1. Experience Spotlight: Blair Brown ’26L

Blair Brown '26L is from Gastonia, North Carolina. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a B.A. in journalism and mass communication, with a concentration in public relations. Before law school, she taught ninth-grade Algebra I for one year and then spent nine years working in e-commerce content management and data analysis, primarily in Charlotte, North Carolina. At W&L, Blair serves as a Lead Online Editor for the Washington and Lee Law Review and Treasurer of Law Families. She lives just outside downtown Lexington with her fiancé, Ben, and their two dogs, Boobeary and Herschel.

Why did you choose to participate in this clinic for your 3L year?

I chose to participate in the Tax Clinic because it combines so many of the things that drew me to law school in the first place. I loved the writing and client-facing aspects of my previous work in content management, but I have also always enjoyed puzzles, logic games, and math. Before coming to W&L, I was already interested in tax law because it seemed to offer an ideal blend of creativity and analysis.

For me, working in the Tax Clinic has felt like a natural extension of those interests: I've had the opportunity to serve clients in need while helping them resolve their tax issues in practical yet creative ways.

What classes have prepared you to work in the Tax Clinic?

As a 2L, I took both State and Local Tax and Federal Income Tax of Individuals with Professor Pollard, and the latter provided a particularly helpful introduction. I also took Legislation and Regulation with Professor Etheridge, which helped me better understand how the Department of the Treasury and the IRS develop and implement tax rules.

Describe your schedule with the Tax Clinic.

The ABA requires 212.5 hours of clinic work each semester, so I aim to average at least 15 hours per week. My schedule is usually front-loaded: I have office hours on Monday afternoons and Tuesday mornings, along with weekly supervision meetings with Professor Munro on Tuesday afternoons. We also have lecture on Wednesday afternoons, and, occasionally, I stop by on Thursdays and Fridays to handle client calls or mail forms and notices. Outside of those scheduled times, I can organize my clinic work around the rest of my week. All told, I spend part of most days in the Tax Clinic.

What are some skills you have developed this year?

This year, I've had to step up my organization and time-management skills to balance my coursework with clinic responsibilities, but above all, I've continued to develop my skills in client counseling. Many of our clients are juggling one or two jobs, supporting their families, and dealing with serious debt. So, when they call the Clinic, they often feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. They rely on me not only for knowledge and assistance with their tax issues, but also for empathy, patience, and the reassurance that I'm here to help.

What surprised you about the work you have done for the Clinic?

Although about 90 percent of our work falls into two broad categories-helping individuals who owe tax balances they cannot pay and assisting those who are disputing their liability with the IRS-I've been surprised by how much variety exists within those cases. The circumstances that give rise to each controversy, as well as the way each matter is resolved, may differ significantly from client to client. Also, I've been pleasantly surprised by how often I've connected with clients on a personal level, learning about their lives, families, and challenges beyond the tax issues that brought them to the Clinic.

What was your favorite aspect of your work with the Clinic?

My favorite aspect of working with the Clinic has been helping clients resolve their tax issues and sharing in their joy and relief when we reach a positive outcome. Working and negotiating with the IRS requires a great deal of patience, to put it lightly, so even resolving a seemingly small issue can feel like a major victory for both the client and me.

In addition, there are nine students in the Clinic this year, and our group has developed a strong rapport. We regularly exchange ideas, advice, and practical tips, and I think we're better student attorneys for the collaborative environment we've built. Currently, we're preparing for our upcoming Clinic open house, and we're super excited to show visiting 2Ls how much we've enjoyed the Tax Clinic. I'm proud to be part of such a supportive and collaborative group.

What was your biggest challenge working in the Clinic?

My biggest challenge in the Clinic has been encouraging clients to communicate consistently and openly. Many clients understandably feel overwhelmed by their tax issues and intimidated by the IRS, so they may hesitate to tell us when they receive notices or send the supporting financial documents we need to help them. While they often want us to take the reins and solve the problem, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to make progress without their engagement and support.

Has this experience helped you figure out your post graduate plans, and if so how?

Before 3L, I accepted a return offer to join the business section at Hirschler Fleischer in Richmond, Virginia. I expect to work on a range of matters, but my clinic experience has strengthened my interest in tax and confirmed that I would like it to be a meaningful part of my practice. That said, no matter how my practice ultimately takes shape, I am confident that the skills and perspective I have gained in the Tax Clinic will serve me well!

Outside Law School

Favorite Spot in Lexington

The Palms (best Bloody Mary in town)

Best Law School Class So Far

Estate and Gift Tax

Wellness Habit

Walking my dogs (and trying to get into Pilates)

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