Tax Associate - Controversy

DLA Piper LLP (US); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) plan

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking a tax controversy associate with 3-5 years of experience to assist with complex tax disputes and litigation, including multinational and cross-border matters. The role supports partnerships, family offices, and high net worth individuals, with a focus on client interaction and collaboration.

Ideal candidates have a background in economics or accounting, experience in a law firm, large accounting firm, or government, and must provide a cover letter and writing sample.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school required.
• Admitted to practice in the state where the office is located required.
• Experience with tax controversy, litigation, and cross‑border matters preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support case preparation and strategy.
• Draft well-written briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence with attention to precision and clarity.
• Assist and manage complex cases and transactions from inception to resolution, including trials, negotiations, and closings.
• Engage with clients, internal teams, opposing co-counsel, and taxing authorities with professionalism.
• Collaborate with lawyers and professionals to develop effective case strategies.
• Attend and participate in hearings, depositions, negotiations, and trials as required.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and firm policies while staying current on changing law.
• Pursue ongoing training to enhance knowledge and leadership skills.
• Engage in firm citizenship and pro bono initiatives when possible.

Skills

Excellent communication

Strong research

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Business judgment

Organizational skills

Collaborative

Independent work

Conceptual thinking

Persuasive communication

Management skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Admitted to practice in the applicable state

Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking a tax controversy associate with 3-5 years of experience who can assist with complex tax disputes and litigation, including matters that involve multinational entities and cross-border transactions (international tax and transfer pricing), as well as partnerships, family offices, high net worth individuals, and their related entities. Relevant experience should be with a law firm, large accounting firm, or the government (IRS Chief Counsel, DOJ, Tax Court, or other relevant clerkship). Ability to work both as part of a team and independently required. Background in economics or accounting helpful but not required. Experience interacting (both orally and in writing) with clients, in-house tax and legal teams, opposing and co-counsel, accounting firms, and agents or representatives of taxing authorities preferred. Cover letter and writing sample required.

Responsibilities

• Legal Research: Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
• Legal Writing: Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Case/Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement.
• Internal/External Client Interaction: Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly and with the utmost professionalism.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative case/transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.
• Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials, etc.
• Compliance: Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
• Professional Development: Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
• Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement: Engage in and contribute to firm programs and initiatives; civic and professional organizations; pro bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Desired Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good business and professional judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Conceptual thinking.
• Persuasive communication.
• Management skills.

Minimum Education

JD Degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

Admitted to practice in the state in which they are officing.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to: Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties; Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner; Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product; Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required; Foster positive work relationships; Comply with all firm policies and practices; Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed; Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment; Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

• Hybrid - Regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $260,000-$365,000 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-CS1

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Get to Know Us

We invite you to learn more about us. Please visit the following pages for more information about DLA Piper.