Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Job Search Tips

For those wondering where to begin your job search, Martindale.com is a great place. If you are looking for firms, you can narrow the scope by practice area and city; if you are looking for individuals, you can further that scope by law school/university attended. The WSBA directory also lets you search for attorneys by practice area and city. It doesn't list the individual's employer though, so it is more of a cumbersome search. But it could be a great starting point if you are interested in working in a smaller city or town.

KPMG Job Postings

KPMG has decided to recruit for their State and Local Tax Group, which I just posted. The interview date for SALT is to be determined; ICS interviews will be held on Tuesday, February 7 and will be conducted by Jason Knight. KPMG will notify candidates directly about their interview schedule.

KPMG - SALT Job Posting

Practice: State and Local Tax (SALT) Income Franchise
Title: Associate
Locations: Throughout the U.S.

KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”). KPMG International’s member firms have 140,000 professionals, including more than 7,900 partners, in 146 countries.

Become part of a team of more than 22,000 tax professionals in KPMG’s global network, who work collaboratively with clients and colleagues in a way that we believe is different from other organizations. Drawing on the experience of our people and multi-disciplinary approach, we are able to help our firms’ clients to think beyond the present, see beyond borders and achieve long-lasting success.

At KPMG Tax you can look forward to a broad and exciting career, anchored by the concept and value of what we term ‘the modern tax professional’. You’ll be immersed in a global culture of learning, supported by some of the best training in the industry, giving you the skills and technical knowledge to succeed in this new world of tax. You’ll enjoy collaboration with a team of committed and dynamic colleagues, and be mentored by some of the leading minds in the profession, committed to your personal growth, in the organization and as a tax professional.

Our focus on global experiences means opportunities for international assignments and sharing knowledge across borders. Most of all, you’ll have every opportunity to make a genuine difference in our firms’ clients’ businesses and our organization.

We believe what makes KPMG Tax different is “people thinking beyond”. It’s why people work here.

KPMG’s State and Local Tax (SALT) practice needs more members for their Income Franchise team. KPMG's SALT practice assists clients as they work to reduce their tax liabilities and enhance the bottom line. As a national practice, SALT is committed to bringing some of the best professionals to each engagement and providing dynamic tax services to clients.

Responsibilities:
• Assist clients in tax planning for businesses, including identifying and developing tax savings opportunities (income/franchise, payroll/unemployment, sales/use) that arise from legal entity changes and in designing specific services to help a business address its state and local tax matters
• Analyze the state and local tax ramifications of various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions; or assisting clients with identifying and negotiating business incentives and credits available to an organization
• Stay current on state legislative, judicial, and administrative developments

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting or related course of study and/or a Master of Science degree in Taxation, or JD, LLM from an accredited college/university
• Effective communication, leadership and time management skills
• Strong technical ability to help meet business objectives
• Able to work as a member of a team and strive for personal effectiveness and professionalism to maintain excellent client service
• Excellent writing, communication, and tax research skills are essential
• Demonstrated ability to perform in a high-energy team environment
• Target graduation dates from December 2011 through Summer 2012

Application Materials:
1. All of the following steps must be completed by end of business on Wednesday, January 25th , for an application to be considered. No partial applications will be reviewed.
2. Please complete the electronic application (http://jobs.brassring.com/1033/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?partnerid=25285&siteid=5357&AReq=533BR) and submit the following materials electronically through our system:
a. Current Resume
b. Electronic copies of all transcripts including first quarter of LLM. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
c. If the candidates have any questions, they can contact Becky Scannell directly (rscannell@kpmg.com).

Please note you are able to apply to only one position. If you are interested in more than one position, contact Becky Scannell (rscannell@kpmg.com) to discuss prior to applying. It is recommended that you cut and paste the link into an internet browser and disable your pop-up blockers.

If you are interested in an office other than Seattle, please contact Becky Scannell (rscannell@kpmg.com) to obtain the URL for your desired office.

KPMG offers and supports flexible work arrangements as well as part-time schedules. We also offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

KPMG. A great place to build your career.

KPMG Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. KPMG maintains a drug-free workplace.

©2011 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Course Credit for Tax Writing Competitions

This is just a reminder that you can receive course credit for papers written for tax writing competitions. If you are interested in entering any of the writing competitions, please talk with Professor Schumacher.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Washington State DOR Position

The following position was posted on the WSBA website:

Washington State Department of Revenue — tax policy specialist 2 (NB 2011-09651). Opens December 5, 2011. Closes December 22, 2011.

