Pear, Xnot... doin' the program?

Pear, Xnot... doin' the program?

I applied at the very end of May and was accepted a week ago. It was the only program that I applied to as the dynamics are a perfect fit for me. I accepted and will be attending.

I have also accepted and will be attending. I just made my travel arrangements today to attend the orientation in July.

Legaleagle... any news??

I am attending the July 11 and 12 session. Congrats as well. When are you attending Legal?

July 25th and 26th. I am waiting for the hard copy materials that Ms. Nelson said were on the way.

Have a safe trip to you guys and congrats again.

Legal,

Most of the stuff she sent is is available on the school's website, like schedule for orientation, maps, etc.

Good luck.

Legal,

Most of the stuff she sent is is available on the school's website, like schedule for orientation, maps, etc.

Good luck.

Hi guys, I am considering the U of A Tax LLM-distance..can you tell me how is the program? Is it worth it?

Thanks

Even though there are two classes per semester, we only take one class at a time. Next Monday is our first final. Then, we'll all have some definitive opinions.

The live webcast, live class participation, and depth of information is just as intensive as a traditional course. The reading is generous, so prepare to juggle it with work, family, social life, and etc. In other words, its not a cake walk simply because its a distance learning program.

Is it worth it? Not really sure at this point in time. Stay tuned.

This is a great thread; thanks for all the info. I've been reading a lot about Alabama and NYU and their online programs, and am curious to know what you think now having spent almost a full semester in Alabama's program. I'd love to do NYU but considering the expense and competitiveness, something like Alabama's program may be more up my alley.

Can anyone update? I would like to know your experiences, I am interested in requesting admission.

I've just applied for this program. My fingers are crossed! :-)

Hello all! I enjoyed reading the comments so much that I decided to post my own! I too applied and was accepted to the program. I am looking forward to attending one of the orientation sessions in July. I am waiting for my "package" to arrive so I can go ahead with making the arrangements.

I looked at NYU as well, but frankly you get a better bang for your buck at UA...albeit not as prestigeous, perhaps. Regardless, I am a big believer in the idea that you get back what you put in. Both programs make similar information available; how hard you work to gain the available knowledge is the key! Having an LL.M. is good, having the knowledge of tax law is even better! Kudos to UA for being on the cutting edge of merging education and technology!

There is no way I could have attended a conventional LL.M. program based on my current position and location. This represents a great opportunity for people who are in that situation and yet want to pursue a reputable program. I give a great deal of deference to the fact that UA is a good nationally recognized school.

Someone posted a comment about taking two classes a term, but one at a time. How does that work, if you don't mind my asking? Does anyone have any recomendations on available treatises, etc. that might make for good reading before classes start in the Fall?

Congrats to all of you who decided to attend. I look forward to meeting some of you at the orientation! Have a great summer!

Even though there are two classes per semester, we only take one class at a time. Next Monday is our first final. Then, we'll all have some definitive opinions.

The live webcast, live class participation, and depth of information is just as intensive as a traditional course. The reading is generous, so prepare to juggle it with work, family, social life, and etc. In other words, its not a cake walk simply because its a distance learning program.

Is it worth it? Not really sure at this point in time. Stay tuned.

The ABA is mute on LLM programs. As long as the LLM program does not interfere with the ABA accredited law school, the ABA has no opinion on the program itself. On the contrary, if the LLM brings down the law school, the ABA may pull accreditation if the law school either fails to bring up standards or do away with the program itself.

In connection with tax, the IRS looks at the top rated brands such as Georgetown, NYU, University of Florida, the University of Miami, etc. Without these top brands, whether you go to Alabama, Cooley, University of CA, be prepared to jump in the trenches and sock it out for the remaining scraps. Thus, if you want to throw good money after bad in tax programs, consider carefully where you want to attend. The LLM program is nothing but a cash cow for a law school and, in this case, it seems Alabama is riding on the coat tails of its law school which is ranked pretty high, but hopefully not its football team with its problems.

I know nothing about internet programs, however, what differnce if you go to Alabama or Phoenix? Given that the IRS care less except for top brands, the funny thing law school academia too, as well as large national firms, dollar for dollar it seems clear what the choice is. You wantto work in Alabama, maybe the Alabama degree brings you good tidings, but outside of Alabama, what do you have? It seems like my cousin Vinny all over again... what's grits?

My morning interview with a NY national firm does not look good. Although I graduated in the top10% of my law school class from a mid western local (not a Tier 1) law school, the partner suggested that an LLM in Tax from one of the brand schools would have been better than the one I received from a national university but not in the same caliber as Georgetown, NYU, University of Florida and University of Miami. My closest friend who received her LLM in Tax from the NYU, and who arranged my interview for me this morning, requested that I go with her, but I wanted to stay closer to home. The price one pays. Looks like Toto and I are going back to Kansas.

What law school did you attend for your LLM?

I am a current student in the Alabama LLM program. A couple of things I wish I had known a year ago.

1. We started with about 150 students. Going into comprehensive exams we have just over 1/2 that number still in the program. People are out for various reasons - grades, money, changed their minds, whatever.
2. You must maintain a B average (3.0). A B- is not a B. If you fall below a B average, you have a limited amount of time to bring your grade up or face being booted or subject to an appeal in front of the review committee. I encourage you to review the student handbook in this regard. I haven't faced this situation, but a lot of very good classmates have, and some opted to leave the program rather than pay tuition again and risk being booted.
3. There is a high level of tax knowledge assumed from the very beginning. As someone who has practiced for many years, I feel that a lot of the instruction is geared towards those just coming out of law school. I also don't think the classes are taught in the correct order. For example, we had corporate law before we covered the basics of basis in capital transactions.
4. If you are married and have a family and significant work responsibilities, be prepared for the overwhelming amount of reading and class preparation. I cannot emphasize this point enough. At orientation last year, the program seemed very manageable. In hindsight, I will say that I have managed, but not easily. The program is advertised as being geared for the "working professional." I'm not sure I agree with that characterization given the reading assignments.
5. I did not enroll in LLM school to become a "tax lawyer." I did it to enhance my current practice. I could not have obtained an LLM elsewhere given my family and work commitments.
6. I will be pleased to obtain my LLM from Alabama in the long run, but have honestly struggled with whether to stay in the program. Once you reach a certain point though, it is hard to leave.
7. I agree that in the Southeast, this program will have more panache. Elsewhere, I doubt it. I do like that this program requires classroom attendance and that you are essentially in school nearly the same as if you were on campus. The technology needs work, I agree, but this is not one of those "go at your own pace" distance learning programs. There are standards in place and what I consider pretty stringent requirements to be met. The drop in class size supports this view, I believe.

Bottom line - this is a good program for what I am looking to achieve. If you want to work for the IRS or some large firm, or in house somewhere, this LLM degree might not fit the bill. If you enroll, be mindful of the reading and assignments and know that it will be a lot harder than you expect. I hope this overview provides some useful information. Good luck.