Loyola students have numerous opportunities to develop practical tax problem-solving skills so they are ready to hit the ground running when they start practice. In addition to substantive tax law, students learn how to perform tax research and use Excel spreadsheets for tax analysis. They also practice drafting, structuring, and presenting to clients in several experiential courses and clinics.
In the IRS Small Case Tax Clinic, students represent the IRS in multiple small docket cases in U.S. Tax Court. In the Nonprofit Tax and Transactions clinic, students help founders of nonprofit companies in meeting and documenting the requirements for a tax-exempt organization. The Tax Law Practicum focuses on the tax attorney's role in the deal process, taking a transactional approach to the issues in an M & A transaction involving the purchase and sale of a business. In addition to analyzing substantive tax issues, students focus on the functions and demands placed on the tax lawyer, including tax planning for the transaction, and negotiating and documenting the tax provisions of the acquisition agreement.
Students in the Tax Concentration must also participate in at least one of the following:
- IRS Small Case Tax Clinic
- Taxpayer Appeals Assistance Clinic
- Nonprofit Tax and Transactions Clinic
- Estate Planning
- Tax Law Practicum
- A tax externship.
We currently offer three tax externships, one each at the Attorney General’s Office – Business and Tax Division; the State Board of Equalization; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Tax Division.