1

Research Attorney Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

BigLaw lawyers Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote micro1 is engaging lawyers to contribute ... Perform in-depth legal research to support project objectives and ensure current, accurate ...

Join our dynamic, award winning law firm as an Insurance Defense Attorney! We are growing! This ... Conduct legal research and analysis to support case strategy. * Draft pleadings, motions, discovery ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Attorney information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10.3K

$73.1K

$108K

How much do research attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research attorney in Rochester, NY is $73,121.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,349.00 and $84,117.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectResearch AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), license to practice lawAssociate degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, often working under attorneysSupport role assisting attorneys
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for legal research and analysis tasksCompared for support and research tasks

The main difference between a Research Attorney and a Paralegal lies in their credentials and responsibilities. Research Attorneys are licensed lawyers with a JD, capable of providing legal opinions and conducting complex legal research. Paralegals typically hold a certificate or associate degree and assist attorneys with research, document preparation, and administrative tasks. While both roles support legal work, Research Attorneys have a broader scope of legal authority and expertise.

What are the main challenges research attorneys face when supporting litigation teams?

Research Attorneys often navigate tight deadlines and large volumes of complex legal information when supporting litigation teams. They must quickly identify and synthesize relevant case law, statutes, and legal precedents, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness under pressure. Collaboration with litigators and paralegals is key, as Research Attorneys provide foundational analysis that shapes legal strategies and filings. Staying updated on evolving legal trends and jurisdictional nuances is also essential to delivering effective research support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, strong legal research and writing skills, and a thorough understanding of relevant laws and precedents. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and citation management tools is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for producing accurate, well-supported legal analyses that inform case strategies and judicial decisions.

What is a research attorney?

Research attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in conducting legal research and analysis to support attorneys, judges, or law firms. They review case law, statutes, legal precedents, and other relevant materials to prepare legal memoranda, briefs, and recommendations. Their work is essential in helping legal teams understand complex legal issues and make informed decisions. Research attorneys may work in courts, government agencies, private law firms, or corporate legal departments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Research Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Research Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Research Attorney jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Research Attorney jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Research Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Attorney job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,121 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Staff Attorney: Immigration Program - Removal Defense

Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project

Batavia, NY • On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.
The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking one full-time Staff Attorney to join its Immigration Program, in our Batavia, NY office. This office handles work, under the Office of New Americans (ONA) State contract, at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. This is a public defender model program where we represent all detained people who are facing deportation and are not otherwise represented. This position will work out of our Batavia, NY office with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period. Office culture values work/life balance with reasonable working hours and discourages weekend work. Generous PTO and benefits.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Handle individual caseload and represent clients before DOJ-EOIR, DHS, and BIA defending detained low-income immigrants who are subject to removal for a variety of reasons including criminal convictions, unlawful entry and visa overstays
• Work collaboratively with Paralegals and Social Workers and act as an additional resource to them
• Grant/data reporting
• Special projects/community outreach and education as directed
• Local travel to and from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility is required as well as occasional trips to the Buffalo office. Valid driver's license and regular access to a reliable vehicle are required.
• Other duties may be assigned
Requirements/Skills - Required:
• Admitted to practice law (or pending bar admission)
• Organizational skills to juggle many cases efficiently while also being able to track and report
required data about the work in a timely and accurate manner
• Ability to work cooperatively with fellow staff and supervisors while also being able to work
independently
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills
• Legal research software proficiency
• The desire to want a career in litigation defending detained low-income immigrants
Requirements/Skills - Preferred (not required):
• Fluency in Spanish or French
• One year experience in litigation, preferably in immigration removal proceedings
Those without previous experience but possessing the desire and/or language skills are encouraged to apply.
Salary/Benefits:
• Salary range: $72,725.00 (Year 1) to $95,106.00 (Year 9) based on years of relevant work experience
• Yearly raises according to published wage/step scales
• Employer-paid benefits including 90% paid health insurance premiums, company contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement account to help with your deductible, short & long-term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, retirement contributions, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Other Benefits available through pre-tax employee contributions: Dental insurance, Vision insurance, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan
• Loan Forgiveness: ECBAVLP is an eligible employer for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the District Attorney and Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness program (DALF).
• A respectful work environment with a true Work/Life balance
  • 18 paid holidays including the time between December 24 and January 1
  • Accrue 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year 1
  • Accrue 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
  • 10 sick days each year (5 are frontloaded, 5 are accrued)
  • 2 "Sunshine Days" (bonus PTO) to be used between Memorial Day and Labor Day (prorated in first year, if start date is after Memorial Day)
  • Flexible schedules
  • Ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week (after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period)
  • Discourages weekend work, encourages utilizing PTO
  • Dedication to diversity and inclusion

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.
VLP is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.