The American Bar Association Tax Section has just released this year’s Law Student Tax Challenge (LSTC) problems (J.D. and LL.M. problems attached).
The LSTC is a great way for tax-focused students to test their skills in a real life client scenario.
What is the Law Student Tax Challenge?
- The LSTC is a unique alternative to traditional moot court competitions that is specifically tailored to law students interested in tax planning.
- The competition is open to J.D. and LL.M. candidates at ABA-accredited law schools, and each team consists of two students, with a faculty advisor to provide guidance.
- The LSTC consists of (1) a written round, for which each team must draft a memorandum addressing a business tax problem and (2) an oral round, for which six J.D. and four LL.M. teams with the best written submissions have the opportunity to defend their memoranda to the “client”.
- Every year DU has multiple teams compete in the LSTC!
Why should I participate in the Law Student Tax Challenge?
- Provides insight into real-world tax practice; analyzing complex tax issues and explaining these issues to our colleagues and clients are integral aspects of a legal career in tax.
- Demonstrates to a potential employer that you possess both the commitment and the rigor for success in the tax profession.
- Provides an opportunity for you to connect more closely with your teammate and a faculty member.
- Connects you to the Section of Taxation at the beginning of your career, where you can develop valuable professional relationships.
Important Dates:
- Submission Deadline: November 7, 2022 by or before 5pm ET
- Semi-Finalists and Finalist Notified: December 15, 2022
- Semi-Final and Final rounds at the 2023 Midyear Tax Meeting, San Diego, CA: February 10, 2023
Prizes!
- All participants receive a one-year membership to the ABA Taxation Section.
- For the J.D. division, semi-finalists receive free airfare, hotel, and registration to the ABA Taxation Section Midyear Meeting registration, provided the meeting is held in-person.
- For the LL.M. division, finalists receive free airfare, hotel, and registration to the ABA Taxation Section Midyear Meeting registration, provided the meeting is held in-person.
- Monetary prizes and free admission to future Section of Taxation meetings for certain finalists, depending on placing, and best written submission.
Interested?
- Please email Professor Strand at sstrand@law.du.edu with any questions.
- Don’t have a partner? I will find one for you!
- On the fence? Let’s talk.
DU’s Recent Success!
- 2020: 1st Place: Isaac Leon and Stefanie Pupkiewicz
- 2019: 2nd Place: Kathleen Arsenault and Douglas Schmidt; Best Written Submission: Kathleen Arsenault and Douglas Schmidt.
- 2018: 1st Place: Kasia Parecki and Christine Kuglin; 2nd Place: Dave Wilson and Gretchen Bundy-Ladowicz.
- 2017: Semi-Finalist: Tiffany Toomey and Bryan Gross.
- 2016: Semi-Finalist: Anthony Garcia and Sarah Bechtle.
https://lawcareerblog.law.du.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/09/22lstc-llm-problem.pdf https://lawcareerblog.law.du.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/09/22lstc-jd-problem.pdf
