High School
Extensive education is required to become a tax lawyer. A good foundation in high school includes classes in government, history, social studies, economics, business, and mathematics. Strong reading and writing skills are essential so be sure to take English and communications classes. Speech classes are important for future litigation work. Computer classes are also important for online research and legal database usage.
Postsecondary Training
A bachelor's degree is required for entry to law school. Courses in business, finance, government, history, economics, political science, mathematics, English, communications, logic, and public speaking are recommended.
Lawyers are required to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school. Law school applicants must pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which tests students for critical thinking, reasoning, and writing abilities. The J.D. program covers topics such as constitutional law, contracts, tax law, property law, civil procedure, and legal research and writing.
Certification
Some lawyers earn a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, which is an advanced law certification that helps them advance professionally. LLM programs typically last one year; they may focus on corporate law and governance, business law, general law, or litigation/trial advocacy. A first law degree is required for LLM program admission. Find information at https://www.lsac.org/llm-other-law-program-applicants and https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/accreditation. Many tax attorneys may also be certified public accountants, with a master's degree in business administration and an LLM in taxation.
Other Education or Training
National associations such as the American Bar Association, National Association for Law Placement, and National Association of Tax Professionals offer continuing education programs, as do state and local bar associations. Many law firms offer continuing education to their employees as well as mentorship programs for new lawyers.
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