Commercial Litigation Attorney

Bar Association of Erie County; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 115,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

In-house CLEs

Bar association membership dues

Competitive salary

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC is seeking a commercial litigation associate with 4-8 years of experience to handle high-stakes disputes in federal and state courts on behalf of diverse clients. The candidate should excel in research, writing, and devising litigation strategies, with experience taking depositions and managing heavy motion practice.

You will draft pleadings and briefs, argue motions, and participate in hearings, trials, and arbitrations.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and NYS Bar admission
• 4-8 years of experience in commercial litigation, including federal and state court experience
• Demonstrated experience taking and defending depositions
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative attitude and willingness to learn from experienced attorneys

Responsibilities

• Run day-to-day management of high-stakes, complex commercial litigation matters in federal and state courts, from pleadings through trial or settlement
• Research and analyze complex legal issues and translate into clear strategy for clients and senior attorneys
• Take and defend depositions of fact and expert witnesses, manage discovery, including ESI protocols
• Draft pleadings, motion papers, and briefs, and argue motions in a heavy motion practice
• Appear in court and participate in hearings, trials, mediations, and arbitrations
• Partner with senior attorneys on case strategy, supervise junior attorneys and paralegals
• Serve as day-to-day client contact and negotiate scheduling and discovery issues
• Stay updated on legal developments impacting clients
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Multi-tasking

Litigation strategy

Client relations

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Bar admission NY

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Position: Commercial Litigation Attorney

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

Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC seeks a commercial litigation associate with 4-8 years of experience handling high-stakes, complex commercial disputes in federal and state courts on behalf of clients in a broad range of business-related disputes, including breach of contract, business torts, trade secrets, intellectual property, and corporate governance issues. The ideal candidate will have excellent legal research and writing skills and attention to detail, will bring a creative approach to conflict resolution and litigation strategy, and have experience taking and defending depositions, managing a heavy motion practice, arguing motions, and trying cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Run the day-to-day management of high-stakes, complex commercial litigation matters in federal and state courts, from pleadings through trial or settlement.
• Research and analyze complex legal issues and turn that analysis into clear strategy and advice for clients and senior attorneys.
• Take and defend depositions of fact and expert witnesses, and lead written and electronic discovery, including drafting and responding to requests, negotiating ESI protocols, and bringing or opposing motions to compel and for protective orders.
• Draft pleadings, motion papers, and briefs, and argue motions in a heavy motion practice, including motions to dismiss, summary judgment motions, and applications for preliminary injunctions.
• Appear in court and argue motions, and take an active role at hearings, trials, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Partner with senior attorneys on case strategy, and delegate to and supervise junior attorneys and paralegals.
• Serve as a day-to-day contact for clients and opposing counsel, including negotiating scheduling and discovery issues and advising on settlement.
• Stay updated on legal developments and changes that impact our clients.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar.
• 4-8 years of experience in commercial litigation, including federal and state court experience.
• Demonstrated experience taking and defending depositions
• 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

• Ability to collaborate with seasoned attorneys in a variety of practice groups and focus areas.
• Professional development opportunities, in-house CLEs, and firm-paid bar association membership dues.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Engaging and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunity to work on high-stakes, complex matters in federal and state courts.
• Access to cutting-edge legal resources and technology.

Salary Range: $115,000 – $155,000 per year depending on experience and skillset.

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.