Civil Rights Litigation Associate

Bar Association of Erie County; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Bar association membership dues

Professional development

Job summary

Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC is seeking a Civil Rights Litigation Associate with 0-6 years of experience to work on high-stakes constitutional and civil rights cases. The role involves researching, drafting pleadings, managing discovery, and taking depositions under a supervising partner.

You will engage in trial preparation, participate in pre-trial conferences, and collaborate with seasoned litigators in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for federal court exposure.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar.
• 0-6 years of civil litigation experience, preferably plaintiff-side.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and briefs in complex constitutional and civil rights matters.
• Manage discovery, including drafting and responding to interrogatories and depositions.
• Assist in developing trial strategies and prepare for trials, including depositions and court appearances.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

New York Bar admission

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Position: Civil Rights Litigation Associate

Company: Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC

Location: Buffalo, NY

About Us: Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC is a full-service law firm that provides comprehensive legal services and outstanding advocacy, with a strong focus on litigation. Our multidisciplinary team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to delivering high-quality, efficient, and strategic legal solutions. At Rupp Pfalzgraf, you’ll work alongside seasoned litigators in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Who We Need: We are seeking a Civil Rights Litigation Associate with 0-6 years of experience to join our Civil Rights Practice Group. You will work for one partner/supervisor on difficult, high-stakes constitutional and civil rights cases for individuals and small businesses. The ideal candidate is a skilled researcher and writer with a keen eye for detail, brings a creative approach to conflict resolution and litigation strategy, and is eager to take and defend depositions, handle court appearances and motion arguments, and try cases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and briefs in complex constitutional and civil rights litigation matters, including but not limited to actions under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in federal and state court.
• Manage discovery, including drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions.
• Assist in developing case strategy, participate in pre-trial conferences, and prepare for trial against defendants, with the opportunity to gain federal court trial experience.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar.
• 0-6 years of experience in civil litigation, preferably plaintiff-side.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative attitude and willingness to learn from experienced attorneys.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and technology.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• This position is primarily performed in an office setting and involves extended periods of sitting, working at a computer, and communicating via phone and email, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The role may require occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (e.g., files or office materials up to approximately 10–20 pounds), with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic work environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities, in-house CLEs, and firm-paid bar association membership dues.
• Ability to collaborate with seasoned attorneys in a variety of practice groups and focus areas.
• Engaging and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunity to work on challenging, high-impact plaintiff-side civil rights cases.
• Access to cutting-edge legal resources and technology.

Salary Range:

$90,000 – $135,000 per year depending on experience.

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or domestic violence victim status.