Why Join a Leading Global Legal Talent Network?
Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) is the world’s pre‑eminent legal recruiting and staffing firm, connecting top‑tier attorneys with prestigious law firms and corporate legal departments across the globe. Our clients range from Fortune 500 corporations to boutique advisory practices, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional, flexible talent solutions that drive measurable success. As a member of MLA’s elite talent pool, you’ll be positioned at the forefront of high‑impact legal work—especially in the complex arena of audit letter responses—while enjoying the autonomy, flexibility, and professional growth that only a premier legal staffing firm can provide.
About This Unique Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced attorney to serve as an **Interim Counsel – Audit Letter Response Specialist** on a part‑time, remote basis. This role is designed for seasoned legal professionals who thrive in fast‑paced environments, possess sharp analytical skills, and have a proven track record responding to audit inquiries for law‑firm clients. The engagement is anticipated to last **12 months or longer**, with a weekly commitment of **10‑30 hours**, allowing you to balance your practice, personal pursuits, or other engagements while delivering high‑value counsel.
Compensation is competitive at **$100 per hour**, reflecting both the expertise required and MLA’s commitment to rewarding top talent. As a remote position, you will work from any location within the United States, provided you maintain an active bar membership in any state.
Role Overview: What You’ll Do
As the Interim Counsel for audit letter responses, you will become the trusted legal advisor for our law‑firm clients whenever they receive an audit notice from regulatory bodies, tax authorities, or internal audit teams. You will guide them through the entire response lifecycle—from initial assessment and data gathering to drafting a comprehensive, compliant reply that protects their interests and mitigates risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Client Consultation & Guidance: Meet with law‑firm clients to understand the specifics of the audit letter, assess the legal implications, and define a strategic response plan.
- Data Acquisition & System Access: Collaborate with clients’ finance and accounting teams to extract relevant financial data, transaction histories, and supporting documentation from ERP, accounting, or proprietary financial systems.
- Rapid Turn‑Around: Deliver high‑quality response drafts within tight deadlines—often within 48‑72 hours of receiving the audit request—ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory timelines.
- Drafting & Review: Prepare clear, concise, and legally sound audit‑letter responses, incorporating factual findings, legal analysis, and any required corrective actions.
- Risk Assessment: Identify potential exposure areas, recommend remedial steps, and advise on best practices to prevent future audit findings.
- Collaboration with Senior Counsel: Work closely with senior partners and practice leaders to align response strategies with broader litigation or regulatory defense initiatives.
- Documentation & Record‑Keeping: Maintain meticulous records of all correspondence, data sources, and analysis to support future audits, internal reviews, or discovery requests.
- Continuous Improvement: Propose enhancements to audit response workflows, templates, and technology tools that increase efficiency and reduce turnaround times.
Essential Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active Bar Membership in any U.S. state (or eligible to practice).
- Minimum 5 years of post‑law‑school experience, with a proven focus on audit‑letter responses, tax compliance, or regulatory investigations.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex financial data, translating it into clear legal positions.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive, concise legal documents.
- Highly organized and detail‑oriented, capable of managing multiple client engagements simultaneously.
- Proficiency with common financial and accounting platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks) or the ability to quickly learn client‑specific systems.
- Self‑motivation and independence, thriving in a remote work environment with minimal supervision.
Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications
- Experience in a Big Four accounting firm or a law firm’s tax practice.
- Certification in Tax (e.g., CPA, EA) or specialized training in forensic accounting.
- Familiarity with specific regulatory frameworks such as IRS audits, SEC investigations, or state tax authority examinations.
- Track record of mentoring junior attorneys or paralegals on audit‑response processes.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Analytical Acumen: Ability to dissect audit requests, identify key issues, and develop logical, legally sound responses.
- Project Management: Skillful at juggling deadlines, coordinating cross‑functional teams, and delivering on schedule.
- Technological Fluency: Comfort with cloud‑based collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint) and document‑management platforms.
- Client‑Centric Mindset: Commitment to delivering exceptional service, building trust, and maintaining confidentiality.
- Adaptability: Quick to adapt to varying client cultures, industry nuances, and evolving regulatory environments.
- Ethical Judgment: Strong sense of professional responsibility, integrity, and adherence to the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
While this is a contract role, MLA offers a robust ecosystem of professional development resources that can accelerate your legal career:
- Continuous Education: Access to webinars, CLE courses, and industry conferences at discounted rates.
- Mentorship Network: Connect with senior partners and practice leaders across the globe for guidance and networking.
- Path to Full‑Time Placement: High‑performing interim counsel may be considered for permanent positions within our client firms or for additional long‑term contracts.
- Exposure to Diverse Industries: Work with clients ranging from financial services and healthcare to technology and manufacturing, expanding your sector expertise.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits Overview
MLA values the expertise you bring to the table and compensates accordingly. In addition to the **$100 per hour** rate, you can expect:
- Flexible Scheduling: Choose the hours that best fit your lifestyle—whether you prefer a concentrated 30‑hour week or a lighter 10‑hour spread.
- Remote Work Stipend: Reimbursement for home‑office setup, internet, and essential software subscriptions.
- Professional Liability Coverage: Access to malpractice insurance while engaged on assignments.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) on a Pro‑Rata Basis: Earned based on hours worked to support work‑life balance.
- Access to MLA’s Consultant Resources Portal: A centralized hub for tax forms, legal updates, and best‑practice templates (see MLA Consultant Resources).
Work Environment & Culture
As a remote member of the MLA talent community, you’ll experience a culture built on collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect:
- Inclusive Community: MLA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate a workforce that reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
- Digital Collaboration: Regular virtual check‑ins, mentorship circles, and peer‑review sessions to keep you connected and supported.
- Results‑Driven Mindset: We focus on measurable outcomes, rewarding those who deliver high‑quality work on schedule.
- Recognition Programs: Outstanding contributors are publicly acknowledged, featured in newsletters, and considered for future premium opportunities.
How to Apply
If you are a diligent, organized attorney with a passion for transforming audit challenges into strategic victories, we invite you to submit your application now. Please provide the following:
- Updated resume highlighting relevant audit‑letter experience.
- Cover letter explaining your motivation for this role and how your background aligns with the responsibilities.
- Proof of bar admission and JD credentials.
Submit your materials directly through the MLA application portal. Our recruitment team will review your submission promptly and reach out to schedule an interview.
Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Major, Lindsey & Africa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.
Take the Next Step in Your Legal Career
Ready to make an immediate impact while enjoying the flexibility of remote work? Join a network that values your expertise, invests in your growth, and connects you with high‑profile audit‑letter assignments that challenge and advance your skill set. Apply today and become the trusted interim counsel that elite law firms rely on to navigate audit complexities with confidence.
Apply Now