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Valerie Barnhart

Valerie Barnhart

Founding Partner

Valerie Barnhart is the founding partner of Barnhart Law Firm, bringing over 14 years of legal experience to South Florida’s business community. As a recognized leader in business litigation and corporate law, Valerie combines strategic thinking with practical solutions to help businesses navigate complex legal challenges and achieve their objectives.

Valerie is committed to the community and the legal profession. She currently serves on the Seventeenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission as well as on the Board of Directors for the Broward County Bar Association.

About Valerie

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Valerie’s commitment to legal excellence has earned her consistent recognition from her peers and the legal community:

  • St. Thomas University “Legal Luminary” (Employment Law), 2024
  • Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, 2022-2025
  • Prestigious Women Award Recipient, South Florida Business and Wealth, 2021
  • Best Lawyers, Commercial Litigation, 2019-2025
  • Florida Trend Legal Elite – Up & Comer (Business Litigation), 2020, 2021
  • Paul May Professionalism Award, Broward County Bar Association, 2019
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida, 2018
  • Rising Star, Business Litigation, Florida Super Lawyers Magazine, 2016-2021
  • 40 Under 40 Rising Star, Daily Business Review, 2014
  • Rising Star, Leaders in Law, 2014
  • 2016 Alumnus of the Year, Nova Southeastern University Student Life Achievement Awards
  • 2016 Committee Chair Award, Broward County Bar Association
  • Most Productive Board Member, Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, 2015

Valerie earned her law degree summa cum laude from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, where she distinguished herself academically and demonstrated the analytical rigor that defines her practice today. She previously completed her undergraduate studies at Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree (2006).

Valerie’s practice concentrates on three core areas:

Business Litigation: From contract disputes to complex commercial litigation, Valerie has successfully represented clients in matters ranging from trademark infringement cases to multimillion-dollar fraudulent transfer claims. Her courtroom experience includes defending clients in federal court and achieving favorable settlements in high-stakes litigation.

Corporate & Transactional Law: Valerie guides businesses through formation, governance, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic transactions. Her experience includes representing physicians in multimillion-dollar practice sales and structuring complex employment agreements for executives.

Beyond her legal practice, Valerie is actively involved in professional and community organizations, including service on various Florida Bar committees focused on technology and animal law. Her commitment to mentoring young attorneys and supporting legal education reflects her dedication to strengthening the legal profession.

What sets Valerie apart is her ability to see the bigger picture while managing the details. Clients appreciate her accessible communication style, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to achieving results. Whether negotiating a complex transaction or litigating a business dispute, Valerie brings both the sophistication of a large firm lawyer and the personal attention of a boutique practice.