The Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship in Tax Law is an innovative scholarship that serves as a model for legal education in business law. Since the fall of 2011, the Kirschbaum Scholarship has been awarded by UCLA School of Law each year to one or two incoming law students (either first-year or transfer students) who have demonstrated an interest in and aptitude for studying tax law and who evidence the personal qualities required to become an exemplary professional and individual. In addition to receiving financial support, the recipients receive support that money cannot buy: they are mentored by UCLA Law alumni, many of whom practice tax law. Awardees are provided access to the robust tax law community in Los Angeles and beyond. Professional doors are flung open, and professional and personal friendships develop with experienced and successful practitioners.
The Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship in Tax Law is a cornerstone of the Tax and Business Law Scholarships (“TABLS”) Program which is maintained by the Lowell Milken Institute for Business Law and Policy (“LMI”).
Thomas A. Kirschbaum
Thomas A. Kirschbaum was an outstanding tax lawyer and nationally recognized expert in benefits and compensation tax and related matters. He was known for his keen and probing intellect, his broad and deep interests outside of the law, encompassing literature, opera and competitive sailing, his wit, and his commitment to his family and community. Thomas Kirschbaum was a graduate of Amherst College and UCLA School of Law. Following his death in May 2010, Thomas Kirschbaum’s family and friends created the Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship in Tax Law to honor his memory and continue his legacy.
The Scholarship’s Impact
Ryan Hicks ’15: “The Kirschbaum Scholarship has been a tremendous help as I begin my legal education and pursue my career goals. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
Ryan Shumacher ’14: “This scholarship was a significant factor in my decision to attend UCLA Law, and I can already say that I could not be happier with my choice. This opportunity has inspired me to give back to the school as well and stay involved in the evolution of the Kirschbaum Scholarship throughout my legal career.”
Alan Beadle ’16: “A major factor in my decision to enroll at UCLA was the law school’s strong tax program. This is evidenced not just by the school’s renowned tax faculty, but also by the Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship and its dedication to students pursing studies in tax law.”
Support the Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship in Tax Law
Contributions to support the Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship in Tax Law may be made on the UCLA School of Law’s giving website at Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship in Tax Law or by mailing your check to:
Office of External Affairs
UCLA School of Law
Box 951476
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1476
Questions may be directed to Patricia Biggi at biggi@law.ucla.edu.
Contributors of $10,000 or more will be recognized as members of the Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship Founders Circle, and their contributions and legacy will be celebrated in perpetuity as we honor Tom and his legacy.
All supporters of the Scholarship fund are encouraged to become active in growing Tom’s Scholarship and other TABLS, as well as in mentoring the School’s tax and business law scholars through the TABLS Program, the School’s tax and business law student organizations and LMI’s many programs and student opportunities.
Read about other scholarships available for UCLA School of Law students on our Opportunities page and on the Tax and Business Law Scholarships (TABLS) page.