professionals
photo of John L. Valentino Practice Areas
Education
  • J.D., Syracuse University College of Law, 1987, magna cum laude
  • B.A., LeMoyne College, 1984, cum laude
Admissions
  • New York
  • United States District Court, Western, Northern and Eastern Districts of New York
  • United States Court of Appeals (2nd Circuit)

John L. Valentino

Member

jvalentino@gslaw.com

Direct Dial: 315.701.6308
Direct Fax: 315.423.2839
vCard: Add to Address Book

Practice

John is a member of the firm and serves on its Board of Managers. John practices in the areas of litigation, employment and discrimination, business transactions, appellate law, and professional practices.

John primarily represents employers in federal and state court litigation over business and commercial matters, and over claims such as breach of employment contracts, shareholder disputes, retaliation, discrimination, non-compete agreements, and a variety of other business, labor and employment-related legal claims. He has provided representation before various federal and state agencies, including the New York State Division of Human Rights, the Department of Labor, the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. John often advises employers preparing and implementing employment policies regarding sexual harassment, drug testing, employment termination and employment references.

John has written articles and lectured on various legal topics, including contract law, business transactions, sexual harassment, discrimination, employment at will and temporary employees. He develops programs for employers to use in educating their employees on sensitive employment matters, such as sexual harassment.

Recent Experience

  • 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.

Professional and Community Involvement

  • New York State Bar Association
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Board of Directors
  • RLS Career Center, Former President
  • Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, Former Counsel

Recent Publications and Presentations