Attorney 1

WV Parkways Authority; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The West Virginia State Tax Division is seeking two entry-level attorneys (Attorney 1) to join its legal team. Under direct guidance, you will perform entry-level work providing legal advice and representation on behalf of the agency.

You may represent before the West Virginia Office of Tax Appeals after admission to the Bar, handling taxpayer petitions for refund and reassessment, and property tax valuations where applicable.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school is required.
• Admission to the West Virginia State Bar within 12 months of hire is expected.

Responsibilities

• Perform legal research and draft briefs and other written submissions.
• Provide legal advice and representation for the agency in tax matters.
• Represent the Tax Division and Tax Commissioner before the West Virginia Office of Tax Appeals when appropriate.
• Advise on taxability of goods and services and provide guidance to other government entities.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Nature of Work

The West Virginia State Tax Division is seeking two entry-level attorneys（Attorney 1）to join its legal team. Under direct guidance of the managing attorneys, the chosen candidate will perform entry level work providing legal advice and representation on behalf of the agency. Once admitted to the Bar, the chosen candidate may represent the Tax Division and Tax Commissioner before the West Virginia Office of Tax Appeals with regard to taxpayer petitions for refund and petitions for reassessment. This administrative-level representation involves research and writing of briefs and presentation of evidence before the tribunal. The chosen candidate may also represent the agency regarding property tax valuations.

The attorney would be expected to perform extensive legal research in order to respond to requests for information from taxpayers and other government entities, write draft letter rulings, and provide guidance on taxability of certain goods and services. The attorney would provide written responses to other government agencies, professional organizations such as law firms and accounting firms, and other entities outside state government about a variety of issues involving tax requirements. Examples include but are not limited to the impact to proposed economic development and the potential impact of changes to the tax code on the Tax Division and the administration of state taxes. The attorney may assist in the drafting of legislation and rules required to implement changes in tax code, law, rule, and policy; as well as review, analyze, and comment upon proposed legislation and rules.

This is an entry level position, and it is expected that the chosen applicant will require specific training before they are able to operate independently. An Attorney 1 will typically start with the more technical aspects of the division’s work in order to gain familiarity with the taxes administered by the Division. Once a level of proficiency is obtained, the attorney may be assigned more complicated matters, including litigation.

The Attorney 1 performs related work as required. Intermittent travel may be needed, so a valid driver’s license is required. The chosen applicant must be a member of the West Virginia State Bar or be admitted to the West Virginia State Bar within twelve (12) months of hire.

There is no application deadline. The Legal Division will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, with the aim of filling the position as soon as possible.
Employment requires a fingerprint-based criminal-background check to be provided at the West Virginia Tax Division’s expense. Failing to initiate the process or cooperate with this process, providing false or incomplete information, or discovery of disqualifying information will result in denial of, or dismissal from, employment or denial of transfer irrespective of when discovered. The chosen applicant will also be subject to a tax compliance check.

Minimum Qualifications

Training: Graduation from a regionally accredited or American Bar Association accredited law school.
Special requirement for the Department of Tax and Revenue: Admission to the West Virginia State Bar before the end of a probationary period which may not exceed twelve (12) months.

Other Information

Starting pay is competitive with the private sector when hours and benefits are considered.