Ace Your Tax Lawyer Interview: Answers to the Top 10 Questions

Interviewing for a tax lawyer role? You can bet some tricky questions are headed your way. Tax law is complex and ever-changing, so firms want to be sure you have the right skills and knowledge before bringing you on board.

I’ve been through my fair share of tax lawyer interviews and done a lot of research on the types of questions employers commonly ask. Based on my experience, I’ve put together an inside scoop on how to master the top 10 tax lawyer interview questions.

Whether you’re fresh out of law school or a seasoned tax pro these sample answers will help you stand out as the ideal candidate. Let’s dive in!

1. Walk Me Through Your Experience in Tax Law

This is likely to be one of the first questions in the interview. The hiring manager wants to understand your overall background in tax law.

Focus on highlighting aspects like:

• Specific areas of tax law you’re experienced in (individual, corporate, estate planning, etc)

• Tax law roles you’ve held and major responsibilities

• Types of clients and tax issues you’ve worked on

• Any specialized skills, training, or certifications

For example:

“I have over 7 years of experience in tax law, specifically focused on corporate and partnership taxation. In my current role as a senior tax associate at Smith & James LLP, I handle tax compliance, planning, and controversy matters for large corporate clients across industries like manufacturing, technology, and healthcare.

Major responsibilities include advising clients on tax minimization strategies, representing them in IRS audits, and providing guidance on the tax implications of corporate transactions like mergers and acquisitions. I also have experience drafting appeals and structuring settlement agreements in disputes with tax authorities.”

2. Why Are You Interested in This Role?

With this question, interviewers want to assess your motivation for pursuing this opportunity. They want to know you’re genuinely interested in the role, not just casually applying.

In your answer, try to convey:

• Why the rolealigns with your experience, interests, and career goals

• What excites you about the firm and the specific position

• How your skills would add value in this job

For example:

“I’m very interested in this tax counsel role at ABC Company because I’m looking to shift my focus to the in-house side after 5 years at a law firm. I like that this position allows me to utilize my tax expertise while being immersed in the business operations of a corporation. Your company’s rapid growth and expansion plans could provide great opportunities to take on challenging, strategic projects. With my background in supporting M&A deals, I’m confident I can assist with tax aspects of future acquisitions you may undertake. Overall, the position is an excellent match with my experience and long-term goal to transition to an in-house tax counsel function.”

3. How Do You Stay Up-To-Date on Changing Tax Laws and Regulations?

Tax law evolves constantly, so interviewers want to know that you have an effective system for staying current. Demonstrate that you take continuous learning seriously.

In your response, cover:

• Resources you rely on to keep updated (publications, alerts, professional networks, events, etc)

• How you track and understand new tax developments

• How you ensure clients receive guidance reflecting latest laws

For example:

“Staying current on the latest tax laws and regulations is essential in this profession. I utilize several resources to ensure I don’t miss important changes. This includes subscribing to Tax Notes and Journal of Taxation to receive updates right into my inbox. I also regularly check the IRS website and attend tax seminars put on by local CPA chapters. Whenever major new legislation or IRS rulings are issued, I analyze how they will impact my client’s situations. I then reach out proactively to inform clients of relevant changes so they remain compliant.”

4. How Do You Handle a Client Who Disagrees With Your Advice?

There will inevitably be times when clients question or resist your expert counsel. Interviewers want to know you can navigate these tricky situations diplomatically.

In your answer, highlight your approach to:

• Patiently educating and explaining your advice

• Understanding the client’s concerns

• Finding an acceptable solution or compromise

For example:

“When clients disagree with my tax advice, my first step is to probe deeper into their concerns. I ask questions to understand why they are reluctant about my proposed approach. I re-explain my guidance and the supporting tax codes in an even more clear, thorough manner. If the disagreement persists, I am open to exploring alternative solutions that may still achieve their goals within legal means. Building trust through patient communication is key. At the end of the day, I have to guide clients to make the best decisions given their situation and the tax regulations at hand.”

5. How Do You Prioritize When Managing Multiple Client Projects?

Tax lawyers invariably juggle multiple client matters at once. Interviewers want to know that you can effectively prioritize and manage your workload.

Emphasize your skills in:

• Organization (using project management tools, creating task lists, tracking deadlines, etc.)

• Time allocation based on urgency and importance

• Focusing on one task while switching between projects smoothly

• Asking for help when needed

For example:

“Managing multiple client projects requires strong prioritization abilities. I use project management software to organize tasks and deadlines across all ongoing projects so I don’t drop the ball on anything. When new urgent matters arise, I re-evaluate priorities and adjust my schedule. I block time on my calendar to focus on items requiring deep analysis without distraction. If I ever feel overwhelmed, I don’t hesitate to seek guidance from colleagues on workload management. Clear communication with clients on timelines is key so expectations remain realistic.”

6. How Do You Ensure Tax Compliance While Also Saving Clients Money?

This question reveals whether you know how to balance the twin tax lawyer priorities of compliance vs cost savings. Show that you can do both through your technical expertise.

Highlight your skills in:

• Staying up-to-date on tax codes to spot compliant savings opportunities

• Conducting meticulous review of filings to avoid noncompliance

• Advising clients on deductions/credits/exemptions they may be missing

• Keeping tax liability low through legal planning strategies

For example:

“My objective is always to ensure full legal compliance while optimizing clients’ tax liability through every means possible. I stay immersed in the tax code to identify lawful deductions and exemptions clients can leverage. For example, I recently helped a client structure the sale of investment property to utilize the 1031 exchange provision to legally defer capital gains taxes. Compliance is also top-of-mind. I meticulously review filings and advise clients to collect all necessary documentation in case of audit. My goal is to leave no stone unturned in lawful pursuit of tax savings.”

7. Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake. How Did You Handle It?

Don’t be alarmed by this question. Interviewers ask this to assess your humility, accountability, and attitude around mistakes. We all make them – the key is responding properly.

In your story, highlight how you:

• Took accountability instead of blaming others

• Quickly took steps to correct the mistake once recognized

• Learned from the experience and put in place processes to prevent recurrence

• Shared the lessons learned to help colleagues avoid same pitfall

For example:

“Early in my tax law career, I once missed an IRS filing deadline for a client because their notification letter got buried under other papers on my desk. As soon as I realized, I took full responsibility and apologized to the client for the oversight. I immediately contacted the IRS to request an extension and waiver of any penalties. Luckily we were able to resolve with only a minor late fee. Still, I felt awful about the slip-up. Following this, I implemented a tracking system for all client deadlines and reminders in my calendar so it wouldn’t happen again. I also shared this story with my team to raise awareness.”

8. How Do You Build and Maintain Relationships with Clients?

Tax lawyers work closely with clients over many years, so developing strong relationships is crucial. Share your approach to fostering trust and rapport.

Highlight how you:

• Communicate in a clear, patient manner even on complex issues

• Make clients feel like a priority through prompt, attentive service

• Proactively provide tax-savings ideas and relevant updates

• Get to know clients personally and express genuine interest in their needs

For example:

“Building trust with clients is critical in tax law. I get to know clients personally and take a genuine interest in their families, businesses, and goals. I communicate in a patient, jargon-free manner to ensure complex tax matters are digestible. Whether filing a simple return or resolving a dispute with the IRS, I provide prompt service and advice with the clients’ best interests at heart. I share regular tax updates that could impact their situation so they always have the latest information. My intent is for clients to feel like collaborators in managing their tax affairs.”

9. Why Should We Hire You Over Other Candidates?

It’s perfectly acceptable for interviewers