People in Tax Podcast: Recent Episodes
American Bar Association Section of Taxation
The People in Tax Podcast features interviews exploring the stories and careers of ABA Tax Section members, government officials, and others who influence, work in, or study tax law and policy. Our goal is to build community and encourage the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in the tax law profession.
In S06E13, Bela Unell and Scott Levine continue their discussion of his time at the IRS, the relationship between the government and the Tax Section, and the role of diversity in tax practice. (Part 2 of 2).
In S06E12, Bela Unell and Scott Levine discuss his varied career, including his teaching career and work at the Treasury Department. (Part 1 of 2).
In S06E11, Bela Unell and Devon Bodoh discuss his road to tax, and his experience in the occasionally chaotic world of international tax practice.
In S06E10, Bela Unell and Professor Roberta Mann discuss getting jobs in tax, her work with the ABA Tax Section Publications, and how she got started with the Tax Section.
In S06E09, Bela Unell and Professor Roberta Mann discuss her early career at IRS Chief Counsel, how her experience on Capitol Hill shaped how she views law today, and her approach to teaching tax.
In S06E08, Bela Unell and Christine A. Brunswick Public Service Fellow Mohit Mookim discuss working with non-traditional organizations, the origin and work of the Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC), and changing what movement organizations look like.
In S06E07, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Fatima Garcia discuss constructive criticism, advocating for each other at the office, and making tax less scary for the average person. (Part 3 of 3).
In S06E06, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Fatima Garcia discuss the role mentorship has played in her career, finding her voice as a practicing attorney, and the responsibility she feels as a Latina in the legal field. (Part 2 of 3).
In S06E05, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Fatima Garcia discuss her unexpected road to tax practice, the importance of representation in the legal field, and the scholarship she founded for her alma mater. (Part 1 of 2).
In S06E04, Bela Unell and Christine A. Brunswick Public Service Fellow Hannah Stephan discuss her background in Finance, her work with Minnesota Legal Aid, and her close ties to her home state.
In S06E03, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Jorge Oben discuss his work on the Ways and Means Committee, how his background influences his work experiences, and how he keeps himself moving forward in a challenging world.
In S06E02, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Jorge Oben discuss the uniqueness of tax practice in the US, the pitfalls of international tax, and his experience working with the Ways and Means Committee.
In S06E01, Bela Unell and Professor and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Jessica Harris discuss her road to tax practice, working in Low-Income Tax Clinics, and improving inclusivity in the tax sphere.
In S05E15, William Schmidt and Christine Brunswick Fellow Shailana Dunn-Wall discuss community education regarding tax, the specifics of LITC works, and the benefits of Tax Section meetings.
In S05E14, William Schmidt and Christine Brunswick Fellow Shailana Dunn-Wall discuss non-profit tax practice, the challenges facing low-income taxpayers, and the benefits of the Christine Brunswick Fellowship. Part 1 of 2.
In S05E13, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Chardea Murray discuss her mentors, her goals for the Fellowship, and the importance of DEI and outreach. Part 2 of 2.
In S05E12, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Chardea Murray discuss her path to law and tax, getting involved in the Pro Bono and LITC work, and her early career at the IRS. Part 1 of 2.
In S05E11, Gina Ahn and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Jamal Aquil discuss the specifics of the Argrett Fellowship, his path to tax practice, the challenges and obstacles he encountered along the way, and the role of the KPMG Washington National Tax Office in DC.
In S05E10, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow, Alice Thomas, discuss giving back to the community, her approach to preparing law students for practice, and the Loretta Collins Argrett Fellowship. Part 3 of 3.
In S05E09, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow Alice Thomas discuss her family history, her experiences as a black student, and the role both played in bringing her to Howard. Part 2 of 3.
In S05E08, Bela Unell and Loretta Collins Argrett Fellow, Alice Thomas, discuss getting involved in non-profit work, her path to teaching tax law, and how important tax law really is. Part 1 of 3.
In S05E07, Bela Unell and Karen Lapekas discuss LLMs and litigation, litigation in practice, and mentorship in the tax law community.
