Tax Clinic Fellow

Tax Clinic Fellow
(Senior Attorney, 9735)
University of Minnesota Law School

The University of Minnesota Law School is seeking applicants who are recent law graduates for a fellowship position with the Ronald M. Mankoff Tax Clinic ("Tax Clinic"). The fellowship will begin in June 2025 and is anticipated to be a two-year commitment contingent on grant funding, with an optional third year. The position requires on-site physical presence at the Tax Clinic, but also allows for a portion of the work to be done remotely.

The fellowship is ideal for individuals with interests in:

* Direct client representation
* Academic clinical work
* Policy development and initiatives
* Coordinated impact-litigation

The Fellow will work with and report to the director of the Tax Clinic. The Tax Clinic provides free legal representation to low-income taxpayers in controversy with the IRS and Minnesota Department of Revenue. The Tax Clinic also engages in outreach and education initiatives on tax issues in the community, as well as policy initiatives with the IRS and Minnesota Department of Revenue. In 2022, the Tax Clinic reduced clients tax liabilities by over $1 million. The Tax Clinic assists individuals litigating in US Tax Court as well as in Federal District Court.

The Tax Clinic is housed within the Legal Clinics at the University of Minnesota Law School. The Law School currently offers over twenty-five clinical courses with a broad diversity of subject matters. The Law School is committed to providing national leadership in clinical education and to ensure that students are prepared for the increasing complexities of legal practice in a diverse community.

The majority of the work is in-person with some remote flexibility.

Appointment: This is a 100% time, renewable, 12-month academic professional appointment. The initial appointment will be for one year. The appointment may be renewed for up to an additional two years following the successful completion of the first year.

Duties and Responsibilities: Under the mentorship of the director of the Tax Clinic, the Tax Clinic Fellow will provide direct legal representation to low-income taxpayers and assist in the supervision of law students providing such representation. Beyond direct representation, the Fellow has some flexibility and discretion in taking on additional responsibilities depending on their interests. A goal of this position is to facilitate the professional development of the Fellow.

Additional responsibilities or opportunities that the Fellow is likely to engage with include publishing practitioner oriented or scholarly articles; developing outreach strategies and educational material for low-income taxpayers; coordinating impact litigation projects; drafting comments to policymakers on regulations or other agency guidance; providing guidance and feedback to students; assist in teaching clinic seminar sessions.

For further information, applicants can contact Caleb Smith, Director of the Tax Clinic, at smit2014@umn.edu.

Required Qualifications: J.D. degree from an A.B.A accredited law school. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in at least one state (whether Minnesota or another state).

Preferences: Knowledge of tax law and previous completion of tax courses is preferred but not necessary for the position. Preferred applicants will have experience working with low-income communities, or strong prior clinical experience.

Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.

Pay Range: $65,000-$75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).