Tax attorney jobs are available in the fields of business, income, property, estate, and international taxes. Apart from a proper degree in taxation law, experience is also crucial. While a majority of tax attorneys in the US have a private practice, some attorneys work as advisors and prosecutors on behalf of the government back taxes.
Tax attorneys are also advisors to their clients. They must have a vast knowledge regarding the complicated tax laws regarding their area of specialization which can only come through years of experience. It is for this reason that most big law firms specializing in the area of taxation employ attorneys with at least 2-3 years experience. Young lawyers fresh out of law school must first start out working as apprentices, then move up the ladder through growing experience and branch out into their own private practice if they choose.
The field of international tax attorneys is rapidly expanding. With country borders becoming more porous and outsourcing and e-commerce becoming the norm, the aspiring tax attorney must now be able to take on tax laws of countries apart from his own.
Most firms advertise for attorneys with good writing skills, negotiating ability, and the ability to interact with management and staff of client companies. It is also essential that he should be a member of the Bar Association if he wants a credible private practice. Apart from this, he should be skilled in tax planning and advising.
The job of a tax attorney is filled with challenges. Criminal cases regarding tax involve white collar crimes like fraud, but are not as grueling as trying heinous crimes like murder. The job requires a good financial head, knowledge of laws, and the ability to drive hard bargains with the opposition.