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Overview

Iram P. Valentin is a business-minded civil trial attorney. He represents commercial and nonprofit entities in the following fields and industries: legal, medical practice and supplies, pharmaceutical, insurance, financial, real estate, debt collection, construction, restaurant, hospitality, transportation, manufacturing, and public and private education.

His clients include professionals such as entrepreneurs, technology professionals, lawyers, physicians, pharmacists, insurance agents & brokers, real estate agents & brokers, home inspectors, property managers, educators, financial advisors, and directors & officers, among others.

The range of his law practice includes defending claims of errors & omissions, claims of breach of duties for directors & officers, employment practices liability, financial services, and commercial litigation. Mr. Valentin also defends clients in state court, federal court and in certain administrative proceedings, during investigations and disciplinary proceedings, in complex commercial litigation, and employer-side liability, and general liability matters.

In his general liability work, Mr. Valentin has represented businesses in claims involving bodily injury, wrongful death, and property damage.

He is a nationally recognized, AV® Preeminent™ rated attorney. He is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney*. Previously he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph P. Perfilio, J.S.C., Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County. Mr. Valentin graduated from the College of the Holy Cross, with honors, and from the Fordham University School of Law, where he was a Notes & Articles Editor on the Fordham Journal of Corporate & Financial Law. While at Fordham, he also interned for the Honorable Denny Chin, then on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and at the New York Stock Exchange Division of Enforcement. He also participated in the Securities Arbitration Clinic representing a client before the NASD.

Mr. Valentin is fluent in Spanish.

*Unless otherwise noted, no aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Admissions

  • New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court
    • New Jersey
  • U.S. Court of Appeals
    • Third Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Education

  • Fordham University – J.D.
  • College of the Holy Cross – B.A., cum laude

Professional Memberships

  • Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
  • American Bar Association
  • New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Complementary Dispute Resolution; Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, (HBA-NJ) Representative: 2023 – 2025; 2019-2021; 2017-2019; 2015-2017 
  • New Jersey Supreme Court Civil Practice Rules Committee, HBA-NJ Representative (2014)
  • Bergen County, NJ, Bar Association, Past Committees: Professionalism in the Law, Diversity in the Profession 
  • Hispanic National Bar Association, Past Member
  • New Jersey Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Past Member) 
  • Morris Pashman American Inn of Court, Pupil Graduate; Barrister (2016 – 2018)

Representative Matters

  • Bobowicz v. Holy Name Medical Center, Inc., et al. (New Jersey, Appellate Division, 2023) – In this sexual harassment/hostile work environment action, the Appellate Division affirmed the trial court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of Mr. Valentin’s client, a physician.
  • Rosenblatt v. Stripto, et al. (New Jersey, Appellate Division, 2017) – In this legal malpractice action, the Appellate Division affirmed the trial court’s evidentiary ruling and grant of summary judgment in favor of Mr. Valentin’s client due to plaintiff’s failure to secure adequate expert testimony to establish proximate cause.

  • Estate of Caruso v. Fin. Recoveries (U.S.D.C., N.J., 2017) -In this putative class action for alleged violations of the FDCPA, the United States District Court granted partial summary judgment in favor of Mr. Valentin’s client, finding that plaintiff failed to show a particularized harm and, therefore, lacked Article III standing to maintain an action under 15 U.S.C. § 1692f(8), and also failed to establish the existence of a private cause of action for an alleged failure to post a bond under N.J.S.A. 45:18-1.

