Student Testimonials
"There are plenty of great tax LL.M. programs in the country—but there is only one that I can call home. No other program in the country could support my enthusiasm and dedication to tax quite like the UCI Graduate Tax Program. Faculty research, an externship at a fortune 500 company, and a robust alumni network, are just a few things the program offered for my development and successes. I credit the faculty and staff at the UCI Graduate Tax Program for welcoming me into their community and making me a great attorney. I will always look fondly back at Irvine as the heyday of my academic life and will continue to support this program as a practitioner.”
- Sam Astorga, Class of 2024, Greenberg Traurig LLP
"As a law student at UC Irvine, I took Federal Income Tax with Professor Marian and very quickly felt tax law could be my field. This feeling only matured after talking to Natascha, where I was met with enthusiasm when I shared my goal of pursuing tax law in the public interest space. Looking back at my time at the Graduate Tax Program, I feel fortunate that I could take classes with a brilliant faculty, who encouraged is to not only ask questions about the efficiency but also the fairness of our income tax system."
- Sara Benowitz, Class of 2023, Attorney Bet Tzedek Legal Services
"I chose to pursue my Tax LLM at UCI after meeting with Natascha Fastabend and members of the Graduate Tax Program’s faculty. From the very beginning, they showed a genuine commitment to my professional growth and success. At UCI, I found everything I needed to thrive as a tax lawyer: rigorous academics; hands-on training through the California State Tax Clinic and an externship with the U.S. Tax Court; personalized guidance from world-class faculty; invaluable mentorship from professors and practitioners (many of whom I now count as friends); and outstanding networking opportunities. UCI equips you with the tools and connections to secure the right position where you can pursue your passion for tax law. And studying in the heart of beautiful Southern California is the perfect bonus."
- Andres Berdugo, Class of 2023, Associate, Chamberlain Hrdlicka
Grace Guan
"Making the decision to go back to school and transfer to tax after practicing in another area for three years was not easy for me. However, since my first conversation with Professor Marian, I knew I found the right place. The UCI Graduate Tax Program is truly a unique program that is dedicated to student success. The faculty and staff are very approachable. They go above and beyond to provide individual advice and guidance to students whenever needed. The practice-oriented curriculum is one of a kind. The UCI Graduate Tax Program not only provides the best learning experience, but also helps the students stand out as future tax lawyers and practitioners."
- Grace Guan, Class of 2020, Transactional Tax Associate, DLA Piper
Connor Jordan
My decision to attend UCI Law's Graduate Tax Program continues to be one of my greatest decisions for my legal career. The core legal concepts taught in the program come up consistently in practice and the education provided by the excellent faculty sets a tax or tax-adjacent practitioner up for success in a multitude of disciplines. The knowledge and hands-on experience gained from the program are invaluable. I truly appreciated the small class sizes and near unlimited access to top legal scholars and incredible staff. Joining the UCI Law family left me with a large alumni base to connect with and a support system that has aided me every year since graduation. "
- Connor Jordan, Class of 2022, Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits at Holland & Knight LLP
Vladimir L’Ouverture
"In terms of offering exceptional doctrinal knowledge, the collective experience of the core Graduate Tax faculty already proves that UCI Law can hold its own against other top tier Tax LL.M. programs. What sets UCI apart is the practical experience. As a student in the California State Tax Clinic, I will have actual experience handling tax matters for clients, prior to graduation. Nowhere else could I say this to be possible."
- Vladimir L’Ouverture, Class of 2020, Mergers & Acquisitions Tax Associate, PwC
Kathryn Peyton
"The distinguished faculty members of UCI's Graduate Tax Program have already been so instrumental in advancing my tax career. In class, students are able to effectively navigate the Internal Revenue Code. We do numerous amounts of problems that prepare us for practice. One of my favorite parts of the program is that the curriculum is very hands-on. Additionally, UCI has fostered a close-knit environment, where I have been able to make great contacts with tax professionals and strong bonds with fellow tax students and the faculty."
- Kathryn Peyton, UCI Law Grad Tax Program Class of 2020, International Tax Associate, KPMG
Jake Trinh
"UCI's Graduate Tax Program is a phenomenal place to study tax law. One of the best aspects of UCI is its emphasis on experiential and practical learning because it allows students to be practice-ready. Moreover, the faculty is fully committed to ensuring both educational and professional student success."
- Jake Trinh, UCI Law Grad Tax Program Class of 2020, Tax Staff Attorney, EY