2015 Tannenwald Writing Competition

2015 Tannenwald Writing Competition


Sponsored by the Theodore Tannenwald, Jr. Foundation for Excellence in Tax Scholarship and The American College of Tax Counsel


Named for the late Tax Court Judge Theodore Tannenwald, Jr., and designed to perpetuate his dedication to legal scholarship of the highest quality, the Tannenwald Writing Competition is open to all full- or part-time law school students, undergraduate or graduate.  Papers on any federal or state tax-related topic may be submitted in accordance with the Competition Rules (viewable at http://www.tannenwald.org).


Cash prizes of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,500 for the top three papers.


Deadline for submitting papers:  9:00 p.m. EDT, July 1, 2015.


Mail papers to: Tannenwald Foundation, 700 Sixth Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001-3980, Attn:  Sandie Kiedrowski.


For more information contact: Nancy Abramowitz at 202.274.4164 (nabramo@wcl.american.edu).

Breakfast with Tax Court Judge Goeke - December 17, 2014

The UW School of Law's Graduate Program in Taxation and the WSBA Taxation Section are co-hosting a breakfast with US Tax Court Judge Goeke on December, 17 at 8 am at K&L Gates. Please let me know (hla3@uw.edu) if you would like to attend.

KPMG Job Postings

I emailed the KPMG job postings yesterday.  Please let me know if you did not receive it.  The application deadline is Friday, January 23, 2015.

John Price Scholarships for the 59th Annual Estate Planning Seminar

On October 30 and 31, the Estate Planning Council of Seattle and the Washington State Bar Association will sponsor the 59th Annual Estate Planning Seminar. This is the second largest estate planning seminar in the country, with nearly 1,000 people in attendance each year. I strongly encourage those of you interested in a career as an estate planner to attend this conference. It is a great opportunity to network with potential employers and the substance of the program is top-notch.

The Washington State Bar Association is offering three "John Price Scholarships" to three students enrolled in the UW Graduate Program in Taxation. These scholarships, named after Professor John Price, a former Dean of the School of Law and a world-renowned estate planner, offer complimentary admission to the conference together with a complimentary set of course materials for the entire program.

If you would like to be considered for one of the John Price Scholarships, please send Heather an email (hla3@uw.edu) as soon as possible. If more than three students indicate interest prior to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, there will be a lottery to award the scholarships. Winners of any such lottery will be notified no later than Friday, October 17.

EY Info Session - October 8, 2014 at 3 pm

The EY Info Session will be Wednesday, October 8 at 3 pm in room 115.  Please plan to attend to learn more about EY and meet some of their practitioners.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - 2015 Summer Legal Intern Position

The following opportunity is directed toward those students graduating no earlier than December 2015.

The Legal Team of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation seeks a highly motivated 2L, 3L or LL.M. student to join our Global Development and Global Health 2015 Summer Internship Program.  “Guidance, Solutions, Integrity" describes the Legal Team's approach to providing comprehensive legal guidance supporting the implementation of the foundation's strategies. The Legal Team offers creative solutions that accomplish programmatic objectives, develops and implements efficient legal processes to streamline the foundation’s investment making practices, and applies preventive legal strategies and compliance policies to minimize risks and safeguard the foundation’s reputation.

 

For complete information about the internship, and to submit an application, use the Job Posting/Resume Collection tab in “Symplicity”.  Deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 8, 2014.

 

KPMG Info Session - October 28

The KPMG Info Session will be held on Tuesday, October 28 at 2 pm in room 115.  Please mark your calendars.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about KPMG and to meet some of their professionals.

Deloitte Applications

Deloitte On-Campus Interviews will be Thursday, October 16, 2014.  For application information and to bid for interviews, log in to Symplicity, select the OCI tab, and select "OCI Fall 2014 - Deloitte Tax" from the drop down menu.  The application deadline is Thursday, October 2 at 11:30 p.m.


For new students who do not yet have Symplicity access, you should receive your passwords soon.  In the meantime, feel free to send me (hla3@uw.edu) your resumes and cover letters for review.

Deloitte Info Session - September 29, 2014

The Deloitte Info Session will be Monday, September 29 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. in room 115.  This is a great opportunity to speak with Jennifer Jewkes and other Deloitte representatives about the types of opportunities that exist for tax attorneys at accounting firms.  Please RSVP to Heather (hla3@uw.edu) or via Symplicity. 


Lunch will be provided.

IRS Office of Chief Counsel - Job Posting

Application Deadline: Thursday, August 7, 2014

How to apply:  See below, but you will be emailing your application packets directly to me at hla3@uw.edu.

