Lead the Future of Tax Litigation: Career Opportunities at the IRS Office of Chief Counsel
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Chief Counsel is officially hiring for the role of Supervisory Trial Attorney (Tax) (Strategic Litigation Counsel). As one of the most prestigious legal departments within the federal government, the Office of Chief Counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to the IRS. We are looking for highly skilled, experienced attorneys to guide our most significant legal matters, shape national tax policy, and lead our specialized litigation teams.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Trial Attorney, you will manage a group of Special Trial Attorneys (STAs) and paralegals. Key duties include:
- High-Stakes Litigation: Managing complex, high-profile cases in the U.S. Tax Court.
- Strategic Leadership: Assisting in the development of long-range strategic plans for tax administration.
- Personnel Management: Providing technical oversight, performance evaluations, and mentorship to staff.
- Advisory Roles: Serving as a primary advisor on significant non-docketed tax cases.
- Technical Guidance: Coordinating national litigation strategies across multiple regional offices.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-15 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- A J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA-accredited school.
- Active, good-standing bar membership.
- At least 1 year of general legal experience plus 3 years of professional tax legal experience.
- Specialized experience must include knowledge of Subchapter C/S corporations and partnership tax law.
- Ability to pass a Moderate Risk background check and continuous vetting.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary, commensurate with experience and location within the federal General Schedule (GS) framework.
| Position Level | Salary Range (Annual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GS-15 | $147,945 - $197,200 | Adjusted based on locality |
Benefits
Working for the Treasury Department provides excellent benefits, including:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
- Federal retirement savings (TSP) with government matching.
- Flexible working arrangements and telework options.
- Extensive professional development and leadership growth.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep it to exactly two pages. Ensure it highlights your tax expertise and litigation accomplishments.
- Supervisor Coordination: Since a Supervisory Report is required, notify your current manager immediately upon applying.
- Document Readiness: Have your transcripts and Bar certificate ready for review.
This role offers a unique intersection of leadership and high-level litigation. If you are an experienced tax attorney ready to make a significant impact on national tax administration, the IRS Office of Chief Counsel invites you to apply today.
Why This Supervisory Trial Attorney (Tax) (Strategic Litigation Counsel) Job Matters
Shape the future of tax litigation with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel. We are looking for an expert leader to guide high-profile, strategic cases that set national legal precedents.
Supervisory Trial Attorney (Tax) (Strategic Litigation Counsel) Job Overview
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Chief Counsel is seeking a Supervisory Trial Attorney (Tax) to join our Strategic Litigation (SL) Division. This role is a leadership position within the nation’s largest tax law firm. You will oversee a team of Special Trial Attorneys and paralegals, managing complex, high-stakes tax cases in the U.S. Tax Court. This position offers the rare opportunity to influence tax administration at the highest level while managing national strategic legal plans.
Requirements for Supervisory Trial Attorney (Tax) (Strategic Litigation Counsel)
- Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active, good-standing membership in the bar of any U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
- At least one year of general professional legal experience plus three years of specialized professional legal tax experience.
- One year of specialized experience must be equivalent to the GS-14 federal grade level.
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation and continuous vetting process.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Trial Attorney (Tax) (Strategic Litigation Counsel)
- Possession of an LL.M. in Taxation (can substitute for one year of general legal experience).
- Deep expertise in Subchapter C and S corporations and partnership tax law.
- Proven experience with complex litigation strategy and case management technology.
- Strong leadership background with experience in personnel management and staff development.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality adjustments.
- ✓Flexible work schedule options.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Professional development and leadership training.
- ✓Opportunity to work within a prestigious national legal organization.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Trial Attorney (Tax) (Strategic Litigation Counsel) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Trial Attorney (Tax) (Strategic Litigation Counsel) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume detailing employment dates, hours worked, and relevant experience.
- Gather supporting documents: transcripts, proof of bar admission, most recent performance appraisal, and a memorandum of interest.
- Coordinate with your current supervisor to submit the required Supervisory Report.
- Apply online via the USA Staffing portal by the closing date.
- Monitor application status through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; applications exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions employment dates (MM/YY format) and average hours worked per week.
- Notify your current supervisor early to ensure the Supervisory Report is submitted within the five-day post-closing window.
- Allow ample time for document uploads, as the virus scan process can take up to one hour.
- Verify that your bar membership is active and your transcripts are ready for submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the Strategic Litigation Division?
The division handles the most complex, high-profile cases in the U.S. Tax Court that often set national precedents for tax administration.
Are relocation expenses covered?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, the position is eligible for telework, depending on agency policy and office requirements.
Job from Internal Revenue Service
The Office of Chief Counsel is the largest tax law firm in the country, employing nearly 1,700 attorneys. Operating under the Department of the Treasury, we are responsible for interpreting the Internal Revenue Code and representing the IRS in federal court. Our mission is to ensure the integrity of the U.S. tax system through excellence, fairness, and strategic legal practice.