Talking Tax
IRS Staff Downsizing Offers New Look at Private Sector Tax Work
May 14, 2025
Caroline Ciraolo, a partner at Kostelanetz and former No. 2 at the DOJ Tax Division, dives into the shift from government to private sector tax work. She discusses a new initiative connecting laid-off IRS professionals to law firms, emphasizing the passion and transferable skills that benefit both sides. Ciraolo shares insights on navigating career transitions, the importance of effectively highlighting IRS experience on resumes, and encourages future tax professionals by showcasing the enduring demand in the field despite challenges.
15:45
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Quick takeaways
- Caroline Ciraolo emphasizes that the passion for complex tax issues serves as a crucial transferable skill between government and private sectors.
- Ciraolo's initiative connects laid-off IRS professionals with private employers, highlighting the value of their government experience in the private job market.
Deep dives
Transition from Public to Private Sector
Caroline Sorolo shares insights on her experience moving from public service at the Department of Justice to private practice in tax law. She emphasizes that while the work hours remain demanding in both sectors, the primary difference lies in client focus; government lawyers serve a single client, the United States, while private practitioners juggle multiple unique clients with distinct needs. This transition, though challenging, can be rewarding as it provides broader insights into client management and complex legal matters. Sorolo notes the comfort of having a singular mission in government work compared to the variety of demands faced in private practice.
