Why This Resume Works
1
Tax savings quantified
$42M in client savings is the most powerful metric a tax attorney can lead with.
2
IRS dispute resolution proven
85% reduction in proposed assessments shows controversy resolution skill.
3
Transaction and controversy balance
Both planning and dispute work demonstrate full-spectrum tax practice.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Summary
Lead with total tax savings and areas of practice. Mention LLM in Taxation if held.
Skills
List specific tax areas: federal, state, international, partnership. Include IRS controversy and transactional work.
Experience
Quantify tax savings, audit outcomes, transaction values, and ruling success rates.
Education
J.D. plus LL.M. in Taxation is the gold standard. Highlight both degrees.
Key Skills for Tax Attorney Resumes
Based on analysis of thousands of job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:
Federal Tax Planning
State & Local Tax
International Tax
Partnership Taxation
IRS Audits
Tax Court Litigation
M&A Tax Structuring
Transfer Pricing
1031 Exchanges
Entity Formation
Voluntary Disclosures
Bloomberg Tax
CCH Axcess
Tax Opinions
Subchapter K
Tax-Free Reorganizations
Common Mistakes on Tax Attorney Resumes
- ⚠No tax savings figures - Tax attorneys are hired to save money. Every resume needs at least one aggregate savings number.
- ⚠Not specifying tax areas - 'Tax law' is too broad. Name federal, state, international, partnership, or estate as applicable.
- ⚠Missing IRS controversy results - Audit defense outcomes are critical proof points. Include assessment reductions and case counts.
- ⚠Ignoring transactional tax work - M&A structuring, entity formation, and reorganizations are high-value skills. Feature them.
- ⚠Omitting LLM or certifications - An LL.M. in Taxation is a major differentiator. Never bury it at the bottom of your resume.