  • Fox Paper, Ltd. v. Hanover Ins. Co., et al. (New Jersey, Law Division, 2016) – In this insurance broker malpractice action, the trial court held, among other things, that a conflict existed between the substantive law of New York and New Jersey as it related to the duty of a broker to an insured and, thus, New York’s substantive law applied.
  • Wolf v. Escala, et al. (U.S.D.C., N.J., 2015) – In this social worker malpractice action, the United States District Court dismissed §1983, constitutional, professional malpractice, unjust enrichment, and disgorgement claims. 
  • Brown v. Lopez, et al. (New Jersey, Appellate Division, 2013) – In this decision, the Appellate Division upheld the grant of summary judgment in favor of the attorney for the seller of real estate, finding that there was nothing in the record to support the conclusion that he knowingly assisted the seller in defrauding the plaintiff or that he made any misrepresentations to her.
  • Lewandowski v. Hi-Tech Homes, Inc., et al. (New Jersey, Appellate Division, 2013) – In this decision, the Appellate Division affirmed the award of counsel fees to Mr. Valentin’s client due to Plaintiffs’ decision to take an improvident voluntary dismissal after summary judgment was filed by the Defendants. The matter was remanded to the trial court for a determination of the amount of the award.
  • Lieber v. Marcus (U.S.D.C., N.J., 2012) – In this decision, which was upheld in 2014, after motion for reconsideration, the United States District Court ruled that New Jersey’s Entire Controversy Doctrine and the doctrine of collateral estoppel precluded a second action raising legal malpractice claims not perfected in a prior state court action.
  • Mendoza v. Metropolitan Group Property & Casualty Ins., et al. (New Jersey, Law Division, 2012)- Mr. Valentin represented Metropolitan Group (MetLife) in defense of a case brought by a Plaintiff seeking insurance proceeds. At trial, the burden was shifted to the defense to show that the Plaintiff had made a material misstatement of fact or fraudulent statement in connection with the insurance claim. Mr. Valentin secured a defense jury verdict in favor of MetLife.
  • Triarsi v. BSC Group Services, LLC, et al. (New Jersey, Appellate Division, 2011) – In this decision published at 422 N.J. Super. 104, the Appellate Division clarified the application of the Affidavit of Merit statute to insurance professionals.
  • West 133rd Street Realty Corp. v. F&L  (New Jersey, Law Division, 2011) – Mr. Valentin represented an attorney in legal malpractice action arising from the attorney’s representation of a corporation in the sale of commercial real estate. A no-cause jury verdict was secured for the defense.
  • Viglione v. Biagiotti, Marino, et al. (New Jersey, Law Division, 2010) – Mr. Valentin represented an attorney in legal malpractice action arising from attorney’s representation of client in divorce action. A no-cause verdict was secured for the defense at binding arbitration.
  • Mancini v. McAllister Fuels (New Jersey, Appellate Division, 2010) – Mr. Valentin represented a regional energy company in a toxic tort and wrongful death action. The Appellate Division affirmed the grant of summary judgment due to plaintiff’s failure to secure sufficient expert testimony.
  • Bergen v. Able Energy (New Jersey, Appellate Division 2009) – Mr. Valentin represented a regional energy company against personal injury claims brought by employees in connection with a propane explosion. The Appellate Division affirmed the grant of summary judgment in favor of the employer and affirmed the finding that the employees’ claims against employer were barred by the exclusivity provision of the Workers’ Compensation Act.
  • Shah v. S&K (New Jersey, Law Division, 2009) – Mr. Valentin represented an attorney in legal malpractice action resulting from the attorney’s appointment as an attorney-in-fact during an underlying divorce action. A no-cause jury verdict was secured for the defense.
  • Rego v. Giordano (New Jersey, Law Division, 2008) – Mr. Valentin represented an attorney in legal malpractice action arising from the the attorney’s handling of a fire insurance claim. The court allowed defendants to prosecute plaintiffs for committing a fraud on the court when it was discovered that they had altered documents in discovery. A defense jury verdict was secured, whereupon the court dismissed plaintiffs’ suit.

Community Service

  • Paramus Sunrise Rotary Club – Board of Directors 2019-2020; President 2018-19; Vice President 2017-18
  • Visiting Homemaker Home Health Aide Service of Bergen County – Trustee 2011-2019; Compliance Officer; Chair: Program, Personnel & Compliance/Quality Assurance Committee
  • Paramus Junior Baseball League Volunteer Assistant Coach, 2018
  • Recreation Softball Volunteer Assistant Coach, Paramus, NJ, 2017
  • Recreation Youth Soccer Volunteer Coach, Paramus, NJ, 2016

Recognition

  • AV® Preeminent™ rated attorney, Martindale- Hubbell
  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®, Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2024
  • New Jersey Super Lawyers, Professional Liability Defense – 2017- 2023
  • New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Stars – 2009-11, 2013, 2014-16
  • Bergen Magazine’s Top Lawyers 2011, 2013-19
  • Hispanic National Bar Association Top Lawyers Under 40 – 2016
  • New Jersey Law Journal 40 under 40 – 2011
  • No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Publications

