Ladder Up is Chicagoland’s leading provider of free financial services. Its Tax Clinic provides pro bono representation, consultation, and education to low-income people in tax disputes with the IRS and/or Illinois Department of Revenue.

Fellows should bring a drive to deliver tangible financial relief and peace of mind to low-income folks; no prior experience in tax controversy is necessary. Fellows will learn about the tax benefits and obligations that commonly affect low-income individuals and families, the disputes that surround these benefits/obligations, and the key mechanisms for resolving such disputes. They will conduct legal research and draft advocacy documents relating to a range of Clinic matters, which include audit defenses, Innocent Spouse claims, Identity Theft issues, penalty abatements, Offers in Compromise, United States Tax Court dockets, and more. They will become certified volunteer tax preparers and work directly with low-income clients to provide accurate tax return preparation. They will also help develop and refine the Clinic’s educational library, which includes programming on issues such as Self-Employment Tax and Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers.

Fellows will collaborate closely with the Clinic’s Director and Staff Attorney, who will provide ongoing supervision, feedback, and mentorship. Fellows will work side-by-side with Clinic personnel at tax preparation sites (such as the Harold Washington Library) and the United States Tax Court to deliver service in real-time. Scheduling of Fellowship responsibilities can be flexible and responsive to the Fellow’s needs. Upon completion of the Fellowship, Fellows will have myriad opportunities to keep contributing to the Clinic’s work and that of Ladder Up more broadly.

This agency is approved to host Graduate Fellows.