Returning Student Profiles: Nicolas Oliva

We welcomed Nicolas Oliva in January as part of our three-semester tax LL.M. program for foreign-educated lawyers. Nicolas quickly became part of the Gator Nation and participated in events with Chilean alumni, Florida international tax lawyers, and prospective students.

As Nicolas and his classmates get ready for the Fall semester and to welcome our newest class of Tax Gators, we had a conversation about his experience so far.

Can you briefly share a little information about your prior tax work in your native jurisdiction? 

I started my tax career at a Big 4. Following this, I worked in a law firm practicing tax, corporate, and real estate law. For the past four years, I worked as in-house legal advisor in the Internal Revenue Service in Chile. 

Why did you want to participate in the three-semester program at UF Law? 

I enrolled in UF Law’s 3-Semester Tax LL.M. because of its extensive focus on tax law and the ability to qualify for a state bar examination.  

What was the experience like starting in the middle of the academic year? 

I think the experience was great. The program allowed me to take the courses to qualify for a state bar examination in spring, and now I’m ready to start with all the tax courses in the Tax LL.M. Additionally, it gave me more time to immerse myself in the American legal culture and to form connections with UF Law’s faculty, students, and alumni. 

Which J.D. course experience did you enjoy the most? Why? 

Corporations had my full attention from the first day. The readings for each class and the assignments were really interesting. In class, the professor always taught us something beyond the readings. 

How have you interacted with J.D. students during your first semester at UF Law? 

I had the opportunity to meet J.D. students in each course that I took. It was great to share points of view of the courses and law school, and they always were super nice to answer my questions. I am still in contact with some of them. 

You took one LLM Tax Course this Spring. Describe that experience and connecting with the returning Tax LLMs. 

I definitely felt comfortable in the LLM Tax Course. Having some background in the area helped me to take full advantage of the lectures. And of course having classes with Professor Brauner was a great experience. After the course ended, I was notified that I received an award for the highest grade in this class. It was a great way to finish the semester. 

Connecting with the returning Tax LLMs was a wonderful experience to know more about the program and their experiences with it. 

What area of tax law do you plan to write your tax research seminar on? Does that build on your background/experience in your prior work? 

I’m still thinking about it. I have some ideas, but I want to wait to have more background about the tax courses in the fall. 

Which state bar exam are you planning to take? Why are you interested in a state bar exam? 

I plan to sit for the Bar in New York. I’m interested in a state bar because I hope to begin a career in the U.S., and I would like to be certified here. 

What type of tax work are you most interested in after graduating? Is there a specific market or region you’re most interested in working? 

I’m most interested in working in International Tax Law and M&A. The region I’m most interest in working is the East Coast.