In S05E06, William Schmidt and Judge Adam B. Landy discuss the duties of Special Trial judges, tips for counsel for a smoother process, and advice for young lawyers. Part 2 of 2
In S05E05, William Schmidt and Judge Adam B. Landy discuss learning skills in private practice, applying those skills to the Chief Counsel's Office, and ultimately transitioning to the Tax Court. Part 1 of 2
In S05E04, William Schmidt and Erin Collins discuss the benefit of working in the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, how things changed in moving to KPMG, some noteworthy cases, how being co-author of the IRS Practice and Procedure Deskbook benefitted her tax controversy practice, how her litigation background prepared her for being National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA), becoming the NTA at the beginning of the pandemic, what people should know when working with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, benefits of the ABA Section of Taxation, and tips for law students or young attorneys interested in tax.
In S05E03, William Schmidt and Judge Eunkyong Choi discuss becoming a Special Trial Judge, what the work of a Special Trial Judge includes, how Low Income Taxpayer Clinics assist at Tax Court, typical days for a Special Trial Judge, attending ABA conferences again, and being a mentor for law students or young attorneys in tax. (Part 2 of 2).
In S05E02, William Schmidt and Judge Eunkyong Choi discuss working in Low Income Taxpayer Clinics on tax controversy cases, her family’s immigration to the United States from Korea, being the Taxpayer Advocate in the New York City Department of Finance, and regional tax issues such as dealing with different state tax departments. (Part 1 of 2)
In S05E01, Bela Unell and Mark Schneider discuss working in the IRS in the 80s, switching from government work to private firms, and how the two sectors interact.
In S04E10, in part 2 of 2, Bela Unell and Marie Milnes-Vasquez continue their discussion on becoming an accidental lawyer, opening up more areas of opportunity to people with different backgrounds, and the 'special sauce' that creates a transactional tax attorney.
In S04E09, in part 1 of 2, Bela Unell and Marie Milnes-Vasquez discuss working on the IRS side of tax, cases that never make it to court, and the interactions between the IRS and organizations like the ABA.
In this two part bonus episode, Susan Morgenstern and Bob Wunderle discuss the Tax Analysts Public Service Fellowship at La Posada in Twin Falls, Idaho.
In this two part bonus episode, Susan Morgenstern and Bob Wunderle discuss the Tax Analysts Public Service Fellowship at La Posada in Twin Falls, Idaho.
In S04E08, Gina Ahn and Jonathan Grossberg discuss student tax law reviews, the ins and outs of tax law publishing, how to get involved in the tax law publishing world.
In S04E07, Gina Ahn and Janice Shih discuss the challenges and rewards of volunteering with Low-Income Tax Clinics, the surprises of tax practice, and how remote work in the pandemic has actually helped Low-Income Tax Clinics connect to a larger area of clientele.
In S04E06, William Schmidt and Samantha Galvin discuss the transition from student to teacher at the University of Denver, teaching in a tax clinic, effects on the clinic from the pandemic and being active in the American Bar Association Section of Taxation.
In S04E05, William Schmidt and Michael Desmond discuss his time as IRS Chief Counsel, the benefits of public service, and the opportunities available at ABA Tax Section meetings.
In S04E04, Gina Ahn and James Creech discuss the law school to practice transition, solo practice versus working in a larger firm, and embracing the chaos of tax practice.
In S04E03, James Creech and Bela Unell discuss her road to National Tax, missing pieces in tax law, and how tax practice has evolved over the last decade.
In S04E02, Bela Unell and William Schmidt discuss his shift in law school from business law to tax law, the low income taxpayer clinic program, and podcasting.
In S04E01, William Schmidt and Gina Ahn discuss her road to tax law, translating tax jargon for clients, and the unexpected nuances in Low Income Tax Clinic practice.
In S03E07, James Creech and Annie Counts discuss practical tax education, interacting with the tax lawyer community, and virtual learning in tax law.
In S03E06, James Creech and Krista Wood discuss learning tax law, working with the IRS Chief Counsel's Office, and working and learning in the time of Covid.
