Attorney 1

The West Virginia State Tax Department is seeking an entry-level attorney (“Attorney 1”) to join its legal team. Under direct guidance of the managing attorneys, the chosen candidate will perform entry level work providing legal advice and representation on behalf of the agency. Once admitted to the Bar, the chosen candidate may represent the Tax Department and Tax Commissioner before the West Virginia
Office of Tax Appeals with regard to taxpayer petitions for refund and petitions for reassessment. This administrative-level representation involves research and writing of briefs and presentation of evidence before the tribunal. The chosen candidate may also represent the agency regarding property tax valuations.
The attorney would be expected to perform extensive legal research in order to respond to requests for
information from taxpayers and other government entities, write draft letter rulings, and provide guidance on taxability of certain goods and services. The attorney would provide written responses to other government agencies, professional organizations such as law firms and accounting firms, and
other entities outside state government about a variety of issues involving tax requirements. Examples include but are not limited to the impact to proposed economic development and the potential impact of changes to the tax code on the Tax Department and the administration of state taxes. The attorney may assist in the drafting of legislation and rules required to implement changes in tax code, law, rule,
and policy; as well as review, analyze, and comment upon proposed legislation and rules.
This is an entry level position, and it is expected that the chosen applicant will require specific training before they are able to operate independently. An Attorney 1 will typically start with the more technical aspects of the division’s work in order to gain familiarity with the taxes administered by the
Department. Once a level of proficiency is obtained, the attorney may be assigned more complicated matters, including litigation.
The Attorney 1 performs related work as required. Intermittent travel may be needed, so a valid
driver’s license is required. Applicants are subject to an extensive criminal background investigation and
tax compliance check. The chosen applicant must be a member of the West Virginia State Bar, or be admitted to the West Virginia State Bar within twelve (12) months of hire.

There is no application deadline. The Legal Division will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, with the aim of filling the position as soon as possible. More than one position may be available.
Respond with resume, transcript, and writing sample to:
Stephen Stockton, Supervising Attorney
W. Va. State Tax Department, Legal Division
1001 Lee Street, East
Charleston, WV 25301
304-558-5330
stephen.b.stockton@wv.gov