State and Local Tax (SALT) Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

State and Local Tax (SALT) Associate Attorney
Locations: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Reston, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Short Hills, Washington, DC, Wilmington

Direct Counsel is seeking a State and Local Tax (SALT) Associate to join a nationally recognized, full-service law firm with a strong and collaborative tax practice. This position offers the opportunity to work with a cross-office team on sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional state and local tax matters across industries.

Role Overview

The SALT Associate will support clients on complex state and local tax issues, including planning, controversy, and transactional matters. The role involves close collaboration with partners and senior attorneys and exposure to strategic, high-level tax work involving multistate projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a broad range of state and local tax matters, including:

  • Corporate income and franchise tax

  • Sales and use tax

  • Property tax

  • Payroll and withholding tax

  • Individual and personal income tax

• Assist with tax planning, structuring, and transactional analysis

• Support audit defense, administrative proceedings, and tax litigation matters

• Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis

• Draft clear, well-reasoned legal memoranda and correspondence

• Manage matters from inception through resolution

• Collaborate with attorneys across offices and practice groups

• Maintain strong internal and external client relationships

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school

• Admission to practice in the jurisdiction of the office location

• 3–5 years of dedicated State and Local Tax (SALT) experience

• Experience with corporate income/franchise tax and sales and use tax strongly preferred

• Exposure to tax controversy or litigation is a plus

• Strong research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Professional Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong attention to detail and professional judgment

• Ability to work collaboratively and independently

• Commitment to professional development and firm citizenship

Work Environment

• Hybrid role with regular in-office presence and some flexibility for remote work

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $260,000 – $365,000 annually, depending on geographic market, experience, and overall qualifications.

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement savings