In response to the continuing challenges faced by emerging practitioners entering the tax bar and experienced tax professionals leaving the federal workforce, Kostelanetz expanded its hiring platform to include tax attorneys seeking employment after judicial clerkships or public service.
Kostelanetz further supported the effort by creating its 2025-2026 Tax Fellowship. Through this fellowship, Kostelanetz helped to mitigate the impact of the hiring freeze through training, employment, and mentorship. The 2025-2026 Kostelanetz Tax Fellowship was a one-year position designed to closely mirror the federal positions lost during the hiring freeze.
The employment-match project was reported on by Bloomberg, Tax Notes, and Above the Law. The media explained that “Kostelanetz and over 100 members of the tax community held a group call February 5 [2025] to discuss the joint effort,” and quoted Caroline as saying: “I am so proud of the organizations and individuals stepping up to assist those who accepted offers to work at the IRS or Department of Justice, Tax Division.” Abby was quoted as saying: “We are excited and encouraged by all the responses we have received so far, both from potential candidates and potential employers,” and that the effort was “emblematic of the tax community’s history of giving back and helping one another.”
Koselanetz’s 2025-2026 Tax Fellow, Thomas Bourneuf, exemplified the talent affected by the hiring freeze. Prior to joining the firm, Tom was a law clerk to the Hon. Richard T. Morrison of the U.S. Tax Court between 2023 and 2025. Tom received his LL.M. in Taxation from NYU Law School in 2021; his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School in 2019; an M.B.A. from the University of Missouri in 2016; and an undergraduate degree in Strategic Communications and Political Science from the University of Missouri in 2014. Tom also interned at the U.S. Tax Court for the Hon. L. Paige Marvel during the summer of 2021.
