Advance Your Career: General Attorney (Tax) (Senior Counsel) at the IRS
Are you a seasoned attorney with a passion for tax law and public service? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Chief Counsel is currently looking for high-level legal talent to join its Procedure and Administration (P&A) division. This is a rare opportunity to serve as a Senior Counsel, influencing the interpretation and application of the federal tax code at the highest level.
Job Responsibilities
The Associate Chief Counsel (P&A) division manages legal issues spanning the lifecycle of federal taxes—from assessment and collection to bankruptcy and privacy matters. As a Senior Counsel, your responsibilities include:
- Expert Advisory: Providing sophisticated legal advice on complicated procedural tax matters.
- Project Leadership: Serving as a team leader for large-scale guidance projects and published rulings.
- Litigation Support: Overseeing technical electronic discovery and judicial practice support.
- Policy Development: Drafting new procedures and regulations to implement federal legislation.
- Reviewing Work: Ensuring all legal products are technically sound and compliant with agency policy.
Comparison of Requirements
| Requirement Type | Essential Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | J.D. or LL.B. (ABA-Accredited) |
| Bar Status | Active & Good Standing |
| Experience | 1 Year General + 3 Years Specialized Tax Law |
| Seniority | 1 Year at GS-14 level (or equivalent) |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $147,945 to $197,200 per year, depending on the specific locality of your post of duty. Beyond base compensation, employees enjoy:
- Flexible work scheduling and telework options.
- Comprehensive federal healthcare and retirement programs.
- Unparalleled professional development and networking within the federal legal community.
Application Tips
- Resume Limit: The two-page limit is strictly enforced. Resumes exceeding this will be automatically removed.
- Detail is Key: Clearly state your hours worked per week and specific dates (MM/YY) for every position to ensure your qualifications are properly credited.
- Documentation: Have your transcripts and Bar status verification ready. If you are a veteran, include your DD-214.
If you are ready to apply your legal expertise to support the integrity of the U.S. economic system, the role of Senior Counsel at the IRS is an unparalleled choice. Take the next step in your career by submitting your application today.
Why This General Attorney (Tax) (Senior Counsel) - P&A Job Matters
Join the nation's premier tax law firm and shape the future of federal tax policy as a Senior Counsel with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.
General Attorney (Tax) (Senior Counsel) - P&A Job Overview
The Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel is seeking experienced legal professionals to join the Procedure and Administration (P&A) division. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide high-level legal advisory and litigation support services regarding the complex intersections of federal tax law, bankruptcy, ethics, and privacy regulations. As a Senior Counsel, you will lead high-impact projects, mentor junior staff, and draft authoritative guidance that influences national tax administration.
Requirements for General Attorney (Tax) (Senior Counsel) - P&A
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico bar.
- One year of general professional legal experience plus three years of specialized professional legal tax experience.
- At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the federal service.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must pass a background investigation and ongoing continuous vetting.
- Ability to maintain a Government-issued travel card and sign up for Direct Deposit.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney (Tax) (Senior Counsel) - P&A
- LL.M. degree in Taxation or a FOIA/Disclosure related field.
- Extensive knowledge of the Administrative Procedure Act and Federal court litigation support.
- Experience managing large-scale, cross-divisional legal projects.
- Demonstrated ability to draft complex technical advice memoranda and published regulatory guidance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality adjustments.
- ✓Flexible work schedules.
- ✓Telework opportunities.
- ✓Federal employee benefits including retirement, health insurance, and life insurance.
- ✓Professional development and mentorship in a top-tier legal environment.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney (Tax) (Senior Counsel) - P&A Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney (Tax) (Senior Counsel) - P&A Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume (maximum two pages) detailing professional experience with start/end dates and hours per week.
- Gather supporting documents: J.D./LL.M. transcripts, Proof of Active Bar Admission, and a memorandum of interest.
- Complete the online application questionnaire through the provided portal.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or you will be automatically disqualified.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions full-time or part-time status for all employment entries.
- Verify that your Bar Admission is active and that your certificate of good standing is available upon request.
- Use the application questionnaire to highlight your specific experience with the P&A specialization areas listed in the announcement.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for document virus scanning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required legal experience?
Yes, an LL.M. degree in Taxation or a FOIA/Disclosure-related field may be substituted for one year of the required general legal experience.
What is the expected workload for this position?
As a Senior Counsel, you will manage complex legal work products and lead projects independently, often serving as a primary reviewer for legislation and technical guidance.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
Job from Internal Revenue Service
The IRS Office of Chief Counsel is the nation’s largest tax law firm, housing nearly 1,700 attorneys. It functions as the legal advisor to the IRS, ensuring that the federal tax code is applied with fairness, integrity, and precision. Joining this office places you among the best legal minds in the country, working at the intersection of complex litigation and national fiscal policy.