Are there instances when you consider rituximab first line in a patient with class V LN?

No, I would not. I agree with the KDIGO and ACR lupus nephritis guidelines, which state that rituximab should be reserved for refractory cases and cases where the patient is intolerant of therapies that have stronger efficacy evidence (e.g., calcineurin inhibitors, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolat...

I do not use rituximab for first-line therapy for class V disease. I would consider it in refractory cases.