The University of San Diego School of Law today appointed Tax Court Judge David Laro as Director of its Graduate Tax Program, effective in 2008.  From the press release:

The school’s tax law program was recently ranked 10th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in their 2008 list of America’s Best Graduate Schools. USD School of Law has consistently been listed in the top ten graduate tax programs since the 2004 ranking.

Judge Laro’s long-standing relationship with the University of San Diego began in 1998, when he first became an annual visiting professor of law. In his role as director, Laro will be working on program and curriculum development to enhance the law school’s vibrant tax program. He will continue to teach, including courses in the area of corporate tax, business valuation and federal tax policy.

“Judge Laro’s addition as a full-time director and professor adds great depth and experience to our already strong program,” said University of San Diego School of Law Dean Kevin Cole. “As a jurist, he is well known for the analytical quality and depth of his opinions. He also has a keen sense of the range of issues that confront practicing tax lawyers and will help us to ensure that our curriculum continues to prepare students for the most sophisticated of tax practices.”

“USD has a dedicated, resourceful administration, a highly esteemed and accomplished tax faculty and a pool of bright and enthusiastic students interested in making tax law their future career,” said Judge Laro. “Situated on the vibrant west cost and the gateway to the Pacific Rim, USD is poised to excel, and I am pleased to become part of this exciting program.”

Congratulations to USD — that is quite a coup!  Judge Laro joins an incredibly strong group of tax scholars and teachers and solidifies USD’s position as the premier graduate tax program west of the Mississippi River.