This position is in the Office of the Chief Judge and reports directly to the Chief Judge. This vacancy is also posted as a GS-15 position and will be filled as either SL or GS-15 depending on applicant qualifications. The Counsel to the Chief Judge assists the Chief Judge with the review and analysis of Tax Court opinions pending release. The U.S. Tax Court is independent of the executive branch and has established a personnel system similar to the systems used by other Federal courts.

Duties

The Counsel to the Chief Judge (Counsel) (SL) provides legal advice and assistance in complex matters of Federal tax law. The Counsel primarily assists the Chief Judge in reviewing opinions that the other Judges of the Court submit to the Chief Judge to dispose of cases assigned to them. The responsibilities placed on the Counsel in this position are similar to some of those of judicial officers of the Court, subject to the supervision of the Chief Judge. Although the Counsel cannot assume final responsibility for disposing of cases, as must a Judge, he or she must possess the technical knowledge and judgment of a very high order to properly discharge the trust imposed on the position and to warrant the confidence of the Court. The work of the Counsel is subject to review only by the Chief Judge or the full Court. The Counsel works independently performing analytical review and research duties. The Counsel works to ensure that Tax Court opinions, which are issued on a national basis, are consistent with each other. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: The Counsel is directly responsible for developing and rendering advice to the Court on legal and operational matters that include the following:

Requirements

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA: The successful applicant should be a highly motivated self-starter, an organized team player, and must consistently exhibit good judgment and tact. To qualify for the position: Candidates must be a graduate of a full course study in a School of Law (must have a J.D. or an LL.B. degree) accredited by the American Bar Association and a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Must possess at least eight years of legal professional experience as a private practitioner or as an attorney on the staff of a government law office or court, and managerial experience related to the field of litigation or adjudication. Managerial or legal experience within the Federal court system is preferred. Ability to respond to requests on short notice and to manage multiple tasks and stringent deadlines. Aptitude and experience dealing with professional legal staff, court personnel, federal agency officials, and the public and an ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Solid critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Competencies Required for the Vacancy Extensive professional tax experience, with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles of tax litigation. A thorough knowledge and understanding of the Internal Revenue Code, the Regulations issued thereunder, and other Federal tax law authorities. Familiarity with the appropriate judicial precedents in the field of Federal tax law as enunciated by the Tax Court and appellate Federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States. Superior writing and communication skills. Demonstrated skill and ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in performing review duties.

Education

Candidates must be a graduate of a full course study in a School of Law (must have a J.D. or an LL.B. degree) accredited by the American Bar Association and a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Contacts

• Address US Tax Court Office of Human Resources 400 Second Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20217 US
• Name: US Tax Court
• Phone: 202-521-4700
• Email: [email protected]