In S03E05, James Creech and Bob Probasco discuss the role of tax clinics in tax administration, tax practice "war stories," and getting involved in the tax lawyer community.
In S03E03, James Creech and Sharon Heck discuss the role of tax in running a business, how to predict the future, and how to talk to business partners about tax.
In S03E02, James Creech and Heather Fincher discuss the ABA Women in Tax Forum, parallels between athletics and practicing tax law, and using new methods to teach and present tax concepts to finance and treasury professionals.
In S03E01, James Creech and Judge Juan Vasquez discuss his road to the Tax Court, the value tax lawyers bring to their clients, and the role of tax law in social justice. (Part 2 of 2)
In S03E01, James Creech and Judge Juan Vasquez discuss his road to the Tax Court, the value tax lawyers bring to their clients, and the role of tax law in social justice. (Part 1 of 2)
In S02E33, James Creech and Jamie Szal discuss the ins and outs of SALT practice, including life after Wayfair, the perspective of women in SALT practice, and adapting to working and networking during the pandemic.
In S02E32, James Creech and Phyllis Epstein discuss the perceptions of tax law and tax lawyers, diversity in the field, and the human element of tax practice.
In S02E31, James Creech and Philip Speicher discuss tax litigation, working with clients, and handling expectations for both.
In S02E30, James Creech and Lewis Taischoff discuss writing about tax, and how to keep readers engaged with it, judicial nicknames, baseball metaphors, sympathetic clients, and what makes good blog material, ending with the changes in case management in the court.
In S02E29, James Creech and Pedro Corona discuss working in both the U.S. and Mexico, the differences between the two legal systems, and the challenges and opportunities of working in both countries.
In S02E28, James Creech and Bernie Becker discuss the political side of tax practice, the occasionally odd and tricky aspects of tax policy reporting, and where to find the best snacks on Capitol Hill.
In S02E27, James Creech and Jane Zhao discuss her experiences in low-income tax clinics, including the benefits of the calendar call clinic program, as well as the overlap between low and high-income tax practice, and transitioning between both areas.
In S02E26, James Creech and Sam Brunson discuss tax law's broader social impacts, "God and the IRS", and teaching tax policy.
In S02E25, James Creech, Marsha Dungog, and Anshu Khanna discuss getting into international tax law, taxation challenges related to cross-border families, and international responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In S02E24, James Creech and Tim Todd cover topics in teaching tax taxation, and why tax is a required course for law students. Also discussed, the development of the tax law curriculum and the ever evolving nature of tax practice.
In S02E23, James Creech and Omeed Firouzi discuss worker misclassification and the affect it has on both employers and employees. They also delve into what to look at when making a classification challenge, and the intersection of LITC and other areas of
In S02E22, James Creech and Stephanie Lipinski Galland discuss the challenges of state and local taxes, the impact of the Wayfair decision, and opportunities for students considering a career in state and local taxes.
In S02E21, James Creech and Anson Asbury discuss the advantages and challenges of leading a small firm, as well as relying on Tax Meetings and The Tax Lawyer to keep current.
In S02E20, James Creech and Carolyn Lee discuss launching a tax career in a small firm, the culture in a large tax firm, and improving diversity in the tax community.
In S02E19, James Creech and Arsalan Malik discuss developing expertise in employee benefits, keeping pace with the evolving nature of the field, and the benefits of encouraging diverse perspectives through such Tax Section initiatives as the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships.
In S02E18, James Creech and Justin Miller discuss explaining a complicated tax code to clients, speaking at tax meetings, and advice to students considering a career in the financial industry.
In S02E17, James Creech and Shanthy Balachanthrian discuss helping indigent taxpayers at a rural Florida tax clinic, the important role of the ABA Tax Section in supporting tax clinic professionals, and the benefits of clinic internships to law students.
In S02E16, James Creech and Travis Thompson discuss getting into tax through a summer associate position, expanding a career through attending Tax Meetings and organizing panels, and the advent of the use of artificial intelligence in tax enforcement and
In S02E15, James Creech and Beverly Winstead discuss cross-cultural lawyering, economic empowerment, the importance of mentoring, and getting involved in the ABA Tax Section.
