Graduate Tax Externships

Founding Vision

The University of California, Irvine School of Law’s founding vision was to train lawyers for the practice of law at the highest levels of the profession. The Graduate Tax Program shares that vision and is proud to be the only program of its kind to require students to complete practical tax training.  Learn more about the Graduate Tax Program.

Tax Externship Opportunities

A key component of the Practical Tax Skills requirement is the Externship Program, which provides academic credit for students doing legal work at one of our tax partner organizations. Students may earn up to eight credits in tax externships and the class schedule is specifically designed to allow students to spend ample time at their selected field placements. In addition to their field work, students participate in a companion seminar to develop critical reflective practices and reinforce the skills learned at their externship.

Our Tax Externship Partners

Some of our tax externship partners include: Law Offices of A. Lavar Taylor LLP, Activision Blizzard, Arbonne International, Bechtel, Gilead, Paul Hastings, Honda, Hyundai Capital, IBFD, Ingram Micro, Mattel Inc., Mayer Brown, Rutan & Tucker LLP, SpaceX, State of California Franchise Tax Board, U.S. Internal Revenue and Withers Bergman LLP.

    Graduate Externship Topics and Past Speakers

  • Advanced Tax Research

    Jimmy Pak
    Research Law Librarian, UCI Law School

  • Effective Communication with Non-Lawyers

    Joseph Cruz
    Partner/Principal, Ernst & Young, LLP

    Stephen Freeman
    Of Counsel, K&L Gates

  • In-House Tax Practice

    Sean Stegmaier
    The Irvine Company

  • Writing for Tax Clients

    Doug Schaaf
    Partner, Tax Department, Paul Hastings

  • Tax Practice Mistakes

    Jasper “Jack” Cummings
    Counsel, Alston & Bird

  • Preventing and Managing an IRS Audit

    Hans Famularo
    Associate Area Counsel (Small Business/Self-Employed)
    Internal Revenue Service

    Darshana Natekar
    Senior Audit Coordinator
    American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

    Lisa Nelson
    Partner
    Law Offices of A. Lavar Taylor