Tax Law Rankings (Law School)

In the 2009 US News Law Specialty Rankings for Tax Law, five schools (NYU, University of Florida, Georgetown University, Northwestern University, and UCLA) stood out as the leaders in this competitive and highly specialized field. These schools are renowned for their tax law programs, which offer rigorous academics, top-notch faculty, and ample opportunities for students to engage with the real-world challenges of tax law.

1. New York University (NYU)

Position: 1st

New York University School of Law (NYU) has long been considered a titan in the field of tax law, and in 2009, it proudly held the top position in the US News Tax Law rankings. Located in the heart of New York City, NYU offers its students unparalleled access to some of the most important financial and legal hubs in the world. The school’s Tax Law program is world-renowned for its depth, breadth, and the quality of its faculty, many of whom are leaders in the field of taxation.

The NYU Tax Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of tax law, including corporate taxation, international tax, estate planning, and tax policy. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundational understanding of tax principles while also offering specialized courses that cater to niche areas of tax law. NYU's Tax Clinic, through which students gain hands-on experience in advising low-income taxpayers, is one of the highlights of the program.

In addition to its academic offerings, NYU’s prime location provides students with access to top law firms, multinational corporations, government agencies such as the IRS, and public interest organizations, all of which are essential players in the world of tax law. NYU’s faculty also includes many influential practitioners and scholars, ensuring that students receive an education that is not only academically rigorous but also highly relevant to current tax policy and practice.

2. University of Florida (Levin College of Law)

Position: 2nd

The University of Florida Levin College of Law is widely recognized as one of the top law schools in the nation for tax law. Ranked 2nd in the 2009 US News Tax Law specialty rankings, the Levin College of Law has built a reputation for providing a rigorous, practical education in tax law. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the law school combines excellent academic offerings with a focus on hands-on learning, producing graduates who are well-equipped to enter the competitive world of tax law.

One of the defining features of the University of Florida’s tax law program is its Tax Section, which focuses on providing students with specialized training in tax law, including corporate taxation, estate planning, and tax controversy. The program has a unique emphasis on preparing students for the practical aspects of tax practice, offering a wealth of externships, internships, and clerkships with top law firms and government agencies.

Additionally, the school offers an LL.M. (Master of Laws) program in Taxation, which is designed to provide advanced education for attorneys seeking to deepen their expertise in tax law. UF Law also features a strong focus on international taxation, which has become increasingly important in the global economy. Its alumni network is particularly active in the tax law community, providing students with a wide range of opportunities for mentorship, networking, and career advancement.

3. Georgetown University

Position: 3rd

Georgetown University Law Center, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the country’s leading law schools, and its tax law program is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. In 2009, Georgetown placed 3rd in the US News rankings for tax law, a position it has held for many years. Georgetown’s location in the nation’s capital gives its students a distinct advantage, offering access to government agencies, legislative bodies, and top firms that specialize in tax law.

Georgetown’s Taxation Program is widely respected for its comprehensive approach to teaching tax law. The program covers a range of areas, including individual and corporate taxation, tax policy, international taxation, and estate planning. The law school offers an LL.M. in Taxation, which is highly regarded for its challenging curriculum and prestigious faculty. Georgetown also provides a number of opportunities for students to gain practical experience through its Tax Clinic and internships with governmental bodies such as the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Congress.

One of the major advantages of studying tax law at Georgetown is its proximity to key policymakers, making it an ideal place for students interested in tax policy and reform. Georgetown’s faculty is composed of highly respected tax scholars and practitioners, ensuring that students receive cutting-edge education in tax law. The law school also boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates working in top tax law firms, government agencies, and multinational corporations.

4. Northwestern University

Position: 4th

Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, located in Chicago, Illinois, ranks 4th in the 2009 US News Tax Law rankings. Northwestern is known for its interdisciplinary approach to legal education and its strong tax law program is no exception. The law school offers a wide variety of courses in tax law, including corporate taxation, tax policy, estate planning, and international tax.

Northwestern’s tax law program is distinguished by its ability to integrate business, finance, and legal principles, which is essential for students who want to work in corporate tax or other complex areas of taxation. The law school offers an LL.M. in Taxation, which provides students with an advanced understanding of tax law and prepares them for careers in both the public and private sectors.

Northwestern’s Tax Program benefits from its location in Chicago, one of the major business hubs of the U.S., giving students access to law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies that specialize in tax law. The school’s faculty includes renowned tax law experts who are also active in shaping tax policy, which gives students an edge in staying informed about the latest developments in tax law.

5. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Position: 5th

UCLA School of Law, located in Los Angeles, California, ranks 5th in the 2009 US News Tax Law rankings, reflecting its strong reputation in the field. UCLA’s Tax Law Program is known for its emphasis on both the technical aspects of tax law and its intersection with policy, business, and ethics.

UCLA offers an extensive curriculum in tax law, including courses on corporate taxation, international tax, tax policy, and estate planning. One of the standout features of UCLA’s program is its strong focus on interdisciplinary study, enabling students to understand tax law within a broader context of economics, business, and social justice.

UCLA Law also offers an LL.M. in Taxation, which allows practicing attorneys to deepen their expertise in tax law. The program benefits from the law school’s proximity to the major legal and financial markets of Los Angeles, providing students with numerous opportunities for internships and externships with top law firms, multinational corporations, and government agencies like the IRS. UCLA’s diverse student body and faculty contribute to a dynamic learning environment where students can engage with a wide variety of tax law issues, both domestic and international. Law Specialty Ranking: Tax Law

League Table 2009:
1 New York University
2 University of Florida (Levin)
3 Georgetown University
4 Northwestern University
5 U of California--Los Angeles
6 Harvard Univ
   U of Miami
8 Boston Univ
9 U of Virginia
10 U of Michigan--Ann Arbor
      U of Texas--Austin
      Yale Univ

League Table 2005:
1. New York Univ
2. Uni of Florida (Levin)
3. Georgetown Uni (DC)
4. Harvard Uni (MA)
5. U of Texas–Austin
6. Northwestern Uni (IL)
7. Stanford Uni (CA)
8. U of Miami (FL)
9. U of California–Los Angeles
10. Yale Univ (CT)
11. Boston Univ
     U of San Diego
13. U of Chicago
14. U of Michigan–Ann Arbor
      U of Washington
16. U of Virginia
17. Duke Univ (NC)
     Loyola Law School (CA)
     U of California (Hastings)
20. Columbia Univ (NY)
21. U of California–Berkeley
22. Boston College
    Emory Univ (GA)
    Southern Methodist Univ (TX)
    U of Denver
    Villanova Univ (PA)

Source: US News & World Report

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