 

Office of Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service

With the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) as its client and around 1,500 attorneys on staff, the Office of Chief Counsel is the preeminent employer of tax attorneys in the country.  In addition, our General Legal Services Division hires attorneys for non-tax positions, as well. Our attorneys are valued assets and the legal experience provided in Chief Counsel is unlike any other. We have approximately 600 attorneys located in our National Office in Washington, DC and 900 attorneys in field offices throughout the US.

 

Chief Counsel attorneys provide top-quality legal advice and representation to the IRS in the administration of the nation's tax laws. Chief Counsel field attorneys litigate interesting and challenging issues that range from taxation of individuals to complex international entities. Attorneys in the field find themselves working on exciting and challenging issues involving litigation, corporate law, criminal tax law, disclosure law and international taxation.

 

Chief Counsel attorneys in the National Office draft regulations and rulings, and provide legal guidance to taxpayers, the IRS and the Treasury and Justice Departments.  Attorneys have an extraordinary opportunity to develop expertise and sharpen technical skills. Furthermore, both field and National Office attorneys have the opportunity to work with a variety of tax practitioners and distinguish themselves within the greater tax and legal communities.

 

Working as an attorney for the Office of Chief Counsel offers a unique opportunity to serve the public interest by providing correct and impartial interpretation of the Federal tax laws without bias in favor of either the taxpayer or the government.

 

In addition, one of our business units, General Legal Services, focuses on personnel and labor law. This business unit is the part of Chief Counsel responsible for providing legal advice on, and litigating, non-tax administrative law issues such as EEO matters, labor and employee relations, personnel matters, ethics, procurement, fiscal and appropriations law and laws relating to information technology management. 

 

Honors Program

The Honors Program is available primarily to third-year law students and graduating Tax LLM students who have less than one year of post-JD legal work experience. Our entry-level positions provide the opportunity to acquire significant training and experience in tax law (or personnel and labor law in our General Legal Services Division). Honors Program positions at the IRS Office of Chief Counsel are open to individuals each year who have superior academic qualifications or relevant experience to the work of Chief Counsel. Appointments under the Honors Program are made at GS-11, Step 8 for JD applicants, and at GS-12, Step 4 for LLM applicants.  These positions are available in our offices nationwide.

 

Summer Legal Program

The Office of Chief Counsel’s Summer Legal Program is available to second-year law students. The program provides exposure to the Office by enabling law students to work under the supervision, and with the assistance of, experienced tax lawyers (or personnel and labor attorneys in our General Legal Services Division). The training and work experience provides developmental assignments and helps prepare law students for a career as a tax lawyer and gives them an excellent view of what the practice of law is like at the Office of Chief Counsel. In the National Office, law students typically take part in a variety of educational and social events, as well as interagency tours and presentations. Offers of full-time employment with our Honors Program may be made to summer law students at the conclusion of the program. It is anticipated students will work for us the full summer. Summer positions are available to second year law students at the GS-9, Step 1 level, and positions are available in our offices nationwide. This program has been established in accordance with 5 CFR 213.3102(r). 

 

 

Minimum Criteria for Both Programs (must meet this criteria to be considered):         

·         Class Rank Requirement:

1. For JDs: Top 20% class rank required (if school does not provide class rank information allowing us to determine if a student is in the top 20%, such as individual class rank or honors for students in a certain percentage of the class, at the time a selection is made, then a minimum GPA of 3.4 is required; if the school does not provide class rank or GPA at the time a selection is made, a minimum LSAT of 160 is required) or
2. For Tax LLMs (including JD/LLMs) who have completed any LLM coursework: Must satisfy the JD class rank requirement above or have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the LLM program (if the LLM program does not provide GPAs, a minimum LSAT of 160 is required);

·         Must attend an ABA accredited law school; and

·         Must be a US citizen

 

Attributes of an Ideal Candidate:

·         Special high-level recognition for academic excellence in law school, such as selection to Order of the Coif or receipt of the American Jurisprudence Award in related courses; or top grades in tax or related course work (e.g., “A” grades in tax courses);

·         Evidence of background or experience in the position to be filled, such as taking relevant law school classes (e.g., tax law, bankruptcy/debtor creditor law, administrative law) or relevant legal or tax experience (e.g., tax legal experience) or relevant tax volunteer experience (e.g., VITA, Tax Clinic);

·         Work or achievement in the law school’s law review or other recognized law journal;

·         Winning a moot court or mock trial competition or membership on a moot court or mock trial team

 

