hi
i am thinking of applying to the int'l tax program in U of M.
i have few question:
1. is it a good place to study ?
2. Taking into account that i am not a US citizen - what are the chances to find a job (in NYC) after graduating.
3. i have a JD from a foreign college and LLm from foreign university. i am a CPA and have 8 years of experience as a tax treaty expert.

i do have a long time experience but coming to the US means leaving my job (and my wife's as well)
so those are my concerns for now.

THX

Judging from the opinions so far expressed on this discussion board, I feel the chance for a foreigner without an American JD to land on a job in the United States is at best slim -- especially at this time of economic downturn.

If I were you, I would not leave my job, and especially my family, to seek an LLM qualification -- no matter where you may obtain it -- as a ticket to a new opportunity in life. I am of course well aware that a particular individual might have a unique chance in life.

I've addressed a few applicants' similar situations to yours. What I suggest is that the applicant will be better served (and this is based upon your having a professional experience background) first engaging with recruiters to obtain a position in the USA, or directly with middle market firms. Then you will meet your goal of having a position, as well as have income to support your family during the transition. In the package negotiations, just make sure that the firm tuition reimbursement program/ tuition payment subsidy applies to you (sometimes firms require a minimum amount of years before applicability). Assuming that the firm invests in knowledge/its employees, this desire to further your practical skill set will be respected as long as it does not interfere with your required billables (i.e. your program of choice should probably be part time).

Based on my own career services experience the last two years (and I assume that this is true for the European programs), we have twice as many recruiters approaching us now because there are plenty of positions. The issue is too few graduates who are looking for employment, as most students are sent and paid for/reimbursed by their firms.

The two skill sets that are in highest employment demand (for high salaries that is) are transfer pricing expertise, especially addressing valuation issues in methodology studies and comparables databases, followed by tax risk management especially concerning multinational compliance integrated with enterprise software. I've also noticed more recruiters asking about alumni backgrounds' with multinational planning software products like Orbitax.

Hope this helps you in considering your opportunities.

Prof. William Byrnes of the Walter H. & Dorothy B. Diamond Graduate Program

Dear Prof. William Byrnes
Thank you for your replay
Actually I am not being sent by my firm, but by my self (counting on a generous scholarship).
I tried to contact few law firms in the us but rejected as I don't hold an American attorney although I received great comments regarding my experience (I am a tax treaty section manager for the tax authority in my country and I act as the competent authority for the last 4 years)

THX