Valerie McCarthy

Valerie Jules McCarthy is counsel in the firm’s Family Law practice, where she brings more than 15 years of experience guiding clients through some of the most sensitive and complex legal issues they may face. She handles a wide range of family law matters, including high-conflict and high-net-worth divorces, equitable distribution, alimony and child support, custody and parenting time disputes, civil union dissolutions, domestic violence proceedings, guardianships, and post-judgment litigation.

Valerie’s strength lies in framing issues in ways that are both persuasive and practical, whether through motion practice, oral advocacy, or walking a client through their next steps. She is known for keeping things calm, clear, and purposeful, even when tensions are high. She is a skilled strategist and negotiator, she consistently achieves strong results for her clients, whether through litigation or settlement.

Prior to joining Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C., Valerie was a family law associate at a boutique firm in Essex County. She began her legal career as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Kenneth J. Grispin, P.J.F.P., in the Family Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County.

Valerie is also chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and an active member of the Women’s Leadership and Wellness Committees. In addition to her legal practice, she is a writer and speaker on issues such as cultural competence and evolving trends in family law.

Honors & Recognitions

• Selected for inclusion in the Black Leaders Worth Watching Award, Profiles in Diversity Journal, 2021

Community & Professional

• New Jersey State Bar Association, Family Law Executive Committee
• National Association of Women Lawyers (2025 Annual Meeting Programming co-chair)
• Member, Bergen County Bar Association, Family Law Section
• Member, Essex County Bar Association
• Member, Women Lawyers in Bergen County
• Member, Garden State Bar Association
• Member, National Bar Association
• The Barry Croland Family Law American Inn of Court
• Member, Association of Black Women Lawyers (2025 Scholarship Gala Committee)
• HBCU Scholarship Ride Executive Board
• Member, Essex County Chamber of Commerce
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Leadership Council (2022–2024)
• Former Trustee, ACLU of New Jersey (2016–2018)

• Member, District Ethics Committee for District VI