Launch Your Legal Career: The IRS Office of Chief Counsel Honors Program
For high-achieving law students and recent graduates, the path to a distinguished career in federal law begins with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel. The Honors Program is a prestigious gateway, offering a 14-month Law Clerk appointment that serves as a springboard into permanent federal service.
Job Responsibilities
As an Honors Program Law Clerk, you will not be a passive observer. You will receive substantial training and hands-on responsibility. Duties include:
- Researching complex legal issues for CLP, EGG, or PCTL branches.
- Drafting legal opinions and advocacy documents.
- Assisting in litigation representation for administrative hearings.
- Providing counsel on labor-management and EEO matters.
Requirements
- Education: Must attend or have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Academic Performance: Top 25% rank, 3.35+ GPA, or 160+ LSAT.
- Status: Must be a current 3L or a recent graduate participating in eligibility-preserving activities.
Comparison: Clerk vs. Attorney Path
| Feature | Law Clerk (14 Months) | Attorney (Post-Conversion) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-11 | Potential to GS-14 |
| Status | Temporary | Permanent |
| Requirement | Graduation/Eligibility | Bar Admittance |
| Scope | Training/Mentorship | Independent Practice |
Salary and Benefits
Law Clerks receive a competitive salary range of $78,972 to $121,371 depending on location. The role includes access to federal benefits and flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
How to Apply
- Prepare a 2-page resume.
- Include a 5-10 page writing sample.
- Gather transcripts.
- Apply via the USAJOBS portal before December 11, 2026.
The IRS Honors Program is more than a job—it is an investment in your future. By working with the best legal minds in government, you set yourself up for a long and impactful career as a federal attorney.
Why This Honors Program Law Clerk (Non-Tax) (J.D. Students) Job Matters
Launch your legal career at the heart of federal finance with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel's prestigious Honors Program.
Honors Program Law Clerk (Non-Tax) (J.D. Students) Job Overview
The IRS Office of Chief Counsel is seeking high-achieving J.D. students and recent graduates to join our Honors Program as Law Clerks. This 14-month appointment offers intensive training and mentorship within our General Legal Services (GLS) division. Successful candidates will gain exposure to diverse non-tax legal matters, including labor relations, government procurement, and ethics. Upon bar admission and successful performance, clerks may be considered for conversion to permanent, upwardly mobile Attorney positions.
Requirements for Honors Program Law Clerk (Non-Tax) (J.D. Students)
- Must be a current third-year law student or a recent graduate of an ABA-accredited law school.
- Graduation must occur by September 30, 2027, for current students.
- Recent graduates must have started an eligibility-preserving activity (e.g., judicial clerkship, LL.M., or qualifying fellowship) within 9 months of graduation.
- Must meet one of the following academic criteria: Class ranking in the top 25%, a cumulative J.D. GPA of 3.35 or higher, or a minimum LSAT score of 160.
- Must be eligible for federal employment, including Selective Service registration for males born after 1959.
- Must successfully complete a background investigation and personal identity verification.
Preferred Qualifications for Honors Program Law Clerk (Non-Tax) (J.D. Students)
- Academic honors such as Order of the Coif, American Jurisprudence Awards, or CALI Excellence for the Future Awards.
- Demonstrated experience through law school clinics or relevant coursework.
- Participation in law review, scholarly journals, moot court, or mock trial competitions.
- Proven excellence in subjects directly related to government legal services.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality adjustments.
- ✓Structured mentorship and professional development.
- ✓Path to conversion into a permanent GS-14 Attorney position.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package availability.
💡 How to Apply Honors Program Law Clerk (Non-Tax) (J.D. Students) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Honors Program Law Clerk (Non-Tax) (J.D. Students) Job
- Prepare a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Draft an unedited writing sample (5-10 pages).
- Obtain an official or unofficial law school transcript.
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
- Complete the online application questionnaire and upload all required documents.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 11, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume lists specific month/year and hours worked for all relevant experience.
- Upload all documents early to allow time for the automated virus scan.
- Double-check that your transcripts and documentation support your GPA or class rank claims.
- Review the online questionnaire before finalizing your resume to ensure alignment.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal; expect limited communication until early 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I graduated before October 2023?
No, graduates who received their J.D. prior to October 1, 2023, are ineligible for this specific Honors Program cohort.
What happens after the 14-month clerkship?
Following bar admission and satisfactory performance, clerks may be converted to a permanent Attorney position with promotion potential up to the GS-14 level.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
Job from Internal Revenue Service
The Office of Chief Counsel is the legal advisor to the Internal Revenue Service. Our mission is to provide impartial, high-quality legal advice to ensure fair tax administration. The General Legal Services (GLS) division, specifically, handles non-tax matters such as labor law, procurement, and government ethics, protecting the integrity of the agency's operations.