Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2027 John L. Valentino is an attorney at Bousquet Holstein PLLC in Syracuse, New York. His practice focuses on Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment, representing businesses, executives, and employees in workplace disputes, labor matters, and business litigation.
John has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. He represents clients in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies including the New York State Division of Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, OSHA, the Workers’ Compensation Board, and the Unemployment Insurance Division.
John Valentino has represented both employers and employees in labor, employment, and discrimination matters. His experience handling matters from multiple perspectives allows him to evaluate disputes strategically and provide practical guidance during litigation, negotiations, and workplace investigations.
In addition to litigation, John advises businesses on employment policies, risk management, compliance issues, executive compensation, internal investigations, and workforce management strategies. He regularly works with companies to develop employee handbooks, harassment prevention policies, drug testing procedures, disciplinary protocols, and training programs.
John also counsels businesses and management teams on broader operational and legal matters, including shareholder disputes, business contracts, vendor agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and business entity formation. His approach focuses on aligning legal strategies with each client’s operational and financial objectives.
He frequently writes and speaks on labor and employment law topics, providing updates and guidance on changes affecting employers, employees, and business owners throughout New York.
Practice Areas- Employment Law - Management
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
- Employment discrimination litigation
- Workplace harassment and retaliation claims
- Employment contracts and severance agreements
- Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
- Wage and hour disputes
- Whistleblower claims
- Collective bargaining and union matters
- Workplace investigations and compliance counseling
- Business litigation and shareholder disputes
- Professional licensing and disciplinary matters
John represents employers, executives, and employees in a wide range of labor and employment matters throughout Syracuse and across New York State. He assists clients with workplace disputes involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour issues, and employment contract disputes.
For employers and management teams, John provides guidance on employment practices designed to reduce risk and address evolving workplace regulations. He works with businesses on matters involving:
- Harassment and discrimination policies
- Employee discipline and termination
- Department of Labor audits and compliance
- Executive compensation matters
- Employment agreements and restrictive covenants
- Internal investigations
- Union and collective bargaining issues
- Employee handbooks and workplace training
For employees and executives, John advises clients regarding workplace rights, severance agreements, employment contracts, whistleblower matters, and discrimination claims. He also represents individuals in negotiations, administrative proceedings, arbitration, and litigation.
Business Counseling and LitigationIn addition to employment law matters, John advises businesses on operational and commercial issues affecting day-to-day operations and long-term planning. He regularly counsels clients on shareholder agreements, lease agreements, vendor and supplier contracts, business acquisitions, and internal business disputes.
John has represented clients in New York State Supreme Court, federal district courts, appellate courts, arbitration proceedings, and administrative hearings. He also represents professionals in licensing and disciplinary matters before the Office of Professional Discipline.
Representative Matters- Resolved employment contract dispute on behalf of an executive resulting in a settlement exceeding $800,000.
- Settled a workplace harassment and retaliation matter on behalf of an employee for $300,000.
- Obtained dismissals of employment discrimination claims before the New York State Division of Human Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
- Represented clients in employment litigation in New York State Supreme Court and United States District Court.
- Advised employers on implementation of workplace policies involving harassment prevention, drug testing, and employee discipline.
- Represented professionals in licensing and disciplinary proceedings.
- Represented shareholders and business owners in internal business disputes.
- Represented plaintiffs in claims involving government agencies.
- 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, 2023-2025
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment
Additional information about John L. Valentino and Bousquet Holstein PLLC is available at https://www.bhlawpllc.com/our-people/john-valentino.
