Litigator

HM REVENUE & CUSTOMS; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Newcastle upon Tyne is looking for a G7 Litigator to manage complex tax appeals and represent HMRC at tribunal hearings. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in tax law, litigation experience, and relevant qualifications as a solicitor or equivalent. The role offers a salary of £58,541 plus a pension contribution, along with flexible working options and generous leave.

Benefits

Civil Service pension scheme

Flexible working policies

Generous leave allowance

Qualifications

• Experience handling complex tax litigation.
• Ability to research and interpret legislation.
• Strong leadership and management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of tax appeals.
• Prepare and present detailed submissions to the tribunal.
• Lead projects impacting HMRC Legal Group.

Skills

Tax knowledge

Litigation experience

Analytical skills

Strong written communication

Leadership abilities

Education

Tax qualification (CTA/AIIT)

Solicitor, barrister, or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it's really like to work at HMRC. Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential. At HMRC we are committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues; an inclusive and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society we serve. We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us and we offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career at HMRC accessible to you. Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.

About HMRC Legal Group Across HMRC Legal Group we provide legal services to the whole of HMRC. This includes:

• The conduct of independent reviews of decisions made by HMRC which are requested by customers under the legislative provisions.
• The conduct of tribunal and civil litigation on a full range of services.
• Work on new legislation.
• Drafting of statutory instruments and other legal documents.
• Legal advice to ExCom and staff.

We also provide technical accountancy and forensic services to HMRC, are head of the Compliance Accountants' and Insolvency Professions as well as handling Ministerial Correspondence and Freedom of Information requests for HMRC.

Please note the number of posts available in each location: Glasgow - 2 posts; Manchester, Nottingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, Stratford & Portsmouth - 1 post in each. The successful applicants will work with team colleagues to deliver an effective and professional litigation service that supports and continuously improves the work of compliance, whilst safeguarding the rights of taxpayers and the reputation of HMRC. This will include representing HMRC at the First-tier Tax Tribunal (FTT), liaising with Decision Makers, Review Officers and Policy specialists whilst also championing HMRC's commitment to customer focus, continuous professional development, equality & diversity and health & safety.

G7 Litigators will be expected to develop a high level of knowledge, skills and understanding and work as part of a fast-paced Litigation team but may also be asked to support colleagues in other parts of HMRC Legal Group and the wider HMRC. Advocacy is an important part of being a litigator and successful candidates will be expected to advocate in the Tribunal. G7 Litigators are also expected to lead on projects, including group litigation and wider pieces of work which support HMRC Legal Group and the wider HMRC.

Responsibilities

• Working a wide range of standard and complex / challenging tax appeals that require an in-depth analysis of the issues and the ability to research and interpret the relevant legislation underpinning the decision.
• Understand and interpret large amounts of information, drawing conclusions on litigation strategy and legal risk.
• Make detailed written submissions to the Tribunal outlining HMRC's case.
• Present hearings at the FTT (in person or via video) and/or support colleagues who are presenting at the FTT.
• Undertake application hearings before the FTT.
• Work to and comply with Tribunal Directions.
• Ensure the Decision Maker is kept up to date at all times, especially if they are to be called as a witness.
• Check the Decision Maker's witness statements.
• Identify and collate bundles of evidence for hearings and manage bundle preparation.
• Attend case conferences, face to face and by telephone.
• Liaison with and coordination of paralegal support.
• Robust organisation and management of litigation caseload including file management, management information systems and processes.
• You will be a strong leader with the ability to work independently and at pace to lead wider projects in a well-structured and organised manner, impacting across HMRC Legal Group and wider HMRC.

Please note this isn't a gateway role into the wider Government Legal Profession.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A tax qualification (CTA/AIIT etc.) or internal HMRC tax qualification (Direct or Indirect Tax) at level of TSP or predecessor qualification.
• Experience in handling challenging and complex litigation or tax issues that demonstrates capability for this role.
• A relevant legal or tax qualification and be already qualified as a solicitor, barrister, chartered legal executive, or have completed LPC, SQE (with Qualifying Work Experience signed off) or BPTC/BVC (or equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland).

Alongside your salary of £58,541, HMRC contributes £16,959 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We operate Flexible and Hybrid Working policies and offer a generous leave allowance starting at 25 days (rising to 30). We provide Pension, Family friendly policies, Personal support, coaching and development. For more information about HMRC benefits, see thinking of joining the Civil Service.

Other information

• Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check; baseline security checks apply for government roles.
• Nationality: This job is broadly open to specified UK and eligible non-UK nationals as described in the advert.
• Disability and inclusion: Civil Service encourages diversity and offers schemes to support disabled applicants.
• Application and selection: Sift processes, interviews (including strengths-based questions), and any required assessments are described here; questions regarding applications should be emailed to the UBS Recruitment team.