  • Co-author, Of Squares and Rectangles: The Fiduciary Standard Imposed on Insurance Brokers, Both Problem and Answer, New Jersey Law Journal (December 10, 2019)
  • Co-author, Professional Negligence vs. Breach of Fiduciary Duty in Insurance Broker Malpractice Actions, New Jersey Law Journal (January 11, 2019)
  • Co-author, Limitations on a Realtor’s Duty to Warn in New Jersey, KDV Alert (April 18, 2016)
  • Co-author, Implications of Trenk Dipasquale v. Industrial Urban, Law360 (March 31, 2016)
  • Co-author, The Premium Financing Red Flag – Case Studies & What To Avoid – Plus Journal Blog-Vol. XXVIII, No. 8; Life & Health Advisor (June 26, 2015)
  • Co-author, Economic Loss Doctrine Gains Viability as Defense to Financial Claims, New Jersey Law Journal (May 4, 2015)
  • Quoted, Issue of Attorney Diligence Enters High-Stakes Fees Dispute in Sanctions-Terminated Suit, Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (July 10, 2014)
  • Author, The Cure for Borrower’s Remorse: Ratification, New Jersey Law Journal (October 11, 2011)
  • “NJ: Waiver of Attorneys’ Fees Must Be Clear and Unambiguous in Settlement Agreements,” by Iram Valentin, Esq., Legal Malpractice.com,
    2-7-2011
  • Author, Let the Lender Beware, New Jersey Law Journal (Jan 31, 2011)
  • Author, Title IX: A Brief History, Education Development Center, WEEA (1997)

    Speaking Engagements

    • Biometric Information: The Changing Landscape in Privacy Statutes, Compliance and Insurance Coverage (September 8, 2023): Hispanic National Bar Association National Conference, Minneapolis, MN
    • Employment Law: A Discussion About How Changes in Society, Science and Law Impact Employment Law (May 5, 2023): Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Sun, Surf and Seminars, San Juan, Puerto Rico
    • Legal Ethics in the Era of Law Firm Mergers and Vereins: Fee-Splitting, Referral, Conflicts and Other Ethical Issues (March 26, 2019): Strafford CLE Webinar
    • Join Us for a Live Webinar “New Jersey – Everyday Ethics and Why It Matters” (July 12, 2017)
    • Burlington County Bar Association Lunch & Learn: “Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls & Legal Malpractice Claims,” ft. Iram Valentin
    • The CFPB’s TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosures Rule: Navigating Its Enforcement Predicament LIVE Webcast
    • Title Academy of New Jersey Continuing Education Seminar : Title Risk Management
    • The Academy of Continuing Education March Seminar : Title Insurance Claims: How They are Handled; Avoiding Them; Case Law Update (March 2015)
    • Presenter, “Taking Care of Yourself and Your Practice (Ethics),” Sole Practitioner & Small Firm CLE Track, Meadowlands Seminar 2019
    • Co-Presenter, “Legal Ethics in the Era of Law Firm Mergers and Vereins: Fee-Splitting, Referral, Conflicts and Other Ethical Issues” LIVE Webinar, Strafford (March 2019)
    • Co-Presenter, “New Jersey – Everyday Ethics and Why It Matters,” LIVE Webinar, Lorman (July 2018)
    • Co-Presenter, “New Jersey – Everyday Ethics and Why It Matters,” LIVE Webinar, Lorman (July 2017)
    • Co-Presenter, “Current Trends in EPL and Real Estate Professional E&O Claims” (June 2017)
    • Presenter, “Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls & Legal Malpractice Claims,” Burlington County Bar Association (May 2017)
    • Co-Presenter, “New Jersey – Everyday Ethics and Why It Matters,” LIVE Webinar, Lorman (June 2016)
    • Co-Presenter, “The CFPB’s TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosures Rule: Navigating Its Enforcement Predicament,” LIVE Webcast, The Knowledge Group (October 2015)
    • Presenter, “Joint & Several Liability,” CEU Institute (September 2015)
    • Co-Presenter, “Practical Professionalism,” CLM (July 2015)
    • Co-Presenter, “Title Risk Management,” Title Academy of New Jersey Continuing Education Seminar (May 2015)
    • Panelist, “Ethical Pitfalls to be Avoided by In-House Corporate Counsel,” New Jersey Association of Corporate Counsel Ethics Meet and Greet (February 2013)
    • Panelist, “Ethics and Beyond – Professionalism in the Law,” Bergen County Bar Association Professionalism in the Law Committee Program (October 2012)
    • Panelist, “Top Ten Ethics Complaints and How to Avoid Them,” Hudson County Bar Association Professionalism in the Law Committee Program (October 2012)
    • Presenter, “You Bet Your Life (Insurance): Stranger Owned Life Insurance and Viatical and Life Settlements” (July 2012)
    • Moderator and Panelist, “Avoiding Fraud in Your Title Agency,” NAILTA Annual Conference (April 2011)
    • Co-Presenter, “Claims Against Title Insurance Professionals,” (January 2010)
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