John Valentino has represented both employers and employees in complex labor, employment, and discrimination matters. Because he has worked on both sides, he brings rare insight—and a powerful advantage—in court and in negotiations. As a result, John understands what motivates each party, which helps him anticipate strategies and deliver smart, effective counsel.
Moreover, his litigation experience deepens his understanding of both plaintiffs’ and defendants’ legal options. This broad perspective, in turn, allows him to offer practical advice and achieve successful outcomes both in and out of the courtroom.
“My goal is to become a counselor and advocate to my clients; I want to become their trusted advisor.”
When businesses need experienced guidance on labor and employment matters—or solutions to broader legal issues—they turn to John. Not only are his legal instincts sharp, but they are also matched by deep business knowledge, developed over years of advising executives, professionals, and companies of all sizes.
Practice Concentrations
John has extensive experience before the New York State Division of Human Rights, the EEOC, the Department of Labor, and both state and federal courts. He helps businesses avoid legal pitfalls and reduce risk in matters involving:
- harassment and retaliation
- employment contracts
- age discrimination
- national origin discrimination
- disability discrimination
- religious discrimination
- sex discrimination
- drug testing
- race discrimination
- employee termination and discipline
- compensation/Fair Labor Standards
- fraud
- non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
- whistleblower
- employment at will and temporary employees
- breach of fiduciary duty
John also advises companies on internal policies covering harassment, drug testing, discipline, termination, and references. He develops training programs to help employees navigate these sensitive issues.
In addition, John writes and speaks frequently on labor and employment topics. He has taught fellow attorneys and led seminars for clients. His legal alerts keep businesses informed on changes in the law.
As a trusted business advisor, John provides legal insight with a strategic edge. He helps clients manage issues such as:
- shareholder and member disputes
- business entity options
- lease agreements
- shareholder agreements
- business contracts with vendors and suppliers
- operating agreements
- business and real state acquisitions
- fraud in the workplace
- employment handbooks and policies
- union matters
- collective bargaining
- DOL audits
John helps companies see the bigger picture. His solutions go beyond legal compliance—he aligns legal strategies with business goals.
Whether representing employers or employees, John brings calm, clarity, and confidence to high-stakes situations. His deep understanding of human behavior helps him resolve issues effectively. He’s committed to helping clients avoid legal entanglements—or, if already involved, to finding smart solutions that save time, money, and stress.
“While I always stand ready to litigate my client’s claims to conclusion, I consider it my obligation to help my clients find a solution that minimizes their risk and ultimately minimizes the amount of time, effort and money they put into litigation”.
Types of Work I Do For My Clients
Employment and Discrimination Law
Whether you’ve been treated unfairly at work, asked to do something unethical or illegal, or you're a business owner needing to reduce your legal exposure, John Valentino can help. He advises both individuals and companies with clarity and confidence.
In fact, John is more than just an advocate—he’s a recognized authority in employment and discrimination law. For decades, he has represented clients before the NYS Division of Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, OSHA, the Workers’ Compensation Board, and the Unemployment Insurance Division. Additionally, he has written and lectured widely on these topics, sharing his insight with professionals and peers alike.
If your issue involves workplace rights or labor disputes, John brings the knowledge and experience to guide you through it. He understands human behavior and how it intersects with the law. Just as importantly, if you're a business owner, John will help you put sound policies in place that protect your company and reduce risk.
Although John is ready to fight for your rights, he also prioritizes smart, efficient solutions. Therefore, he focuses on resolving issues with minimal harm, cost, and stress. When possible, he finds common ground between opposing sides. As a seasoned negotiator, John helps clients avoid unnecessary legal battles while minimizing risk.
Individuals
Have you been harassed at work? Do you believe you're being treated unfairly because of your race, age, gender, disability, or another protected category? Have you reported unsafe or unlawful behavior and now fear retaliation?
Whatever your situation, you can speak with John in complete confidence. He understands the anxiety that comes from being mistreated in the workplace. He treats every client with respect and discretion.
