Christian Valentino

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Member
Law Offices of Pullano & Farrow PLLC

Years in current role: 12

What is one legal issue or trend you’re keeping a close eye on this year?

At a national level, I am closely watching and, frankly, angered as to how the current Executive Branch of our government (and to some extent the Legislative Branch) constantly attacks the integrity of our Judicial system and is systematically attempting to decrease the power of our Judiciary Branch of government. These tactics are a clear attempt to destroy our country’s checks and balances system, which our forefathers carefully crafted for the good of the people and our great nation. The people of this country need to pay attention to what is occurring and not allow for the destruction of our checks and balances system. As we learned in Social Studies classes growing up: “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” We need an impartial and strong Judiciary Branch!

What skills do you think are most crucial for new attorneys entering the field today?

The skills most crucial for new attorneys entering the legal field to have currently include diligence and critical thinking. With the availability and use of technology and specifically artificial intelligence, it is crucial that the new attorneys entering the practice of law are diligent in their research. It is too easy to type in a search, be provided with an answer that “looks right,” and then “cut and paste” the answer into a Memo of Law without checking the sources. Lawyers need to check and read the cited sources to ensure that they not only exist but actually support the answer. While artificial intelligence is an incredible tool, the new (and old) attorneys need to use AI properly. Diligence and critical thinking are still necessary.

What’s one misconception people often have about your area of law?

My two practice areas are: Wills, Trusts & Estates Litigation; and Plaintiff’s Personal Injury/Wrongful Death. For the WT&E Litigation practice, one of the misconceptions that people often have is that “it does not matter what’s in the Will because [Mom/Dad] told me [fill in the blank].” So many potential clients call me and tell me the story of how their father/mother told them one thing, but the Will says something different, and that they want to challenge the Will based solely on the alleged comments. Obviously, those comments alone, even if said by the parents, will not carry the day. For my PI/WD practice, common misconceptions that people have are that: (1) merely because they were injured someone owes them money; and (2) every injury is worth $1,000,000 or more.

How does the Rochester community influence your work or professional philosophy?

I was fortunate enough to have parents who taught me about the importance of giving your time (and money) to charitable endeavors throughout your life. Then, after law school and entering the legal profession in the Rochester community, my eyes were further opened as I gained knowledge of and access to all of the incredible nonprofit and charitable organizations and all of the generous people that live in our community that have a similar mindset about donating precious time and resources to those less fortunate or struggling through life. Being surrounded by such incredible and inspiring charitable organizations and people in the Rochester Community has influenced me to take the time over the course of my career and to utilize my profession to give back to the community annually.

What’s your ideal way to spend a weekend in the Finger Lakes or Western New York?

We are blessed to have so many waterfront areas to explore in Western New York and the Finger Lakes area. Whether it is finding a great restaurant or coffee shop on Irondequoit Bay, or taking the WaveRunner out into Lake Ontario and “parking” outside of Marge’s Lakeside Inn to listen to live music on the beach, or taking a day trip with my wife to the Spa in Aurora on Cayuga Lake, or visiting a few of the wineries on Seneca Lake with a group of friends, or renting a boat for a day on Canandaigua Lake, my wife and I are always amazed at how many interesting places there are to visit and are in driving distance on the weekends. Go out and explore!

This profile is part of our Litigation Power List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.