Tax Litigation Training Provides Practical Experience, Culminates in Mock Trial

This spring, the Villanova University Graduate Tax Program offered its five-week virtual Tax Litigation Training program for the first time since 2019. The program, which was on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, offers tax practitioners critical insight into the litigation process, including writing petitions, completing pretrial motions, interacting with the chief counsel and presenting oral arguments.

Originally launched at Villanova in 2007 by Professors Leslie Book and Keith Fogg, this year’s training program culminated with a two-day in-person tax litigation mock trial event at Villanova Law on March 22 and 23. Students from across the United States attended the event. The trial allowed students to argue their motions before their professors and United States Tax Court judges.

“The trial was a great way for our students to complete the program and test their skills,” said Stephen Olsen, faculty director of the Graduate Tax Program and associate professor of practice, who oversees the Tax Litigation Training. "We were pleased to reinstate the program and bring everyone together this year.”  

As one of the program’s primary instructors, the Honorable Christian Weiler of the United States Tax Court provided students with invaluable insights.  

“It has been a rewarding experience to offer advice and mentorship to students,” said Weiler. “I understand the challenges that tax attorneys face when presenting a case. Giving guidance to our attorneys and practitioners has been enjoyable because they are the future of law practice— particularly tax law.”

As part of Villanova’s commitment to low-income taxpayer clinics (LITC), the Graduate Tax Program offers this training program at a substantial discount to LITC clinicians and practitioners in similar public interest positions.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this key training to those who work for and directly support low-income taxpayer clinics,” said Olsen. “Our program extends a sincere thank you to Villanova and Dean Mark Alexander for their support.”

Shailana Dunn-Wall, a staff attorney at the Legal Aid of Nebraska’s low-income taxpayer clinic, said the program offered a unique experience.  

“The professors were so knowledgeable, and I received helpful feedback, particularly through the mock trial, on navigating the tax court process,” she explained. “I don’t think I’ve seen an in-depth training like this offered anywhere else. Now that I’ve completed the program, I feel immensely more comfortable with the prospect of my future practice before the court.”