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Paralegals

Paralegals are an integral part of the litigation process in the Tax Division. Each paralegal is assigned to a particular section and works closely with the attorneys in preparing their cases.

Tax Division paralegals perform a wide variety of tasks under the supervision of their attorneys. Paralegals in the civil or criminal trial sections assist attorneys in preparing cases for trial. Some civil paralegals also help to collect money judgments. Paralegals in the appellate sections tend to perform more cite-checking and proofreading functions.

A number of Tax Division paralegals are career federal employees who enjoy the breadth and pace of paralegal work. Other paralegals are recent college graduates who stay with the Division a year or two and use their experience to see if they are interested in pursuing a career as an attorney.

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Paralegals may be asked to:

  • conduct factual or legal research
  • locate witnesses and assets
  • contact and interview fact witnesses, including IRS employees
  • summarize transcripts or other documents
  • organize discovery documents
  • prepare tables of contents, indices, and tables of authorities for legal briefs and other documents
  • review citations for accuracy
  • draft procedural motions
  • arrange deposition schedules and logistics
  • prepare deposition notices
  • prepare correspondence to judgment debtors
  • prepare post-judgment collection discovery
  • label and organize trial and deposition exhibits
  • travel to assist at trial

All paralegals should possess:

  • strong analytical skills
  • the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and grammatically, both orally and in writing
  • the ability to perform legal and factual research using various databases and online resources
  • the ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a litigation team

Learn more about federal employment benefits.

Updated March 15, 2023