Chief Counsel Office Locations

Birmingham, AL; Phoenix, AZ; Laguna Niguel, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Oakland, CA; Sacramento, CA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; Thousand Oaks, CA; Denver, CO; Hartford, CT; Washington, DC; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Chicago, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Louisville, KY; New Orleans, LA; Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; Detroit, MI; St. Paul, MN; Kansas City, MO; St. Louis, MO; Omaha, NE; Las Vegas, NV; Newark, NJ; Buffalo, NY; Long Island, NY; New York, NY; Greensboro, NC; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Oklahoma City, OK; Portland, OR; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Nashville, TN; Austin, TX; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; Richmond, VA; Seattle, WA; Milwaukee, WI

 

How to Apply
Complete application packages include:

-       a resume

-       a transcript from your law school (an unofficial copy is fine)

-       unedited writing sample (5-10 pages in length)

-       Form 6524, “Office of Chief Counsel Application” (must be submitted to determine if you meet the minimum criteria)

-       Form OF-306, “Declaration for Federal Employment.”

 

Copies of the Forms 6524 and OF-306 may be downloaded from our website at http://jobs.irs.gov/student/office-chief-counsel.html. All application materials should be emailed to Heather Alhadeff at hla3@uw.edu. If your school does not allow you to upload the Office of Chief Counsel Application, please e-mail it in advance to attyapplications@irscounsel.treas.gov.  Any materials not previously submitted should be brought to the interview.

Veterans’ Preference Documentation
If you are applying under the Veteran Preference, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. Ten-point preference eligibles must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, SF-15, along with required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15 form. An SF-15 may be found at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf. For more information on veterans' preference, please go to http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx

Bloomberg BNA Job Post - Washington, DC

BNA has a few jobs posted in the Washington, DC area.

 

WTAS SALT Associate Position

Overview: Seattle Office—State and Local Tax Associate

WTAS LLC is one of the larger national independent firms focused on providing a wide range of tax, valuation, financial advisory and related consulting services. Our 600+ person firm operates in 16 locations in major cities throughout the United States. WTAS’s team of top advisors have extensive experience at major international accounting firms, law firms, the IRS and state taxing authorities.

 

At WTAS, our employees are given the opportunity to work on complex projects with marquee clients and the ability to advance professionally in a workplace setting that both cultivates and rewards the enhancement of technical knowledge and skills. We foster an environment based on learning and allow our employees to grow through hands on work experience, participation in training programs, and strong mentoring relationships. If you want to be a part of a growing and exciting organization, consider your opportunities with WTAS.

 

Please view our website at www.wtas.com for additional information on WTAS.

 

WTAS LLC offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement programs, flexible spending accounts, and other employee incentives.

Description:

State and Local Tax (SALT) Associates serve as members of various client service teams. Associates receive both formal and on-the-job training to hone and develop their technical skills. Associates participate in state and local tax planning, consulting and controversy work for entity and individual clients. Associates will work in all areas of State and Local Tax including: Business and Occupation; State Income; Sales and Use; and, Property. Additionally, associates will be called on to conduct tax research, write memoranda, and prepare client deliverables.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related degree and/or an advanced degree in Accounting, Taxation, JD or LLM;
• A minimum GPA of 3.0;
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills;
• Initiative to seek out opportunities in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Proficient use of technology including MS Excel; and
• Ability to interact with and gain the respect of all levels of internal and client personnel. 

 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

 

Application Process:

If interested in the position please contact Robert Wood at robert.wood@wtas.com with:

• Cover letter and resume
• Copy of transcripts
• Writing sample

Application Deadline:

The position will close June 15, 2014.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

WTAS is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits each and every form of unlawful employment discrimination as delineated by federal, state or local law. WTAS welcomes and encourages workforce diversity.

Associate Tax Attorney Position - Helena, MT

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY:  Small business/tax/transactional firm in Helena, Montana, has an opening for a full-time tax attorney desiring to work and grow in a rapidly expanding practice. We are seeking an associate with excellent communication, teamwork and people skills, with an emphasis on customer service. Applicants must be admitted in Montana. Starting salary D.O.E. Cover letter, references, resume and writing sample should be transmitted to sandy@mttaxlaw.com.

Tannenwald Writing Competition

For those of you interested in submitting a paper to a writing competition, you may want to consider the Tannenwald Writing Competition.  Cash prizes of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,500 will be awarded for the top three papers.  For more information, go to http://www.tannenwald.org/Competition-Announcement.

EY Tax Services - Diversified Staff Group

Ernst & Young LLP just posted a position for their Tax Services - Diversified Staff Group on Symplicity. 

Small Firm Networking Reception - Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Date: February 11, 2014, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Gallagher Law Library
 
Networking is a key ingredient in any career path, but especially for smaller firms. Join us and meet members of local firms and legal community groups. This is a fantastic opportunity to expand your legal community!
 
