Rickner PLLC is looking to hire an associate, ideally with 2-5 years of litigation experience. We are a boutique civil rights firm, litigating at the forefront of some of the most important social justice issues in New York. The firm is counsel in putative class actions regarding racist marijuana policing in New York City, the devastating abuse of protestors during the George Floyd protest at Mott Haven, and the terrifying conditions on Rikers Island. We also represent people who were wrongfully convicted, abused by police, or injured in New York’s jails and prisons. And the firm is regularly sought out by other civil rights firms to handle trials and appeals in difficult and novel cases, both in state and federal court.
The firm is committed to building associates’ skills by providing opportunities to argue in court, question witnesses, and interact directly with clients. The associate will have an opportunity to work on every aspect of a civil rights case from investigation through trial. The firm also allows associates to follow their own interests by bringing in their own civil rights cases, whether paying or pro bono (within reason), as long as the case fits in with the firm’s broad mission to protect people from government abuse and misconduct, or discrimination at the hands of private actors. We have a busy practice, with fascinating cases, and we need help, but we also want to the position to give a promising candidate room to build their skills and grow as a civil rights litigator.
We recognize that most litigators will have little to no experience with 42 U.S.C. § 1983 cases, the Federal Tort Claims Act, and other related civil rights statutes and common law causes of action. So we are willing to look at any candidates with a proven commitment to social justice and solid litigation skills. Certainly, experience with civil rights litigation is preferred, but our focus is on hiring someone with real, substantive state and federal court litigation experience.
The salary will be between $85,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, plus benefits. There is a year-end discretionary bonus, based on firm profits, and a bonus for any case you bring in that resolves successfully. We offer three weeks of vacation to start (i.e. 15 days), and you will actually be able to use them. We also allowing teleworking, in moderation.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and particularly encourage applications from qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those typically underrepresented in the legal profession. We welcome inquiries from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or caregiver/family status.
There is no deadline to apply, but we encourage interested candidates to apply soon, because we plan on reviewing applications until we find the right candidate. Please send your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a writing sample that is entirely or substantially your own work, to rob@ricknerpllc.com.