A Day in the Life: Matthew Rimkunas, an Associate Attorney at The West Firm, PLLC

April 30, 2026, brought two court appearances to Matthew W. Rimkunas’s calendar – one in federal court and one before New York’s Appellate Division.  As an associate at The West Firm, PLLC, Rimkunas’s practice spans environmental and energy litigation, regulatory matters, and commercial disputes.  The day would call upon multiple areas of his practice.

He arrived early at the firm’s offices at 575 Broadway in the historic Union Station building in downtown Albany to review his notes and meet briefly with colleagues. His first appearance was in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which often requires travel for in-person attendance.  By mid-morning, Rimkunas had settled into the courtroom. The case on the docket involved regulatory and commercial issues typical of the firm’s energy and environmental practice.  Appearing before the Magistrate Judge, he presented arguments and fielded questions from the bench, addressing both procedural and substantive issues. The hearing moved efficiently with some matters resolved, and others carried forward, leaving a clear set of next steps as he packed up and headed back to the Capital Region.

The afternoon called for a quick turnaround.  Rimkunas returned to Albany in time for oral argument before the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department.  The Third Department hears appeals from a broad swath of upstate New York, and the particular matter to be argued drew on the firm’s strengths in real property law and commercial litigation. 

He addressed the panel, working through the record below, key precedent, and the practical implications for his client.  The justices probed with pointed questions about the limits of the appeal and the strength of the trial court’s reasoning.  Rimkunas was prepared with references to both the record and the controlling authority that supported his positions, and the argument concluded on schedule.

Back at the office, the day continued.  Rimkunas debriefed with senior attorneys, including founding partner Thomas S. West, answered emails, drafted client updates, and recorded his notes while the day was still fresh.  A brief window allowed him to review an ongoing corporate transaction and check in with a colleague on a pending regulatory matter. The firm’s collaborative culture meant no victory or challenge was handled in isolation. By early evening, Rimkunas wrapped up his administrative work, made a few final calls, and logged his time before heading home.

Days like this one - with a federal court appearance in the morning and an appellate oral argument in the afternoon – are not unusual at a boutique firm where associates are expected to be versatile across forums and practice areas.  In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of environmental, energy, and corporate law, every court appearance is another step in building both client outcomes and professional experience.