Season 2: Episode 2: Alina Solodchikova
Tax Controversy Leader and Principal Attorney at RSM
Alina Solodchikova, Tax Controversy Leader and Principal Attorney at RSM
How to make it as an internationally trained tax attorney?
When Alina moved to New York with her newly minted LLM as a Russia-trained lawyer, someone told her that there was little chance that she would make partner because of her exotic last name. Boy, doesn’t she prove the naysayer wrong? After having worked at the IRS’s Office of Chief Counsel for nearly six years, today she’s the tax controversy practice leader and the principal attorney at RSM, the fifth largest accounting firm in the U.S.
How did she make it to the top at one of the biggest accounting firms in the U.S.? How did she find her first job through a networking event? What activities and events are the most helpful during her LLM year to develop her career?
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Tell us about your practice.
I am currently a principal and leader of the tax controversy practice at RSM, the fifth largest accounting firm in the U.S. My career began in Russia, where I completed law school and worked for a year before making my way to New York. In New York, I struggled to find a job in public international law, and instead, I secured a position at a boutique law firm in Manhattan, specializing in bankruptcy and tax law.
Despite these shifts, I passed the bar exam and became a licensed attorney. This role was invaluable as it allowed me to engage in a broad range of activities, from client meetings to appearances in bankruptcy courts within the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. This initial experience spanned five to six years.
Subsequently, I chose to return to academia and pursued an LLM in tax at Georgetown University. This decision was influenced by the fact that many of the clients I worked with had tax-related issues that intersected with the bankruptcy cases I handled. Even though I was already dealing with tax matters, I recognized the need to deepen my tax expertise.
Georgetown opened up so may doors for me, including securing a position as an attorney at the Internal Revenue Services (IRS.) I held this role for nearly six years. Following my tenure at the IRS, my professional profile became more attractive to law firms seeking individuals with such specialized experience. RSM was among the firms that expressed interest, and I interviewed with them, ultimately joining their team seven years ago. Since then, my journey with RSM has been truly remarkable. I was able to ascend to a partnership position and eventually take the lead in shaping and heading the tax controversy practice.
What did you do before you start your LLM at Georgetown? And what should students be doing to prepare their LLM?
I didn't do much preparation for my first LLM, so I might not be the best person to provide guidance in this area. When I began, I arrived at 11 pm the night before school started, and classes began at 8 am the next day. So, I didn't undertake any preparation, and I wouldn't recommend following my example in this regard.
My focus was on international law, and tax program was quite intense for me. Therefore, I wouldn't advise taking a two-week vacation in September. The program is fast-paced and spans only nine months. Time flies quickly, and the program imparts a wealth of information. Hence, I believe those two weeks at the beginning would have been invaluable for me.
In terms of preparation, consider your post-graduation plans. Are you planning to remain in the United States? Or is this experience a temporary one before returning home? For those of you with existing jobs, seeking this American experience might be your main goal. If you intend to stay, conducting some research well in advance could be beneficial. Seek out individuals who share your background or career interests. For instance, I sometimes have people from Russia, my home country, reaching out to me for advice about my current position. They recognize my role and responsibilities and seek insights. This type of outreach can be valuable. So, tailor your preparations based on your individual goals and aspirations.
What activities, classes, events you attended that are the most helpful to develop your career?
In my case, most of my learning happened on the job. Georgetown undeniably opened doors for me and fostered lifelong friendships. Many of these connections now translate to my colleagues and peers in my current workplace. Some are working in other firms. This experience is an opportunity to establish meaningful bonds and friendships that endure.
Classes regarding the subjects tested on the bar exam are particularly beneficial for those who haven't yet passed the bar exam. When I passed the bar, I remember thinking, "I know everything!" The exam encompasses topics ranging from criminal law to family law, giving a sense of being an all-knowing expert. However, once you're in the workforce, you quickly realize how much there is to learn. My personal experience validated this.
During a bar admission ceremony, a judge echoed my sentiment, emphasizing that even though you might feel like you know everything after the exam, oh my God, I know everything. It’s criminal law. It’s family law. It’s everything, right? But when you start at a job, you realize you know nothing. You are starting from scratch. That’s a true statement. I've often reflected on those words throughout my career, finding them to be quite accurate.
Starting a new job often entails feeling like you're at the bottom of a learning curve, which is both humbling and exciting. In terms of classes and activities, everything holds value. Each experience contributes to your growth and development. So, embrace the classes that resonate with you, cultivate lasting friendships, and engage socially. Every facet of your time at Georgetown Law can serve as an asset in the long run.
How did you get your first job? And what advice do you have for internationally trained lawyers who are seeking internships or jobs in the United States?
I did manage to secure my job during the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. Networking helped me land my first job. OPT provides an additional year after the LLM. In my case, I wasn't initially planning to stay in the U.S. I had a return ticket back to my home country. However, attending a networking event changed my trajectory. I ended up finding my first job through that event, which led me to stay for the remaining year of my OPT.
Persistence is indeed crucial. As someone on the receiving end of networking emails, I can attest that sometimes emails do slip through the cracks due to the sheer volume of messages. There have been instances where I intended to respond but couldn't find the email later on. So, following up is completely acceptable and recommended. Don't assume we've read your first email; we might not have had the chance.
I would emphasize being strategic about the events you attend. While there are numerous opportunities, it's best to choose events that align with your interests and career goals. Focusing on quality interactions, rather than attending every event, can yield more meaningful connections. Allocating time to establish a few strong connections can be more advantageous than spreading yourself too thin across multiple events.
What is your most meaningful experience during law school?
It's about connections and friendships. Many of my closest friends today are from that time, and we've gone on to work in the same field, albeit at different firms. In fact, one of my colleagues is currently on my team. Our relationships are not confined to a specific workplace; they span across various firms including EY and Deloitte. This network of friends has become a bedrock of support and assistance.
