Jan Willem

Hometown: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
HLS Class: LL.M. class of 2008

Prior Education: LL.B. in Tax Law, University of Maastricht, 2007
Prior Experience: DLA Piper, Associate in International Corporate Taxation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Career goals: Academia

While born and raised in the Netherlands, I spent a number of my adolescent years living in Sweden. The experience contributed to an appreciation for international travel and living abroad, and it was this experience that in part motivated me to enroll in the Harvard University Summer Program in 2004 as an undergraduate student. I got an early and enticing taste of what living and studying at Harvard was like.

My main goal of subsequently coming to the Harvard Law School was to expand my knowledge of U.S. income taxation, international tax law and law and economics. In the course of accomplishing this goal, what is most inspiring to me has been the world-class Faculty and its highly interactive way of teaching. It is a unique class setting, in which students are stimulated to think quickly, reflect on the materials presented, and participate in discussion at an astounding pace. With every legal question posed, there are incisive counter questions, and frequently policy questions, back and forth, so that each subject is explored in a most thorough and exhaustive way. It has helped me develop more independent thinking and an invaluable set of skills for future work.

For me, HLS has provided not only an unrivalled environment for study, but also for social activities and relaxation, making this whole year one of the most fulfilling and worthwhile in my experience.

My advice to prospective students: work hard, but also enjoy your time at HLS, and once in a while dare to take a shot that has the potential for profoundly changing the course of your life.

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