National Jurist - October 2008 - (Page 36) larly enjoyed because they combined tax practice with human interaction. Atashi Rang said that by completing the LL.M. program, he aimed to “make myself a more attractive candidate for law firms that were practicing estate planning” and related areas. He attributes getting his first position in the field to having an LL.M., and said the specialized knowledge he gained from the program has helped him both land the job and excel on the job. In fact, now as principal of the Atashi Rang Law Firm in San Francisco, Atashi Rang said that when he hires attorneys, he looks for people with LL.M.’s or those currently enrolled in an LL.M. program. Through an LL.M. program, these candidates have a base line of specialized knowledge that lets them hit the ground running, he explained. He relished learning from professors in the LL.M. program who knew the field and had practiced in it for years, including IRS attorneys and probate court judges. “You’re not just learning conceptually,” he said. “They would say, ‘If you don’t do it this way, it’s going to get tossed.’” Atashi Rang is also grateful for the network he developed as an LL.M. student and graduate. Not only does he share an office with a former classmate, but he also has a dozen classmates and others he can call with questions or for an independent opinion. For example, Atashi Rang recalled contacting a former professor, who took time out of his day to give him honest advice. Making connections in the local estate planning and tax law community was a tremendously useful part of the LL.M. program. For those interested in an LL.M. program, Atashi Rang recommended trying the program on for size, just as he did. Such a rigorous curriculum can seem daunting at first, especially for recent grads who have just gone through law school, which can be daunting enough as it is. “If they’re serious about it, talk to the administration and see if they can sit in and take a class,” Atashi Rang said. Don’t pick an introductory class. Instead, sit in on something specific, like marital taxation, to get a better idea of the depth of knowledge the program offers, he said. What law scho A n LLM in Real Estate Law can make a difference in your legal career. The John Marshall Law School’s Center for Real Estate Law, directed by Professor Celeste Hammond, offers an LL.M Program that prepares attorneys to handle transactions when real estate is booming and when it is not. This strong academic program provides: A transactional rather than case law approach to learning Classes that meet at night, allowing time for internships Programs and activities designed to further career success Site visits and opportunities to meet real estate professionals Job search assistance from the Career Services Office Law graduates from across the country — not just from Chicago — enroll in this LL.M Program. Alumni are practicing throughout the US. Graduates become part of a real estate alumni network. The LLM Program may be completed in two semesters or over time. Students may begin the Program in January or in August. To learn more about the LLM in Real Estate Law, visit www.jmls.edu/realestate.html. With the rising popularity of LL.M. programs, many law schools are offering innovative LL.M. programs, as well as innovative ways for law graduates to get their LL.M degree. New York Law School has a new graduate real estate program where students take skillsbased courses such as negotiation and transactional practice. “The impetus behind the program was recognition that law schools don’t train students well on transactional projects,” said Marshall Tracht, the school’s new director of Graduate Real Estate Programs. Law students also miss out on business training, which is necessary for real estate lawyers to serve their clients in practice, and the graduate program fills those gaps Tracht said that by pursuing an LL.M., students can get the equivalent of years of experience. While at firms, new associates get their training “piece-meal.” A degree that emphasizes practical training and experience can offer a more focused way to get them. With the depth of training in a graduate program, there is an advantage not just in finding a job, but also excelling once graduates find one. Tracht said the program draws not just recent grads, but also experienced attorneys who want more specialized training and those who haven’t practiced for a while. Similarly, the LL.M. program in transna- ® CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE LAW 315 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60604 312.427.2737, ext. 500 www.jmls.edu/realestate.html 36 THE NATIONAL JURIST October 2008 http://www.jmls.edu/realestate.html http://www.jmls.edu/realestate.html http://www.jmls.edu/realestate.html
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