Tax Litigator

Job summary

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At HMRC we are committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues; an inclusive and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society we serve.

We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us and we offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career at HMRC accessible to you.

Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.

About HMRC Legal Group:

Across HMRC Legal Group we provide legal services to the whole of HMRC. This includes:

• The conduct of independent reviews of decisions made by HMRC which are requested by customers under the legislative provisions.
• The conduct of tribunal and civil litigation on a full range of services.
• Work on new legislation.
• Drafting of statutory instruments and other legal documents.
• Legal advice to ExCom and staff.

We also provide technical accountancy and forensic services to HMRC, are head of the Compliance Accountants’ and Insolvency Professions as well as handling Ministerial Correspondence and Freedom of Information requests for HMRC.

This team specifically deals with:

Tax appeals at the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber).

Job description

HO Litigators will be expected to develop a high level of knowledge, skills and understanding and work as part of a fast-paced Litigation team but may also be asked to support colleagues in other parts of HMRC Legal Group and the wider HMRC.

Advocacy is an important part of being a litigator and successful candidates will be expected to advocate in the Tribunal.

Specific duties include:

• Working a wide range of standard tax appeals that require an in-depth analysis of the issues and the ability to be able to research and interpret the relevant legislation underpinning the decision.
• An ability to understand and interpret information, drawing conclusions on litigation strategy and legal risk.
• Making detailed written submissions to the Tribunal outlining HMRC’s case.
• Presenting hearings at the FTT (in person or via video) and/or supporting colleagues who are presenting at the FTT.
• Undertaking application hearings before the FTT.
• Working to and complying with Tribunal Directions.
• Ensuring the Decision Maker is kept up to date at all times, especially if they are to be called as a witness.
• Checking the Decision Maker’s witness statements.
• Identifying and collating bundles of evidence for hearings and managing bundle preparation.
• Attending case conferences, face to face and by telephone.
• Robust organisation and management of litigation caseload including file management, management information systems and processes.
• As a case-holder, manage or support all aspects of case management from commencement of proceedings through to hearing and conclusion, ensuring legal deadlines are strictly adhered to.
• Provide legal support to experienced senior colleagues on complex cases.
• Some administrative duties and may include instructing counsel if necessary.

Tax Litigator - Information Session 29th September – Fill in form

Person specification

Grade HO litigators are tax professionals who manage a portfolio of cases involving a range of tax issues. They are effective managing their own portfolio of cases, managing their own workload and meeting deadlines. They are capable of working independently, as part of a team and with appropriate supervision. They will typically have the following skills:

Communication skills – have good written and verbal communication skills. This role requires litigators to present tax litigation appeals before the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber). The candidate will need to be comfortable speaking and presenting issues to a small audience. The panel are looking for evidence that the candidate has the communication skills (written and oral) to undertake this role.

Working under pressure and good time management – Litigators are often required to balance competing workloads and pressures, and must be able to manage their own time effectively to ensure they meet Tribunal deadlines. The panel are looking for evidence of the candidate’s ability to manage a notable workload, the ability to prioritise tasks and the ability to manage their time effectively.

Essential Criteria

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above or equivalent, which must include English and Maths.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• An ability to work under pressure and effectively manage time.

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a ‘Further Location Preferences (optional)’ field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Office closures

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.

If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it’s important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

These sites are:

• Waterview Park, Washington - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle
• Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle

You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Leeds Locations

Moves Adjustment Payment will be available for this role, provided the successful applicant is a current HMRC colleague in Bradford and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the HMRC’s Moves Adjustment Payment guidance.

Additional Training Required

Please note there will be a requirement to undertake extensive training for a period of up to 24 months. This training will consist of:
- Tax Routeway
- Litigation Skills Training
- Full completion of the Quality Assessment Framework.

Further details will be provided to successful candidates upon completion.

Please note that we will not be able to provide you with a supervisor for CILEX training.

Qualifications