John has successfully represented employees in cases involving:
• harassment and retaliation claims
• discrimination claims
• wrongful termination
• unfair labor practices
• improper wage and hour disputes
• whistleblower claims
• breach of contract claims
He also advises employees and executives on a wide range of agreements, including:
• non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
• employment contracts
• commission agreements
• severance agreements
• release agreements
Businesses
Are your workplace policies up to date? Are you confident that your wage practices meet Department of Labor standards? Have you addressed recent complaints of discrimination or harassment? Even when a complaint turns out to be unfounded, the employee is still protected under the law—how you respond matters.
If your answer to any of these questions is “no,” you may be at legal risk. John helps business owners create clear, defensible policies that reduce liability. He works closely with leadership teams to address sensitive issues such as:
• sexual harassment
• drug testing
• employment termination, discipline and references
• executive compensation and tax compliance
• enforcement of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
John brings a business-focused mindset to every case. As a longtime advisor to executives and company leaders, he understands how legal risks can affect growth and operations. His experience includes handling:
• breach of employment contracts
• retaliation, discrimination, and whistleblower suits
• sexual harassment claims
• executive compensation and tax compliance
• severance and release agreements
Business Transactions and Advising
Here’s a key question: Do you need a lawyer—or a business advisor who also happens to be a lawyer?
With John, you get both. He helps clients align their legal strategies with long-term business goals. His broad experience allows him to see the bigger picture. He works to resolve legal issues in a way that supports your company’s financial and strategic priorities.
As managing partner at Bousquet Holstein, John has helped companies grow, hire, and navigate complex decisions—all without compromising their bottom line. He’s also advised executives and management teams, so he understands their mindset and decision-making process.
His business advisory experience includes:
• shareholder and member disputes
• lease agreements
• business acquisitions and mergers
• real estate acquisitions
• problems with vendors and suppliers
• vendor and supplier contracts
• employment contracts
• selling your business
“My goal is become a counselor and advocate to my clients; I want to become their trusted advisor.”
Litigation • Appellate Law • Professional Practices
If you’re facing a legal problem and need experienced courtroom representation, John Valentino is ready to help. For years, he has successfully represented clients in both State and Federal courts. Moreover, his experience extends to appearances before government agencies, professional licensing boards, and in arbitration proceedings.
In particular, John frequently represents professionals before the Office of Professional Discipline. Furthermore, he has argued cases on appeal before the New York Appellate Division and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals—earning a strong track record in high-stakes litigation at every level.
Experience
- Resolved employment contract dispute in favor of executive resulting in a settlement of over $800,000.
- Settled lawsuit on behalf of employee claiming sexual harassment and retaliation for $300,000.
- Obtained dismissals of employment discrimination claims before the New York State Division of Human Rights and the Equal Opportunity Commission;
- Resolved lawsuits in New York State Supreme Court and in the United States District Court on behalf of clients suing their former employers;
- Implemented drug testing, sexual harassment, and other employment policies for employers;
- Represented professionals in licensing matters before the Office of Professional Discipline;
- Represented shareholders in disputes with other shareholders;
- Represented plaintiffs in claims against government agencies.
Affiliations & Acknowledgements
- New York State Bar Association
- Onondaga County Bar Association
- Served on the Bousquet Holstein Board of Managers 2009-2019
- Redhouse Champion Award – RedHouse Arts Center, 2023
- Upstate New York Super Lawyers – 2023
Community Involvement
- RedHouse Arts Center, Past Member of Board of Directors
- Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Past Member of Board of Directors
- RLS Career Center, Former President
- Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, Former Counsel
Education
Syracuse University College of Law – Syracuse, NY
Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, May 1987
Le Moyne College – Syracuse, NY
Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, May 1987
Admissions
New York
United States District Court, Western, Northern and Eastern Districts of New York
United States Court of Appeals (2nd Circuit)
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