that as it is NYU. I am just not sure how well the NYU online course will be received at first but in the end, it is still NYU and I am sure they will make it as good as possible

I have heard nothing bad about Alabama's Online LLM and if you can't do NYU's, I would do Alabama's.

I just wouldn't expect TOO much out of it in the end but it is still better than no LLM, in my eyes

Thank you for your thoughts about NYU. NYU certainly wins out in the reputation department. However, from my investigation of the NYY program it appears to just be video taped lectures that can be viewed online, where as Alabama is interactice. Also, the cost is substantially higher and 2 credits are required to be taken on campus (though there are week long summer courses that can fill this requirment).

So, right now as I see it, the pros and cons for NYU over Alabama are:

NYU--Pros--prestige

Alamabama--Pros--methodology--i.e.--actual interactive courses; cost; distance learning track record (it has been offereing a distance learning course for years though this is the first time over the internet).

I am missing anything in the analysis?

I'm not sure what you mean by your statement not to "expect TOO much out of it in the end . . ." Do you mean quality of education or job prospects, or something else? From my research of the Alabama program, the instructors seem to have good credentials. Please elaborate. Many thanks.

What I mean is, don't expect the LLM to carry you most places out-of-state and/or to blow people away if going against people with NYU, GT, UF Tax LLM's.

It is a solid Tax LLM but I think it is a very big distance from the NYU, GT, UF's of the world

Thank you for your thoughts.

Does anyone know of anyone who has actually been through the Alabama tax LLM distance learning program in the past that can comment about this? Anyone else here applied or heard anything back yet?

I have been accepted into this program and am waiting to see if my firm will pay for it. Anyone else apply or been accepted?

I have just applied to the U. of Alabama LLM in Taxation distance program. My circumstances, however, are very pragmatic. I have a family, I also have a law practice. The purpose of the LLM is to assist me in my practice, not to seek employment in academia, a national firm, or as in-house counsel with a corporation.

I have two attorney friends that received their LLM in Taxation from U. Miami, ranked 6, and they are sole practitioners primarily involved in estate planning. They spend their days preparing wills and trusts. In terms of tax litigation and IRS disputes, without an LLM I know more than them given my experience. If seeking employment in academia, a nationally recognized large firm, or a fortune100/500 company, maybe NYU or U. Florida, in a competitive match up, wins out. But reviewing the program, at least on paper in terms of courses and faculty, the U. of Alabama LLM in Taxation, at least to me, seems to be an excellent opportunity.

As I understand, there is no such thing as an ABA accredited LLM degree. Of course, I may be wrong. But as I understand, the ABA focuses soley on the JD program. It will, however, evaluate an LLM program to determine if it has a detrimental effect on the accredited JD program. If there is no detriment to the JD program, the ABA merely acquiesces in the existence of the program, neither condemning nor condoning. Thus, with that said, all that remains is reputation and perception.

U of Alabama is a top tier law school that is ABA approved. It is ranked 32 nationally of all law schools (state and private) and, as I understand, 11 against just state schools. Depending upon what you want to do with your law career, I think the online program, and I hope that I am accepted into it, should bode well.

And let's not forget we are in the 21st Century. The internet has opened doors previously non-existent. Distance learning, via the internet, is turning into big business and provides opportunity to those who may not otherwise be able to attend a traditional curriculum. NYU and U. of Alabama, along with the Diamond program visa-vis Thomas Jefferson or St. Thomas law schools, are way ahead of the game. U. of Alabama has the opportunity to be a leader and, if successful, you can be sure the reputation and allocades will follow. Remember analog cell phones? How many hesitated to go digital prior to being forced? And look what you have today.

Thanks for the comments Channellocks. I agree with them all.

I also am already in a law practice and just looking to expand my practice. I'm not looking to move to a national firm or academia. It looks like this program would be a good fit for me. I have been acceptted and am waiting for a determination from my firm as to whether the firm will pay for the program

I have been accepted into this program and am waiting to see if my firm will pay for it. Anyone else apply or been accepted?

I had several tax classes in law school (7 years ago) and have a state and local tax practice now, but no federal tax. I had pretty good grades and the local tax experiance. I don't think I had any problem being accepted.

legaleagle... how long you been practicing??

Thank you for your thoughts.

Does anyone know of anyone who has actually been through the Alabama tax LLM distance learning program in the past that can comment about this? Anyone else here applied or heard anything back yet?

legaleagle... how long you been practicing??

Legaleagle... any news??

Legaleagle... any news??