In S02E14, James Creech and Eric Solomon discuss managing the Treasury Department's Office of Tax Policy, the ABA Tax Section's important role in the tax system, and the need for the Tax Section to evolve to address future needs. (Part 2 of 2.)
In S02E13, James Creech and Eric Solomon discuss identifying tax law as a career, work for the IRS and the Treasury Department, and the government's handling of the 2008 financial crisis.
In S02E12, James Creech and Caroline Ciraolo discuss nationwide coordination of tax issues by the DOJ Tax Division, working in government, mentoring, and work-life balance. (Part 2 of 2.)
In S02E11, James Creech and Caroline Ciraolo discuss working at a tax controversies law firm, involvement in the Tax Section, and the Department of Justice Swiss Bank Program.
In S02E10, James Creech and William Schmidt discuss helping the public navigate tax law, the challenges of low-income tax clinic work, and advice to starting a career in tax law and social justice.
In S02E09, James Creech and Roberta Mann discuss identifying students with interest in tax law, improving tax policy, getting involved in the Tax Section, and the Law Student Tax Challenge.
In S02E08, James Creech and Alex Parker discuss learning to become a trade news journalist, notable news stories, using social media to supplement broaden perspectives, and advice on how to become a trade news journalist.
In S02E07, James Creech and Christine Speidel discuss tax law work helping victims of domestic violence, volunteering for the Tax Section Pro Bono and Tax Clinics Committee to advocate for better tax law administration, teaching tax law to clinic students.
In S02E06, James Creech and John Colvin discuss work on the Tax Section Committee on Government Submissions, the attractions of Tax Meetings, and taking a case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In S02E05, James Creech and Caroline Bruckner discuss working on Capitol Hill, the tax code and women business owners, the need for data and practitioner perspectives to inform tax policy, and the social impact of tax policy.
In S02E04, James Creech and Andy Grewal discuss working in academia, disagreeing respectfully on social media, teaching tax law, and the shortfalls of the tax code.
In S02E03, James Creech and Alison Helland discuss the atmosphere of involvement at Tax Section meetings, the practice of helping business owners with estate and succession planning, using Tax Section meetings to stay current, and the benefits of volunteering within the Section.
In S02E02, James Creech and Keith Fogg discuss the advantages of ABA Tax Section membership,the quality of Tax Section programming, taxpayer uptake of LITC services, and advice to young lawyers. (Part 2 of 2.)
In S02E01, James Creech and Keith Fogg discuss working in the IRS Chief Counsel office, transitioning to teaching, clinical law, and blogging. (Part 1 of 2.)
In S01E06, James Creech and Karen Hawkins discuss working with Tax Court judges, building a practice through networking at Tax Section, and advice on how to take advantage of speaking opportunities. (Part 2 of 2.)
In S01E05, James Creech and Karen Hawkins discuss the launch of the pro bono calendar call program, the first 6015(f) standalone case, and the legislative response. (Part 1 of 2.)
In S01E04, James Creech and Amy Spivey discuss attending a tax meeting for the first time, learning about pro bono work, running a low-income taxpayer clinic, cohosting a tax radio show, running calendar calls, and supporting the Tax Assistance Public Service endowment.
In S01E03, James Creech and Jonathan Strouse discuss the benefits of tax meetings, planning meeting panels, how young lawyers can get involved in panels, and the facets of good speaking. (Interview at the 2019 Midyear Tax Meeting, New Orleans, LA.)
In S01E02, James Creech and Valerie Vlasenko discuss learning to speak at professional meetings, mentorship, pro bono work, and professional networking. (Interview at the 2019 Midyear Tax Meeting, New Orleans, LA.)
In S01E01, James Creech and Lany Villalobos discuss the Christine Brunswick Fellowship, diversity, mentorship, and tax representation as social justice. (Interview at the 2019 Midyear Tax Meeting, New Orleans, LA.)