At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist judges with legal research and drafting opinions in a dynamic court environment.
- Company: U.S. Tax Court, committed to equal opportunity and diversity.
- Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement and professional development in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable experience in tax law while working alongside esteemed judges.
- Qualifications: Must be a law school graduate with strong academic credentials.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
It is the policy of U.S. Tax Court, as an equal opportunity employer, to attract and retain the best-qualified people available, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, or handicapping condition.
Law clerk positions are filled as vacancies occur, and many are filled by applicants who participate in the Court’s annual “Law Clerk Interview Days” program that occurs each Fall. Candidates may submit application packets to one or more participating Judges.
During the Law Clerk Interview days period, applications can be made by going to the Law Clerk Interview Days portal. The 2026 Law Clerk Interview Days Portal is expected to open August 3rd, 2026. Judges will be making selections for Law Clerks generally to start in Fall 2027.
Individual Law clerk vacancies also may occur throughout the year and details are posted on the Judges Currently Recruiting page of the website.
Qualifications And Compensation
Law clerks must be a law school graduate. While bar admission is not required at the time of appointment, law clerks must have passed the bar within 14 months of their appointment. In addition, not later than 24 months after their initial appointment, and thereafter during their service at the Tax Court, law clerks must be admitted to practice before the highest court of a state or the District of Columbia and in good standing.
The Judges of the United States Tax Court are primarily interested in the superior law school graduate who has completed Federal tax law courses and plans to practice in this specialized field. There is particular interest in a graduate who has worked on a law review and graduated in the upper one-third of his/her law school class. Some Judges, but not all, prefer candidates with an LL.M. degree in taxation or who have completed one year of professional experience in the Federal tax field.
Appointments typically begin at the Grade GS-11 level on the Government pay scale, but may be higher depending on the education level and professional experience of a candidate. Utilize the "General Schedule Salary Calculator" to determine the compensation for GS-11 in your locality. The decision to make an offer, and the terms of the offer, are left to the discretion of each Judge. The Office of Human Resources facilitates the offer process after the Judge makes a selection and the candidate agrees.
Security and Character Investigations
All appointments are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background, credit, and tax check.
Insurance and Retirement Plans
Benefits available to employees include health insurance and life insurance. Employees also participate in the benefits of the Government's Federal Employee's Retirement System, which includes the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Leave
Law clerks without prior Government service are entitled to 13 days of Annual leave and 13 days of Sick leave for each year. Any leave balances remaining at the conclusion of the law clerk appointment are forfeited.
Law Clerk Program Information employer: United States Tax Court
The U.S. Tax Court is an exceptional employer, offering law clerks a unique opportunity to work closely with esteemed judges in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from comprehensive health and retirement plans, as well as generous leave policies, all while contributing to the important field of Federal tax law. Located in Washington, D.C., this role not only provides meaningful work but also fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration among legal professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Law Clerk Program Information
✨Hit Up Legal Career Fairs
Get yourself to legal career fairs and networking events in your area. These are gold mines for snagging internships, as many firms like to meet potential candidates face-to-face. Keep an eye out for universities or legal associations hosting these events!
✨Leverage Your School's Resources
Tap into your university's career services or law department—they often have connections with firms looking for interns. Plus, you might find exclusive internship postings or workshops that can make you stand out!
✨Get Involved in Legal Clinics
Participate in legal aid clinics or pro bono work; it’s a stellar way to gain hands-on experience and beef up your CV. Being directly involved in community legal projects shows your commitment and can impress potential employers!
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Don't forget to check out United States Tax Court’s careers page for internship opportunities. It’s a smart move to apply directly through our website; we love seeing applications come in from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Law Clerk Program Information
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:When we’re looking at applications for a legal internship, we want to see that you're not just passionate about the law, but that you’ve got a solid grasp of key concepts too. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on, and don't forget to mention specific areas of law you're interested in—this shows us your focus and ambition!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why you’re eager to intern at United States Tax Court. Talk about how this internship aligns with your career goals and what you hope to learn from the experience. Be sure to showcase your analytical skills and any relevant experiences, whether they’re from university assignments, extra-curriculars, or volunteer work.
Include Relevant Experiences:Alongside your education, it's great to include any experiences that show your dedication to the legal field—this could be volunteer work at legal aid clinics or participation in law-related societies. Such experiences really highlight your commitment and willingness to learn, which is exactly what we want to see in an intern!
Proof Your Skills with Writing Samples:Don't just tell us you're a great writer—show us! If you've written any essays, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics, consider attaching a couple of writing samples with your application. This gives us a taste of your analytical ability and how clearly you can express complex legal ideas, which is crucial in law!
How to prepare for a job interview at United States Tax Court
✨Know Your Legal Basics
Brush up on fundamental legal concepts relevant to the position. We want to be able to discuss basic legal principles confidently, especially if there's a chance they might ask about case studies or legal reasoning during your interview at United States Tax Court.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
As an intern in the legal field, you'll be expected to do a lot of research. Come prepared to discuss how you’ve tackled legal research in the past or share examples of how you’ve used databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute right from the start!
✨Prepare for Role-Specific Scenarios
It’s a good idea to consider hypothetical legal scenarios that might be thrown at you during your interview. Think through how you would approach a case or handle a compliance issue, and make sure to ask insightful questions about the type of cases handled at United States Tax Court.
✨Highlight Your Learning Potential
Since this is an internship, employers like United States Tax Court are looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Talk about why you're interested in law and how this internship aligns with your career goals. Emphasise how you can grow through this opportunity!
