William J. Wilkins has tendered his resignation as Chief Counsel effective as of noon on January 20, 2017. Mr. Wilkins was nominated by President Obama to replace Donald L. Korb, who resigned from the position in late 2008. Mr. Wilkins was confirmed by the Senate to serve as Chief Counsel in July 2009. Prior to becoming Chief Counsel, Mr. Wilkins was a partner with WilmerHale and previously worked for the United States Senate Committee on Finance and as an associate at King & Spalding. He previously served as Chair of the Section of Taxation of the American Bar Association. William M. Paul has been named as Acting Chief Counsel.

The Chief Counsel is appointed by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the United States Senate. The Chief Counsel is the chief legal advisor to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue on all matters pertaining to the interpretation, administration and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Laws and provides legal guidance and interpretive advice to the Internal Revenue Service, Treasury and taxpayers.