Required qualifications: Admission to practice law in the state of Washington; or graduation from an accredited school of law and current admission to practice before the highest court of a state, and a minimum of one year as a tax policy specialist 1; or a minimum of two years’ experience as hearings examiner in a governmental agency, assistant attorney general, or practice as an attorney. A LL.M. or master’s degree in taxation or closely allied field will substitute for one year of experience.

Primary duties: This position is primarily responsible for conducting independent administrative hearings on the record for the review of the department’s initial orders to deny, revoke, or refuse to reinstate reseller permits, and review of initial orders revoking certificates of registration, and for entering final orders in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). As an attorney trained in interpreting and applying tax law and policy, this position is responsible for reviewing, hearing, and resolving taxpayers’ appeals of department actions and responding to taxpayers’ petitions in writing. The appeal process provides taxpayers with a review of departmental actions, and produces decision articulating the department’s position, as mandated by statute. When applicable, this position may also resolve appeals through negotiation and settlement.

Compensation: $4296 - $5639 per month (Range 61), depending on qualifications. Outstanding benefits include: health, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; vacation, sick, military, and civil leave; dependent care assistance program; employee assistance program; deferred compensation plans; 11 paid holidays; training; and state retirement plans. To view the full announcement and application process.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Various LinkedIn Groups

The below groups are all active with job postings and legal career discussions. Join the relevant group(s) to keep up to date with who's hiring in 2012:

IN-HOUSE LAW JOBS
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=4070940

LAW FIRM JOBS
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=4070945

PARALEGAL & LEGAL SUPPORT JOBS
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=4070948

E-DISCOVERY & LITIGATION SUPPORT JOBS
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=4070949

LAW JOBS North East (NY, NJ, MA, ME, NH, CT, VT, RI)
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863535

LAW JOBS Mid Atlantic (PA, DE, DC, MD, VA, WV)
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863557

LAW JOBS South East (NC, SC, GA, FL, AL)
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863566

LAW JOBS Mid West USA (IL, OH, IA, IN, MI, WI, MN)
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863570

LAW JOBS Mid South USA (KY, TN, MO, AR, LA, MS)
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863573

LAW JOBS Central USA (ND, SD, NE, CO, KS, OK, TX)
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863579

LAW JOBS West USA (MT, ID, WY, NV, UT, AZ, NM)
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863583

LAW JOBS Pacific West USA (CA, OR, WA, HI, AK)
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863588

LAW JOBS UK
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863591

LAW JOBS Australia & New Zealand
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863593

LAW JOBS Canada
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863595

LAW JOBS Europe
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863600

LAW JOBS Asia
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863605

LAW JOBS South America
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3863607

LAW JOBS Middle East
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3871434
Posted By Richard des Moulins

Exam Numbers

Remember to get your exam number before finals begin! Academic Services posts exam numbers on your online adjusted schedule. You can find a link to your adjusted schedule on the  Exam Instructions webpage of the law school website.

For those of you who have taken tax exams before, please be aware that we will no longer be providing blue books and CDs to take exams. If you plan to use a bluebook or CD, be sure you purchase your own and bring them to your exams with you. 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

KPMG

At this time, KPMG is recruiting only for their ICS group for the Seattle office; they have filled their SALT positions for Fall 2012, and they are not interviewing for other offices at this time. I just posted the ICS job announcement. Once the date for the first round of interviews has been set, I will post it on the blog. Please note that all communication with respect to KPMG interviews will be from the firm, so please direct your inquiries to Rebecca Scannell: rscannell@kpmg.com.

KPMG - ICS Job Posting

Practice: International Tax
Title: Associate or Senior Associate
Locations: Seattle

KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”). KPMG International’s member firms have 140,000 professionals, including more than 7,900 partners, in 146 countries.

Become part of a team of more than 22,000 tax professionals in KPMG’s global network, who work collaboratively with clients and colleagues in a way that we believe is different from other organizations. Drawing on the experience of our people and multi-disciplinary approach, we are able to help our firms’ clients to think beyond the present, see beyond borders and achieve long-lasting success.

