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Q&A with
Graduate Tax Student Robert Heaven
Robbie Heaven practices estate planning law and trust litigation and has previously practiced general civil litigation and corporate M&A. The UC Irvine Graduate Tax Program will provide Robbie with valuable knowledge and allow him to provide superior representation to his clients. Before practicing law in the United States, he was a barrister in Australia. Robbie was awarded Honors First Class in Commerce/Accounting at the University of South Australia. He then completed his law studies at the University of Adelaide, receiving an LL.B. and LL.M. He also received an LL.M. from USC. Robbie is trained as an infantryman, has served on active duty in the United States Army, and currently serves in the Reserve. In his spare time, Robbie enjoys hiking and going to the gym.
Q: Why did you choose UC Irvine Law?
The small class size, exceptional academic staff, and practical focus. What stood out to me with the UCI Graduate Tax Program is the professor-to-student ratio. This is very important to me because it allows me to build a professional relationship with industry leaders, while gaining detailed knowledge about the practice of tax law. The academic staff are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but very approachable. This extends to all parts of the UCI Graduate Tax Program team. The strong focus on getting students practical tax skills was another reason why the UCI Graduate Tax Program was my #1 choice.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a Graduate Tax LL.M. degree?
Being a Trusts and Estates attorney, Tax Law affects my work in almost every case. I felt that pursuing the UCI Graduate Tax will allow me to provide additional value to my estate planning clients. The same is true to my trust litigation cases. Understanding the complex world of Tax Law gives me a competitive advantage when it comes to mediation, considering the tax basis of assets and potential capital gain problems.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students who are thinking about pursuing a career in tax law?
I highly encourage any student interested in studying Tax Law to undertake the program. I have learned quickly that Tax Law is not a topic that someone can easily learn on their own. The professor-to-student ratio at UCI Graduate Tax Program gives every Tax Law student the foundation to excel in this complex area.
Q: What do you miss most about Australia?
Although I love my new home in Southern California, it is very difficult to match the Australian beaches. As the summers are long and hot in Australia, the beach becomes your home away from home. The clear water and uncrowded beaches are probably the biggest thing I miss about Australia — not so much the sharks!
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