Finding entry-level tax attorney jobs?

[bosstweedfan]

Hey everyone,

I am a recent grad from GW. I am having a lot of trouble finding any entry-level tax attorney jobs, do these even exist outside of OCI, are they all just un-advertised, do I just mass-mail for these? There seems to be no sweet spot between tax associate jobs and like senior attorney.

I have heard it can break into tax without an LLM, but I have three years of tax experience before law school, am an active Enrolled Agent, and took 7 tax classes while at GW. I have actually accepted at NYU LLM tax for the fall, but would rather just start working and defer or switch to part-time etc. if I can find something prior.

Thank you!

[Anonymous User]

What was your class rank at GW? My firm may be hiring a junior tax associate, but the firm has been kind of picky lately.

[Anonymous User]

What was your class rank at GW? My firm may be hiring a junior tax associate, but the firm has been kind of picky lately.

[bosstweedfan]

I’m outside the rank range (they only do top 35) i am basically at median but tax gpa is all As or A-

[nealric]

Problem is that most entry level tax law jobs are with biglaw, the big4, or government. I'd say your options are as follows:

1) Roll the dice on an LLM and try to get into the big4 from there (biglaw likely isn't happening if you didn't get a 2L summer offer)
2) Try to get into the Big4 now, but somewhat unlikely to happen. You might be able to find an opening in a less desirable location/group eventually, but there's almost no hiring happening now with COVID.
3) Apply to second tier CPA firms
4) Go solo doing audit representation and OIC type work
5) Tax consulting firms (I personally wouldn't recommend most as they tend to be focused on things like selling R&D credit analysis)
6) Government work - Some sort of IRS gig is probably pretty doable if you are persistent and location flexible, but getting into Chief Counsel is MUCH harder than just getting in as an agent.
7) Find a tax boutique (The big ones like Caplin and Ivins hire like biglaw, but there may be a few out there that would be open to someone in your shoes. I did a lateral interview some time ago with a well-respected T&E boutique (~10 attorneys) that was looking for a tax person, so they do exist))

What did you do during your law school summers? Are you CPA exam eligible?