Summer Intern - Litigation Bureau

Agency Overview

The Department of Revenue's core mission is to collect the revenues required to support the business of the Commonwealth, to make a difference in the lives of children by enforcing the financial responsibilities of parenthood, and to assist Massachusetts cities and towns in sound and efficient fiscal management.  Our vision is to conduct our operations in a manner that inspires public confidence in government by administering and enforcing tax, child support and municipal finance laws in ways that are innovative, customer-focused, and transparent.

Bureau/Division Overview

The Litigation Bureau represents the Commissioner in tax-related litigation matters before the Appellate Tax Board and various state and federal courts, including the United States Bankruptcy Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court (under the appointment of the Department’s General Counsel as a Special Assistant Attorney General).  Our mission is to provide the highest quality legal representation to the Department and to ensure the tax laws are enforced in a vigorous, fair and even-handed manner.  We are committed to excellence in our field and our team is comprised of dynamic and highly motivated individuals.

Position Summary

The Department seeks a full-time (37.5 hours/week) Legal Intern for its Litigation Bureau.  The intern will assist the trial attorneys of the Bureau in litigating cases.  This is a great opportunity to obtain hands-on litigation experience while also learning various facets of state tax law including, but not limited to: sales/use, corporate excise, personal income, tax fraud, collections and bankruptcy.  The chance to appear at hearings, argue motions and/or conduct depositions is also a possibility based on experience, interest and availability.  The Bureau works in a hybrid model (at least two days in our office in Boston and the remaining days working from home).

Core Responsibilities

·         Performing legal research;

·         Drafting legal memoranda, pleadings, discovery requests and motions;

·         Evaluating and annotating documentary and testimonial evidence;

·         Assisting in the preparation of trials and hearings;

·         Opportunities to argue motions and/or conduct depositions based on experience and Bureau need. 

Preferred Qualifications

·        The ability to prioritize, adapt and respond to a wide range of legal inquiries and assignments.   

An external candidate recommended for a position with the Department of Revenue will be subject to a background check that includes checks for: state and federal tax compliance; child support compliance; education verification; Massachusetts CORI checks; criminal background checks in state(s) of current and previous residence/employment; validation of eligibility to work in the United States; and national fingerprint-based criminal background checks.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.