I likely will be applying for Tax LLM programs for the upcoming 2009-10 year. By the time I finish, I would be 43 years old. Any thoughts on whether this would be seen by potential employers as a positive, a liability, or not an issue at all?

I have been practicing law for 3 years (4 by the time I would hopefully begin a program). I also have 15 years work experience prior to law school. No tax experience, so in the eyes of a firm (either law firm or big 4), I would definitely be a first year associate competing with much younger applicants I would guess.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I think if that is the thing that you wanna do and you have a very strong reason for pursuing the LLM in taxation and you are ready to sit at the same position as other younger candidates, I dnt see any reason why you wont be accepted by any university..

I've just graduated alongside a number of candidates who are now going to do there BVC aged 50 (give or take) and with no related legal experience so I would say your age wont be an issue at all. Good luck!

I agree. If that is what you want to do from the bottom of your heart, dont let issues like age come in your way.

That can also be percieved as a positive point - someone doing the time with grit and determination. But just make sure that it is what you want really to do.

No, age should not be an issue at all. Many legal professionals choose to pursue an LL.M. to specialize in a particular law field (as an LL.M., I admit that most of my colleagues were in their 20s, but there were several colleagues in their 40s as well).

It's a continuing legal education that is appreciated both by the accepting law school and by potential employers.

Good luck!

Even though age should not be a vital consideration; you still have to pay some attentions to something negative.

Hi

I am, also, in my 40s and starting my LL.M in September 2008.

Though I qualified as a lawyer nearly 15 years back, I have been a Financial Consultant all my life.... but now thinking of starting my own law firm in the near future....

I have joined LL.M in Criminal Litigation and ultimately want to start a law firm specialising in Criminal and Immigration matters....

LL.M.'s in taxation are extremely common, and in the U.S., they are one of the few areas in which J.D.'s can pursue an LL.M. in the U.S. without being thrown into the academic/professorial track. In your field, I think there is a strong argument for your pursuing an LL.M.

Yes, be prepared for almost all the LL.M.'s you will study with to be in their mid- to late-20's, but I don't see any school refusing admission to a qualified student on the basis of age. The LL.M. must make financial and professional sense for you, and your age may be a relevant personal consideration, but I would be surprised and disappointed to learn that it is a relevant consideration to admissions directors. Go for it!

Thank you all for the posts. I appreciate all of the input. I agree with most that age should not be an issue, but I am at the point where I want to consider all factors before dedicating the time, energy, and money to this endeavor.

Thanks again to all that responded, and good luck to everyone in their pursuits.