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The Global Insight

What do you hate about being a tax lawyer?

Author

John Hall

Updated on March 09, 2026

Tax is intellectually demanding, and it is difficult to keep up with constant changes and new developments. Besides handling the day-to-day client work, a tax lawyer has to be committed to spending time keeping up with changes in tax law and learning new areas. Of the people in this practice group who hate it, what exactly do they hate about it?

When to contact an attorney for tax issues?

There are deadlines where issues must be resolved to avoid further penalties and the poor lines of communication with the IRS do not help in the resolution of your issues. If the IRS ignores your attempts to correct the mistakes, it is time to contact an attorney.

Can a CPA testify against you in a tax case?

Easy – your attorney is exempt from testifying against you. That’s right, should your tax liability case go to trial, and you have chosen to work with a CPA or tax preparer for help, your CPA could actually be made to testify against you! Only a Tax lawyer will have experience in achieving tax settlements.

What can a tax lawyer do for You?

The tax lawyer, CPA or the IRS licensed enrolled agent understands everything about the tax laws and they know what to do in different situations. They have the expertise to devise a specific plan of action for your case and follow it for implementation.

What can I do with a tax law practice?

Accounting firms with tax transactional and planning practices also provide opportunities for tax lawyers looking to leave law firm practice. Government work at the IRS, Treasury Department or a state revenue agency is another possibility. Tax lawyers with strong quantitative skills may move on to business roles at banks or investment funds.

Do you have to go to law school to be a tax lawyer?

Large law firms with a varied tax practice are a common starting point for law school graduates interested in tax law. Some tax lawyers also study for an additional year to earn an L.L.M. in tax, either while working at a firm or before entering private practice.

What do tax lawyers do at large firms?

As tax lawyers at large firms gain experience and move into partner roles, they often specialize and develop expertise in an area within tax (for example, financial products or M&A).