Practice Profile: James Valentino maintains a diverse practice including employment, commercial litigation and criminal defense. As a civil litigator, Valentino has handled matters ranging from business disputes to violations of civil rights. He represents executives in employment, compensation, and severance negotiations and advises businesses on a broad range of compliance issues including discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract agreements. His work spans a multitude of industries including hospitality, banking and finance, private equity, health care, fashion, media, entertainment, and sports.

Leadership, Pro Bono and Civic Work: As a former senior prosecutor in Kings County, Valentino has handled more than a thousand cases as either a prosecutor or defense attorney. He has defended individuals facing a wide variety of federal and state criminal charges including fraud, tax evasion, larceny, forgery, assault, DWI, sale and possession of narcotics, weapons possession, homicide, and sex offenses.

Prior Experience: 

Treasurer, NY Criminal Bar Association Board of Directors, NY Criminal Bar Association Board of Directors, Poly Prep Country Day School 2018 – Present: Partner, Clayman & Rosenberg LLP 2016 – 2018: Owner, The Law Office of James F. Valentino, P.C. 2014 – 2016: Counsel, Harris, St. Laurent & Chaudry LLP 2010 – 2013: Sen. Assistant District Attorney, Kings County District Attorney's Office 2005 – 2009 – Litigation Associate, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP

Education: J.D. – University of Pennsylvania Law School, 2005 B.A. – Cornell University, 2002 What advice would you give to young lawyers? Make career decisions based on developing the necessary skills to become the kind of lawyer that you want to be.