Tax Associate - Controversy

DLA Piper; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k)

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 requires strong research and writing, client interaction, and collaboration within a team and independently.

Responsibilities include legal research, drafting, case management, and high-level client engagement, with a hybrid work environment and a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• JD and admission to practice in the state where position is offered.
• Experience in tax controversy, litigation and cross-border matters.
• Experience interacting with clients, in-house tax and legal teams, opposing and co-counsel, and 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 complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution, including trial prep, negotiations, settlements, closings.
• Internal/External Client Interaction: Build and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships with timely updates and professional communication.
• Collaboration: Work with other lawyers and professionals to develop innovative strategies for favorable outcomes.
• Attend, support, and participate in high‑level legal activities including hearings, depositions, negotiations, and trials.
• Compliance: Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and precedents and stay updated.
• Professional Development: Seek ongoing training to enhance legal knowledge and leadership skills.
• Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement: Contribute to pro bono work and community programs.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Research skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Business judgment

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Conceptual thinking

Persuasive communication

Management skills

Education

JD

Degree from accredited law school

Job description

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

• Responsibilities as an Associate will vary based on level of experience and specific practice group.
• 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 offering.

Essential Job Expectations

• 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.

Benefits

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.

EEO Statement

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.