If you’ve ever dismissed tax law as boring or purely number-focused, think again. According to Professor Steven Dean, a leading voice in tax academia, tax law is actually a powerful tool that shapes economic behavior and social policy, influencing everything from big corporate deals to everyday household finances. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the key pieces of advice he offers for anyone—especially students—who’s curious about diving into tax law.
1. Tax Law Goes Way Beyond Numbers
It’s easy to picture tax law as endless spreadsheets and mind-numbing forms. But Dean’s first big point is that tax reaches into every aspect of society: business, public policy, global finance, and more. Whether it’s encouraging renewable energy through tax credits or regulating multinational corporations’ cross-border transactions, the tax system exerts a massive influence on what happens in the real world.
So what? If you’re entering law school (or currently in it) and you have a knack for thinking critically about how societies allocate resources, tax law could be your ticket to combining that big-picture perspective with the practical details needed to make change happen.
2. Look at Both the “Technical” and the “Why”
Tax law may feel especially technical—after all, you’re parsing statutes that define terms like “taxable income” or “capital gains.” Dean points out that you do need those technical chops, but equally important is questioning the policy behind them. Why tax something in a certain way? How do lawmakers use the tax code to promote or discourage certain activities?
By keeping both angles in mind—the step-by-step calculations and the broader purpose—you’ll sharpen your ability to spot loopholes, propose creative solutions, and understand the moral debates behind fiscal decisions. That well-rounded view can set you apart from others who stick solely to the details without looking at the bigger picture.
3. Stay on Top of Change
Tax law evolves. A lot. Politicians frequently tweak the tax code, agencies like the IRS issue clarifications, and courts hand down rulings that can shift entire strategies overnight. Dean’s advice? Don’t wait for a professor to assign you updates. Keep yourself informed:
- Sign up for legal news alerts focused on tax.
- Follow tax-focused blogs or newsletters.
- Subscribe to government bulletins if you’re interested in specific niches (like international transactions or nonprofit law).
You’ll stand out in interviews and practice if you bring fresh insight into how current legislative or regulatory changes could affect clients.
4. Build Confidence Through Real-World Experience
You can read about the concept of “basis” or “deductions” all you want, but nothing cements your knowledge quite like hands-on experience. If your law school offers a tax clinic, consider signing up. Not only will you interact with real clients—like everyday people filing their returns or wrestling with audits—but you’ll also learn how to communicate complex rules in plain English.
Don’t have a clinic nearby? Look for volunteer programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Helping someone file a simple return can teach you a surprising amount about how rules that seem theoretical in class actually apply in real life.
5. Embrace Globalization and Other Sub-Specialties
Professor Dean has a strong background in international tax—and he’s quick to mention that we now live in a time where businesses and assets cross borders all the time. Whether you’re dealing with multinational enterprises or digital platforms that operate worldwide, you’ll see complicated questions like transfer pricing, tax treaties, and anti-avoidance measures.
In other words, if you’re drawn to global business or policy, tax law can be your entry point. Alternatively, if you’re into environmental issues, you might look at green tax incentives; if you’re into tech, explore the digital services tax debate. There’s plenty of specialized corners where you can hone in.
6. Find Mentors and Allies
While tax law can seem like a niche world, there’s a broad community of practitioners, professors, and fellow students who share your interest. Dean often suggests finding a mentor—maybe a professor whose style resonates with you, or a seasoned tax attorney who can pass along the insights they wish they’d known back in law school.
Teaming up with peers matters, too. Forming a study group or attending conferences together can open doors and keep you motivated through the more dense or repetitive aspects of learning the code.
7. Identify Your Personal Drive
Finally, Dean’s overarching message is that your motivation matters. Are you passionate about making the corporate world fairer, helping marginalized communities navigate the system, or ensuring that big companies pay their fair share? Figuring out what pulls you into tax law, beyond just career prospects, gives your work a sense of purpose. That sense of mission can sustain you through late nights drafting documents or puzzling over a tricky statutory interpretation.
Conclusion
Tax law can feel intimidating—heavy on technicalities, constantly shifting, and often overshadowed by more glamorous practice areas. But as Professor Steven Dean emphasizes, tax law is also intellectually stimulating, practically relevant, and surprisingly impactful when it comes to shaping policy and everyday life. Embrace the policy questions along with the calculations, stay updated, get real-world practice, and keep sight of what motivates you. If you do, the world of tax law might just become your professional home.
Remember, you don’t have to be a math genius or a policy wonk to succeed in tax—what you need is genuine curiosity, a willingness to keep learning, and a passion for connecting the dots between code sections and real human concerns. Combine those qualities with Steven Dean’s guidance, and you’ll be well on your way to making the tax system a little more navigable—and maybe even more equitable—for everyone.
