Building My Tax Dispute Expertise With Mentorship & Hands-On Experience

When I entered Counter LLP’s office, I met lawyers dedicated to achieving excellence in tax litigation.  As an Articling Student, I’ve valued the consistent support from the team of tax litigators. I’ve tackled the challenges and found them helpful for my professional development in tax litigation.

A Commitment to Tax Expertise & Growth

Peter, Natalie, James, and Jennifer provided unparalleled support throughout my articling journey. Their belief in my potential and willingness to help gave me the guidance and confidence to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence in every aspect of my work.

For example, James allowed me to assist the team in a discovery examination. He invited me to observe witness interviews, draft discovery responses, and build the book of documents. These practical experiences gave me valuable insights, allowing me to gain extensive knowledge and skills in handling tax disputes.

The constructive feedback and advice I received from Jennifer and Natalie enabled me to understand Tax Court procedures and CRA internal rules clearly. By engaging with numerous court procedures, I have significantly improved my attention to detail, which has allowed me to navigate the complexities of tax litigation effectively.

Peter’s legal research tasks challenged me to cultivate expertise in tax dispute knowledge. His assignments encouraged me to critically analyze the legislation, CRA documents, and case law. I learned to identify the answers from the complex information and gained a deeper understanding of various tax dispute areas. My research skills have improved significantly, helping me gain substantive expertise.

Through mentorship, feedback, and hands-on experience, I have stepped out of my comfort zone, confronted my limitations, and embraced new perspectives. Every challenge, whether drafting a memorandum or negotiating with the CRA, has allowed me to sharpen my skills and acquire more knowledge in tax litigation.

Diverse and Challenging Work

During my articling at Counter LLP, I had the chance to delve into various legal problems, from corporate taxation to GST/HST issues, each presenting its own complexities and nuances.

One day, James assigned me a task to research the documentary requirement for HST rebate. This was a very specific issue under the Excise Tax Act. Through my research and Jennifer’s guidance, the team confidently presented the findings to the appeals officer and the client to obtain optimized outcomes.

I communicated regularly with clients, opposing counsel, and the Tax Court, improving my communication and persuasion skills. I learned to articulate ideas more clearly and frame messages more persuasively.

Counter LLP’s commitment to giving me a diverse articling experience accelerated my tax dispute knowledge and skills. Working on different legal assignments and projects taught me to adapt quickly and approach problems with tenacity. Moreover, I have gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. This has allowed me to grow professionally and personally with clarity and purpose.

Advice for Future Articling Students

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your articling experience at Counter LLP:

•    Responsibility and Independence: At Counter LLP, you’ll enjoy considerable independence. Effective time management is key to meeting your deadlines and delivering high-quality work.
•    Everyone at Counter LLP Is Here to Help: Don’t hesitate to ask questions when unsure. Everyone at Counter LLP is there to help guide you through the learning process. 
•    Great Feedback for Growth: The feedback I received was key to my learning and growth. Everyone at the firm encourages questions and offers valuable feedback. Leveraging this feedback can significantly enhance your skills and performance.

Conclusion 

Reflecting on my articling experience, I am truly grateful for the valuable experiences that shaped my legal career. Counter LLP’s dedication to excellence in resolving tax disputes and strong support have played a major role in my development. Specifically, the practical experience and expertise in tax disputes I gained at Counter LLP have significantly moved my career forward at this early stage.