The "A Conversation About Becoming and Being a Tax Controversy Practitioner" panel from the Pathways to Careers in Tax Law meeting held April 11, 2022 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC. Caroline Ciraolo of Kostelanetz & Fink and Scott Michel of Caplin & Drysdale discuss careers in the tax controversy field, focusing on career development at varying stages of one’s career. Looking through the lens of a lawyer making her way through a tax controversy practice at a law firm, from her first days on the job all the way through attaining more senior status, they will talk about topics such as successful career strategies they have observed, the choices faced by practitioners throughout their career, the importance of having and being a good mentor, the role of organizations such as the Tax Section in career development, varying approaches to marketing, and leadership on diversity, equity and inclusion issues.