There’s no clear path to becoming an attorney of any type. Sure, you know that you need to go to law school — but then what? If you have any desire to become a tax lawyer, you may want to follow the steps below. While they’re only the first few steps along the path, they can help provide you with a framework to follow once you enter the real job market.

1. How to Build a Career as a Tax Lawyer
There’s no clear path to becoming an attorney of any type. Sure, you know that you need to go
to law school — but then what? If you have any desire to become a tax lawyer, you may want to
follow the steps below. While they’re only the first few steps along the path, they can help
provide you with a framework to follow once you enter the real job market.
Major in Finance
Getting a job in tax law begins with picking the right major as an undergrad. While you might
think of going with pre-law or political science, a major that focuses on finance will be a much
better fit if you are looking to practice any type of law that deals with money. An accounting
major or a general finance major will not only help you stand out in the crowd of pre-law
hopefuls, but it will give you a better springboard from which to pursue future financial
education.
Attending a (Good) Law School
Getting into law school isn’t enough if you want to be successful practicing tax law. Make sure
you apply to a first or second tier school that not only has a reputation for turning out
employable lawyers, but one that has a good financial law program. A large university that will
let you take classes that cross-list with its college of finance or business may be your best bet. If
possible, you may also want to think about double-majoring with a graduate degree that focuses
on finances. This will make you far more employable when you graduate.

2. Pick Your Internships Well
If you really want to practice tax law, you’ll want to get started early on. Visit your law school’s
career development office and get a list of firms in your city that practice tax law. Start applying
to those firms during the end of your first year if possible, and during your second year if they
only accept 2L/3L students. Getting a good internship will not only teach you more about how
tax law is practiced, but it will help get your foot in the door. If you can’t get a tax law internship
specifically, apply to a large firm that also handles tax cases.
Keep Learning
Once you’ve graduated, try to find a job with a firm that practices tax law. No matter where you
end up, though, you’ve got to keep learning — as the tax codes change, you’ll have more to keep
up with than ever. Good tax attorneys, those who actually last in the field, are those who
continually learn more. Make sure that all of your professional learning credits center around tax
law and that you continually seek the guidance of more experienced attorneys who understand
the difference between theory and real practice.
Once you have your first job, your path is just beginning. You’ll need to study hard and work
harder to establish yourself as a good tax attorney. You’ll work with people who are more
experienced than you until you are ready, and then you’ll run back to them for help as you go it
alone. A good tax lawyer generally follows the path above, but remember — your own path may
look very different.
William Doonan is a tax law and legal expert in New York.