Some of the firms who will be represented include:

·         Summit Law Group

·         Blankenship Law Firm

·         Chemnick Moen & Greenstreet

·         Gordon Tilden Thomas & Cordell

·         Pacifica Law Group

·         Mills Meyers Swartling

·         Newman Du Wors

·         Stokes Lawrence

·         MacDonald Hoague & Bayless

·         And more!

Please RSVP in Symplicity and join us in Gallagher Law Library.

Beyond Grades: How to Distinguish Yourself

Date: Wednesday, February 5 at 12:30 p.m.
Location: Room 117

Mr. Payson is Davis Wright Tremaine’s Seattle office hiring partner.  His practice focuses on class action defense, other complex commercial litigation and appellate work, particularly with respect to claims under state and federal consumer protection laws.  Mr. Payson has nearly a dozen years’ experience in law firm hiring, and will share his views on what makes an applicant stand out.  He will talk about looking beyond grades and developing other important personal and professional attributes.  Pizza will be provided.  Please RSVP through Symplicity.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Networking Reception

Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Location: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, 701 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 5100, Seattle, WA 98104

Please join the CPLD on Wednesday, February 5th for a networking reception at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.  You will have the opportunity to meet some of the attorneys of different practice groups.  Each practice group will be providing a brief overview of his/her practice. Please feel free to bring resumes.  RSVP to Je Myung, jmyung@wsgr.com. 

Director's Lunch: Tuesday, February 11

The next Director's Lunch will be Tuesday, February 11 at 12:30 p.m. in room 441.  Lori Rath, one of our adjunct faculty members who practices estate planning, will be in attendance.  Please let me know if you are able to attend.

Estate Planning Position - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

A solo practitioner located in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho is seeking a lawyer to join her growing law practice.  Her practice focuses exclusively on estate planning, probates, trusts and estates and guardianships.  Her website is www.mcusacklaw.com.  The applicant must have a strong work ethic and interpersonal communication skills.  In addition, the applicant must have a professional appearance, be able to multi-task, complete work in a timely fashion, and have a positive attitude. An LL.M. in taxation is preferred.  Salary and benefits DOE. Send Resume and writing sample with cover letter to mcusack@mcusacklaw.com or via fax to 208-667-0708. No direct calls, please. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

WA State DOR - Tax Policy Specialist 3

The WSBA posted the following Tax Policy Specialist 3 position: http://jobs.wsba.org/jobseeker/job/16250651/Tax%20Policy%20Specialist%203%20(Legal)/__company__/?vnet=0. 

KPMG Application Deadline - Reminder

This is to remind you that the application deadline to apply to KPMG is Friday, January 17, 2014. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like me to review your application materials.

Fall Quarter Grades for KPMG

For those of you applying to KPMG, they are aware that fall quarter grades are not due until after the application deadline.  Submit your transcript with any grades that have been posted.  Soon, I will post instructions about submitting your updated transcripts after the deadline.

K&L Gates - Part-time Private Clients Law Clerk Position

The global law firm of K&L Gates seeks to hire a part-time Private Clients law clerk to join our Seattle practice, with opportunity for full-time employment upon a 6-month review as an associate attorney.  Candidates must have current admission to the Washington State Bar and anticipate earning an LL.M. degree no later than Spring 2014.

The ideal candidate will have experience or a strong interest in estate planning, drafting, and administration of trusts and estates. Candidates must have excellent technical skills and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team. We require outstanding academic credentials, excellent oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to providing the highest quality client service.

The law clerk will work closely with experienced lawyers who will provide active mentoring and opportunities to assume increasing levels of responsibility and client contact. The successful candidate will desire to join the Firm long-term, will be an enthusiastic contributor to the Firm and office culture, and will have a collaborative approach to his/her work environment.

K&L Gates represents leading global corporations, growth and middle-market companies, capital markets participants and entrepreneurs in every major industry group as well as public sector entities, educational institutions, philanthropic organizations and individuals. Our practice is a robust full market practice — cutting edge, complex and dynamic, at once regional, national and international in scope.

At K&L Gates, we embrace our core values. We believe in hiring collaborative, committed, and diverse teams; using state-of-the-art technology; offering continuous professional development training; and promoting pro bono and diversity initiatives. Most importantly, we strive to cultivate an environment that celebrates talented legal professionals.

Visit http://www.klgates.com to learn more about the firm.  To join the K&L Gates team, please submit your resume, law school transcript, LL.M. program transcript to date, writing sample, and at least one letter of recommendation from a former employer or law professor to Tia.Chang@klgates.com.  Applications must be submitted by January 27, 2014.  Interviews to be held on campus for selected candidates on February 4, 2014.

K&L Gates is an equal opportunity employer.