Jennifer L. DeFlitch, Civil Rights Attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Over 20 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Employment, and General
PartneratMargolis Edelstein
Pittsburgh, PA
Practicing civil rights in Pittsburgh since 2006.
- 20+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Jennifer L. DeFlitch?
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Quick answer
Jennifer L. DeFlitch is a partner based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Jennifer has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Margolis Edelstein.
- Based in
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Experience
- over 20 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Employment · General
- Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and General matters from Pittsburgh, PA.
- Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Jennifer L. DeFlitch: Jennifer L. DeFlitch is a partner based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Jennifer has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Margolis Edelstein.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Jennifer takes on
Jennifer concentrates on civil rights, employment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jennifer handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Employment
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General
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Civil Rights cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jennifer takes civil rights matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jennifer agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jennifer takes employment matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jennifer agrees to represent you.
General cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jennifer takes general matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jennifer agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Jennifer L. DeFlitch — civil rights lawyer in Pittsburgh
Jennifer L. DeFlitch is a partner based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Jennifer has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Margolis Edelstein.
Jennifer DeFlitch is a Partner in the Pittsburgh office with extensive experience as a trial attorney and litigator. She began her legal career in the energy sector, specializing in oil and gas law, before transitioning to criminal defense. For over eight years, she served at the Westmoreland County Public Defender’s Office, where she managed a diverse caseload, from minor summary offenses to serious homicides, guiding clients through all stages of the legal process, including preliminary hearings and appeals.
Jennifer’s trial experience is extensive, encompassing numerous non-jury and jury trials with significant successes. She is renowned for her vigorous defense strategies, often achieving case dismissals through pre-trial motions. Her expertise in trial advocacy is complemented by substantial appellate experience, including drafting briefs and conducting thorough legal research.
In addition to her legal practice, Jennifer is a dedicated educator at Westmoreland County Community College, where she teaches courses in legal research, writing, and estates and trusts. She also played a key role in developing the mock trial team program at Norwin High School and serves as an attorney advisor, mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. Jennifer also serves as an Arbitrator for the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.
Jennifer’s contributions to the legal community extend to her involvement with the publication committee for “For The Defense,” a respected defense magazine. Her diverse background and commitment to both her practice and legal education make her a distinguished and valuable member of the legal profession.
Honors
•National Business Institute, Outstanding Faculty Award (2025)
Articles & Publications
Public Employee & Free Speech Rights: Third Circuit’s Recent Analysis of Retaliation Claims
EEOC Issues New Guidance on DEI Programs and Title VII Compliance
Third Circuit Expands ADA Protections to Short-Term Impairments
Speaking Engagements
•“Navigating Multi-Defendant Claims: Settlement Strategy, Risk Allocation, and Defense Coordination” PAMIC Claims Summit, April 2026 (Lancaster, PA)
•“Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace: Marijuana and Other Considerations” National Business Institute, March 2026
•“What You Need to Know About AI in the Workplace” National Business Institute, December 2025
•“Presenting to the Judge and Jury” National Business Institute, October 2025
•“Pennsylvania Human Resource Law: What You Need to Know Now” National Business Institute, August 2025
•“‘Please Document Everything’ - Workplace Accommodations” NBI, National Business Institute, June 2025
•“Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace: Marijuana and Other Considerations” NBI, National Business Institute, April 2025
News & Case Results
Pittsburgh Premises Liability Claim Dismissed With Prejudice
Homeowner Dismissed From Neighbor’s Property Damage Suit with Zero Contribution from Our Client (Allegheny County, PA)
Restaurant Negligence Matter Dismissed in Erie County, Pennsylvania
Plaintiff Withdraws Loss of Consortium Claims Following Filing of Dispositive Pleadings in Blair County
Summary Judgment Granted in Fire Damage Lawsuit Involving Community Center
Arbitration Panel Rules for Nail Salon in Allegheny County Negligence Lawsuit
Working with Jennifer on a civil rights matter
Jennifer DeFlitch is a Partner in the Pittsburgh office with extensive experience as a trial attorney and litigator. She began her legal career in the energy sector, specializing in oil and gas law, before transitioning to criminal defense. For over eight years, she served at the Westmoreland County Public Defender’s Office, where she managed a diverse caseload, from minor summary offenses to…
Who Jennifer represents
Jennifer reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, employment, and general matters in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Duquesne University School of Law J.D.
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Bucknell University B.A.
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Jurisdictions
Jennifer's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania United
2006 · ACTIVE
Jennifer studied at — in Duquesne University School of Law J.D. and — in Bucknell University B.A..
Law school and academic background
Jennifer completed — in Duquesne University School of Law J.D. and — in Bucknell University B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jennifer runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Jennifer's professional memberships and bar associations
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania
membership
Locations
Jennifer L. DeFlitch's office in Pittsburgh
Jennifer's primary office is at The Oliver Building, 535 Smithfield Street, Suite 1100, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Margolis Edelstein
The Oliver Building, 535 Smithfield Street, Suite 1100
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Jennifer L. DeFlitch — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jennifer usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jennifer charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jennifer's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jennifer will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jennifer
Jennifer discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jennifer confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jennifer's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jennifer L. DeFlitch
How much does it cost to hire Jennifer for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jennifer walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jennifer offer a free consultation?
Jennifer charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jennifer's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Jennifer's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jennifer gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jennifer take my case if I'm outside Pittsburgh?
Jennifer is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jennifer will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Jennifer?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jennifer will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jennifer accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Jennifer's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania
Jennifer handles civil rights matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
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