Job opening: Trial Attorney
Salary: $132 368 - 183 500 per year
Published at: Jun 20 2023
Employment Type: Full-time
The Tax Division is seeking a Trial Attorney to join the Office of Review. The Office of Review is responsible for evaluating settlement offers in cases handled by the Tax Division. All applicants should have a passion for litigation; a deep interest in public service; and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently. A strong expertise in substantive tax law and the ability to use technology to review documentation compiled in cases in litigation are required.
Duties
ATTENTION: This vacancy has been extended until Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN TO CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.
Join one of the best places to work in the federal government-the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice! The Department of Justice ranked 15th among large government agencies, the Tax Division ranked as the #2 organization in the Department of Justice and the 25th highest out of 432 subcomponent agencies throughout the Government, according to Partnership for Public Service's 2022 "Best Places to Work." Tax Division employees consistently report feeling motivated, respected and listened to, a sense of personal accomplishment, and a belief that they use their talents at work. If you are looking for a place where you can develop and apply your skills to work with a significant purpose and mission, the Tax Division might be the right place for you.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The Office of Review evaluates settlement offers in the most complex and monetarily significant cases handled by the Division. It also collaborates with the Trial Sections in negotiating settlement proposals in light of litigating potential and policy considerations, and works with Trial Sections and Chief counsel to develop strategies for mediation and settlement conferences. The Office of Review takes final action on settlements within its authority and advises the Assistant Attorney General on settlements that require final action at a higher level. The Office of Review also assists in resolving disagreements between litigating sections and the IRS, so that the positions of the Division and the IRS remain consistent. Settlement offers in the Office of Review cover a wide variety of civil tax issues under the internal revenue laws and related federal statutes, involving litigants ranging from individuals and small businesses up to an including the largest corporations.
Trial Attorneys in the Office of Review have a significant amount of responsibility and work in a collegial environment with experienced litigators. They review settlement offers in cases developed by trial attorneys in the civil trial sections in tax disputes in federal district and bankruptcy courts, the Court of Federal Claims, in circuit courts of appeal, and cases in state courts. The cases arise all over the United States, but travel is generally not required. They evaluate and determine whether the settlement offers correctly represent the factual and legal litigation risks present in the case. They prepare comprehensive memoranda detailing their conclusions and make a recommendation whether to accept or reject the settlement offers.
Qualifications
Applicants must be able to work independently and obtain a thorough understanding of all the facts and legal issues present in cases under consideration for settlement. They must be able to work collaboratively with the trial attorneys who developed the case, Internal Revenue Service personnel, Tax Division supervisors and executives, and their peers. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are essential.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
You must have at least five (5) years post-J.D. litigation experience, involving a wide variety of substantive tax issues such as federal individual income tax, partnership tax, corporate tax, estate and gift tax, trust tax, employment tax, and international taxation. Also experience in issues such as transfer pricing, accounting methods, tax issues in bankruptcy, federal tax liens, transferee liability, statutes of limitation, and sovereign immunity. A thorough knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, and Internal Revenue Service guidance is required.
A demonstrated record of analyzing complex legal problems;
The ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing.
Able to identify, distill, and explain complex issues;
Excellent academic credentials;
Outstanding legal research skills;
Outstanding judgment demonstrated by the ability to weigh complex information and reach informed conclusions;
Outstanding organizational skills and experience with managing competing deadlines across multiple cases;
A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards;
Experience in tax litigation, either by directly handling court cases as the attorney of record or providing support to others handling court cases; and
Able to function with minimal guidance in a demanding legal environment.
Further, an applicant must have a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Desirable Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications listed above, the ideal candidate will have:
Experience in performing complex tax and interest computations.
Experience interpreting or applying provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and/or the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations that arise in tax and bankruptcy cases, or other complex legal statutes, rules, and regulations;
Experience working with document management software to review discovery productions (e.g., Relativity or Everlaw); and
Experience working with or for federal agencies.
Education
This is an attorney position. Applicants must have a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia. Active bar membership (of any jurisdiction) is required.
Contacts
- Address Office of Review
c/o Tax Division/Human Resources Office
150 M Street NE
Washington D.C., DC 22350
US
- Name: Romaine Chase
- Phone: 202-514-4661
- Email: [email protected]
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