Supervised Research: IRS ERISA Project for Fall 2009 Semester

The IRS Division of Employee Plans recently created a new program, called the “Volunteer Law Student Program,” which was launched at Georgetown Law in Spring 2009.  Students work under the supervision of IRS tax professionals in a research and writing project, the ultimate objective of which is to create a textbook that the Service will use to train young IRS professionals specializing in the employee-benefits area. 

This experience will resemble an externship, except that students will do the vast bulk of the research and writing on campus (or at home) as opposed to on-site at the agency.  As is true for externships, students will be expected to devote an average of 10 hours per week to the project for 11 weeks during the Fall Semester.  Students participating in this program will receive two academic credits, and their work will be graded pass/fail as part of a course entitled: Supervised Research:  IRS ERISA Project. It requires a separate application to the IRS.

For Fall 2009, the program is open to any Tax LL.M. student who has registered for at least two benefits-related courses in the Fall semester. However, priority will be given to students who have enrolled for, or intend to enroll for, the Employee Benefits Certificate. Both full-time and part-time students are welcome to apply.

Please read more about the program at: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/ep_volunteer_law_student_program_fall_2009.pdf

Why Should You Consider Enrolling in the Supervised Research: IRS ERISA Project this coming Fall 2009 Semester?

• Memo from Albert Lauber, Director, Graduate Tax Program Regarding the Supervised Research: IRS ERISA Project.