Lawyer - Tax Controversy

Maven Partners Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Maven Partners Australia is partnering with a global law firm to build a Tax Controversy practice in Sydney. This rare opportunity lets you help establish and grow a team serving major corporates, private groups and high-net-worth clients on complex disputes.

Working with highly regarded partners, you will handle matters from ATO engagements to objections, settlements and litigation, shaping a developing practice within a strong global platform.

Qualifications

• Experience in Tax Controversy, Tax Disputes or Tax Litigation at a leading law firm or professional services.
• Strong understanding of Australian taxation law and dispute processes.
• Experience with ATO engagements, audits, objections or disputes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to liaise with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute to business development and growth of the practice.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on complex tax disputes, audits, reviews and investigations involving the ATO and other revenue authorities.
• Manage matters across the full controversy lifecycle, from early engagement and audit strategy through to objections, settlement and litigation.
• Develop dispute strategies that balance technical tax positions, evidentiary considerations, commercial objectives and litigation risk.
• Prepare and review submissions, objections, position papers, correspondence and other materials for engagement with revenue authorities.
• Work closely with clients, counsel, experts and other advisers on significant and complex tax matters.
• Advise on information requests, interviews, evidence gathering and broader ATO engagement strategies.
• Support clients through alternative dispute resolution and settlement negotiations.
• Work on tax litigation matters before relevant courts and tribunals, depending on experience and background.
• Collaborate with the firm's broader corporate, disputes and advisory practices on matters involving significant tax issues.
• Contribute to the continued development and growth of the Tax Controversy practice, including client relationships, market initiatives and business development.
• Depending on seniority, provide guidance and development to junior lawyers and contribute to building a collaborative, high-performing team.

Skills

Tax Controversy Experience

Australian Tax Law

Client Communication

Litigation Coordination

Advisory & Strategy

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or JD

Job description

Maven Partners is partnering exclusively with a global law firm to build out its Tax Controversy practice in Sydney.

This is a rare opportunity to help establish a Tax Controversy practice within a strong global legal platform. The firm is looking to appoint multiple lawyers across the team, creating an opportunity for experienced tax controversy professionals to play a meaningful role in shaping and growing the practice.

Working alongside highly regarded partners, you will advise major corporates, private groups and high-net-worth clients on complex tax disputes, audits and investigations. The work will span matters from the early stages of ATO engagement and audit through to objections, settlement negotiations and, where required, litigation.

The opportunity will suit individuals who enjoy technically complex tax matters but are equally attracted to the strategic and commercial aspects of resolving significant disputes.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on complex tax disputes, audits, reviews and investigations involving the ATO and other revenue authorities.
• Manage matters across the full controversy lifecycle, from early engagement and audit strategy through to objections, settlement and litigation.
• Develop dispute strategies that balance technical tax positions, evidentiary considerations, commercial objectives and litigation risk.
• Prepare and review submissions, objections, position papers, correspondence and other materials for engagement with revenue authorities.
• Work closely with clients, counsel, experts and other advisers on significant and complex tax matters.
• Advise on information requests, interviews, evidence gathering and broader ATO engagement strategies.
• Support clients through alternative dispute resolution and settlement negotiations.
• Work on tax litigation matters before relevant courts and tribunals, depending on experience and background.
• Collaborate with the firm's broader corporate, disputes and advisory practices on matters involving significant tax issues.
• Contribute to the continued development and growth of the Tax Controversy practice, including client relationships, market initiatives and business development.
• Depending on seniority, provide guidance and development to junior lawyers and contribute to building a collaborative, high-performing team.

Requirements

• Experience in Tax Controversy, Tax Disputes or Tax Litigation gained within a leading law firm, Big Four or other professional services environment.
• Strong technical understanding of Australian taxation law and the tax dispute process.
• Experience dealing with ATO reviews, audits, objections or disputes.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work through complex technical and factual issues.
• Commercial judgement and an ability to understand the broader implications of a tax dispute for the client.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly.
• Confidence working directly with clients and senior stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach and an interest in contributing to the growth of a developing practice.
• Experience across both advisory-led controversy and tax litigation matters.
• Previous experience working directly with the ATO or other revenue authorities.
• Exposure to complex corporate tax matters, including international tax, transfer pricing, anti-avoidance or significant transactions.
• Experience in Federal Court or Administrative Review Tribunal proceedings.
• An interest in practice building, business development and developing client relationships.
• For more senior candidates, an established market profile or network within the Australian tax community.

Maven Partners

Maven Partners is a specialist financial advisory, accounting and taxation recruitment services business. The partners have a wealth of experience in executive search and interim management, servicing clients in Asia Pacific markets from our offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

At Maven Partners, we are holders and seekers of knowledge. In our case this refers to knowledge gained through experience, dedication, and perseverance. Knowledge is Maven's central value.