At KPMG Tax you can look forward to a broad and exciting career, anchored by the concept and value of what we term ‘the modern tax professional’. You’ll be immersed in a global culture of learning, supported by some of the best training in the industry, giving you the skills and technical knowledge to succeed in this new world of tax. You’ll enjoy collaboration with a team of committed and dynamic colleagues, and be mentored by some of the leading minds in the profession, committed to your personal growth, in the organization and as a tax professional.

Our focus on global experiences means opportunities for international assignments and sharing knowledge across borders. Most of all, you’ll have every opportunity to make a genuine difference in our firms’ clients’ businesses and our organization.

We believe what makes KPMG Tax different is “people thinking beyond”. It’s why people work here.

KPMG’s International Corporate Services (ICS) practice strives to help companies as they work to achieve tax efficiency in their international operations. From major multinationals already operating in several countries to small businesses planning their first foray abroad, companies face a daunting array of regulations and tax concerns that impact – and inform – their global business decisions. With international perspective and local experience, our ICS professionals provide practical advice on establishing new ventures and contracts, structuring overseas transactions in a tax-efficient manner, managing their effective tax rates, and maintaining compliance with tax and trade regulations.

Responsibilities:
• Handle Outbound Transactional Structuring, Subpart F, and Inbound Transactional Structuring
• Work with Check the Box Principles
• Perform U.S. Tax Treaty Research
• Assist with Repatriation planning, Intellectual and Intangible Property planning, Hybrid Debt structures, FSC (Foreign Sales Corporation)/EIE (Extraterritorial Income Exclusion), Foreign Tax Credit planning, and International Mergers and Acquisitions

Qualifications:
• Effective communication, leadership and time management skills
• Strong technical ability to help meet our business objectives
• Able to work as a member of a team and strive for personal effectiveness and professionalism to maintain excellent client service
• MS in Taxation or LLM from an accredited college/university
• Substantial coursework in Corporate International Tax
• Passion for corporate international tax
• Strong planning and research skills

Additional Responsibilities and Qualifications for Senior Associate:

Responsibilities:
• Advise clients, in a range of different industries, on international tax matters
• Assist in monitoring multiple client engagements while serving as a business advisor to the client
• Research international and domestic tax matters
• Write and review tax advice for the client
• Assist in formulating and delivering tax planning and tax savings services
• Supervise and aid in the development and training of employees

Qualifications:
• Two years of broad experience in general and/or international corporate taxation
• Current work experience in international tax and/or other areas of Federal tax
• General knowledge of corporate tax compliance

KPMG offers and supports flexible work arrangements as well as part-time schedules. We also offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

KPMG. A great place to build your career.

Application Materials

1. All of the following steps must be completed by end of business on Wednesday, January 25th , for an application to be considered. No partial applications will be reviewed.

2. Please complete the electronic application (http://jobs.brassring.com/1033/ASP/TG/cim_jobdetail.asp?partnerid=25285&siteid=5357&AReq=1322BR) and submit the following materials electronically through our system:
a. Current Resume
b. Electronic copies of all transcripts including first quarter of the LL.M. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

3. If the candidates have any questions, please feel free to contact Rebecca Scannell directly (rscannell@kpmg.com).

Monday, December 5, 2011

Fifth Annual Paul Faherty Tax Law Writing Competition



Award: $3,000 (grand prize); $1,000 (two honorable mentions)
Deadline: April 15, 2012
Eligibility
All JD and LLM candidates currently attending an ABA-accredited law school in the U.S. may enter. Entries will be evaluated on topic selection, analysis, quality of research, grammar, spelling, usage and syntax, clarity, structure, and overall appearance.
Topic
Any topic on tax law is acceptable, although papers on a public policy issue, a critique of a leading case or doctrine, a comment on a statute or the need for statutory modification, or a comment on a common law doctrine are encouraged.
Rules
Submitted papers must be the applicant's original work. Applicants are limited to one entry; multiple entries are expressly prohibited. Additionally, the paper must not be under consideration for any other publication or written as part of paid employment.
Specifications
Papers should be typed double-spaced, set in Times New Roman on letter-sized paper with one-inch margins on all sides. Entries should be formatted with endnotes and be 25-30 pages long, not including endnotes. Papers submitted with footnotes will not be accepted. Citations must conform to The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation.
Submissions
All papers should be submitted by email to Steve Szydelko at 6szydelko@jmls.edu. Please put "Writing Competition" in the subject line. Please direct any additional questions or concerns to Steve Szydelko.
Please stop by the Graduate Tax Program office if you would like a flyer.