Joseph Valenti, EsqJoseph_Valenti

Senior Associate Specializing in Federal Criminal Tax, Forensic Financial Advocacy, Estate Planning and Estate Administration

When you are up against the federal government, you need someone who knows exactly how they think. Joseph Valenti joined Scura Law after a distinguished 24 plus-year career as both a Special Agent and a Supervisory Special Agent with IRS Criminal Investigation.

Joe doesn't just understand tax law; he spent over two decades leading the teams that enforced it. As a former federal agent and a qualified Federal Expert Witness, Joe brings a level of forensic precision and strategic insight to our firm that few attorneys in the country possess. Whether navigating a complex bankruptcy, defending a tax controversy, or managing high-stakes estate litigation, Joe’s mission is simple: to use his knowledge to protect your assets and your future.

 

Why Joseph?

Clients choose Joe because he bridges the gap between sophisticated accounting and aggressive legal advocacy. With an LL.M. in Taxation and a degree in Accounting, he possesses the rare ability to reconstruct complex financial "paper trails" that others might miss.

 

"Having spent 24 plus years inside federal law enforcement, I’ve seen how the system can overwhelm individuals and businesses. My goal now is to be the shield—using my experience to find the solutions that keep our clients safe, solvent, and successful"

 

Experience & Expertise

  • Wills and Estate Planning: Utilizing all of his tax experience and his LL.M. in taxation, Joseph crafts legal Estate Plans to best plan from a favorable tax position. 

  • Tax Controversy & Criminal Defense: Navigating IRS audits, criminal investigations, and civil tax disputes with the authority of a former Supervisory Special Agent.

  • Forensic Advocacy: Utilizing over two decades of financial investigation experience to assist in bankruptcy restructuring and complex litigation.

  • Estate & Trust Litigation: Expert-level knowledge in the taxation of trusts and estates, ensuring family wealth is preserved and protected.

 

Professional Background

  • IRS Criminal Investigation: Served as a Supervisory Special Agent and Special Agent, working on multi-agency task forces and overseeing the IRS Criminal Investigation Newark Field Office Fraud Referral program.

  • Federal Expert Witness: Qualified as an expert in general federal tax knowledge and the taxation of trusts and estates in Federal criminal trials.

  • Private Practice: Previously served as an associate attorney focusing on estate planning, estate administration and litigation support in the tax and estate arenas.

 

Education & Credentials

  • Villanova University School of Law | LL.M. in Taxation

  • St. Thomas University School of Law | Juris Doctorate

  • Rutgers University, School of Business | B.S. in Accounting

  • Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy | Graduate

 

Bar Admissions

  • New Jersey State Bar

  • New York State Bar

  • Florida State Bar

 

Awards & Recognition

  • Newark Field Office Special Agent of the Year

  • Three-time recipient of the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation Award

 

Personal Notes

When he’s not deconstructing financial records or advocating for clients, Joe enjoys spending time gardening.  Joseph also volunteers as a Board Member of the Regional Board of Education where he resides and is also a volunteer Board member for the local borough ambulance squad.