Taxation
CLA’S TAXATION SECTION ADDS VALUE TO MANY PRACTICES: SUPPORTS NEW ATTORNEYS THROUGH YOUNG TAX LAWYERS CONFERENCE
April 2024
By Adria S. Price
Chair, CLA Taxation Section
Tax law is a highly specialized field affecting numerous areas of the legal profession. From bankruptcy to real estate, employee benefits to tax litigation, CLA’s Tax Section members have dedicated themselves to serving a diverse array of clients. This also means they oftentimes work with lawyers in other legal realms.
Contrary to the stereotype, tax law is a fascinating area of practice. Certainly we help our clients navigate a broad range of tax concerns and controversies. However, we also work directly with colleagues in other legal arenas to provide insight regarding a variety of matters. I admit to being biased, but I strongly believe almost every legal issue or transaction has a tax consideration or consequence. It is because of the wide application of tax laws that our section can collaborate with other CLA Sections on educational opportunities and networking events.
One of the goals of the Tax Section is to advance CLA’s mission to promote excellence and inclusion. The Section is proud to be celebrating its 10th annual Young Tax Lawyers Conference on April 25, 2024. Attendees will participate virtually in substantive MCLE presentations and then meet in person with fellow students and practitioners at post-conference events hosted by each chapter (Sacramento, Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego). Additional information may be found online at the 10th Annual Young Tax Lawyers Conference.
Do not let the “young” in the title dissuade you from participating. The conference and networking will benefit all practicing attorneys—whether young to the practice or young at heart.
CLA’s Tax Section hosts numerous activities each year. Most recently, leaders and members met in San Francisco to participate in the 2024 Estate and Gift Tax Conference. Attendees reflected on numerous updates, shared resources, and enjoyed time to connect.
The Tax Section is also proud of the real-world difference it makes both within the legal community as well as for taxpayers. The Tax Section sponsors delegations to both Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, where participants author position papers on various subjects advocating for change. These papers are presented to government officials who can make that change a reality.
Through our Pro Bono Project with the California Office of Tax Appeals (OTA), we match volunteer attorneys with unrepresented taxpayers to provide limited-scope advice and counsel about their appeal before the OTA. This is a wonderful opportunity to assist taxpayers who would not otherwise have access to legal representation in navigating the complexities of California tax appeals.
Finally, the Tax Section’s Odyssey Mentorship Program partners experienced practitioners with newer members to the profession for a five-month mentorship term. The program aims to shape future productive and confident leaders of the profession while encouraging collegiality within the Taxation Section.
We welcome any questions about the Tax Section or any interest in becoming involved or partnering with us on an event. Please email us at taxation@calawyers.org.