Patrick Valencia is VIB Law’s senior partner as well as a founding member of the law firm.
Mr. Valencia has long-standing ties in the Bay Area, having received undergraduate and law degrees from Santa Clara University. These strong local ties allow him access to a wide variety of contacts within the criminal justice system to use on behalf of his clients.
Mr. Valencia has established credibility with the District Attorney’s office, having worked for seven years with the Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation Department. That experience helped him develop keen insight into the Juvenile Justice System.
Since his admission to the Bar in 1983, Mr. Valencia has successfully defended thousands of minors charged with crimes. In fact, he was named, “Top Juvenile Defense Attorney” by San Jose Magazine in 2002. Mr. Valencia has also handled numerous high profile juvenile justice cases.
Valencia’s expertise in Juvenile Crimes and has long been recognized by the local court system. He has served as a Judge Pro Tempore and has presided over trials in both Juvenile Delinquency cases as well as Juvenile Dependency cases.
Mr. Valencia, handles most of VIB Law’s Juvenile Crimes cases. But, like both of his partners, he has experience handling every type of case, ranging from simple petty thefts to complicated homicide and “three strikes” cases. His 31 years of experience in criminal defense provide him with the agility, perspective, and tenacity needed to navigate the toughest cases in and out of the courtroom.
Mr. Valencia began practicing law in 1983, as a sports agent. He represented and worked with several local college athletes in negotiating tryouts and roster spots for various professional teams including teams in the NFL. In the course of this work, he began to represent athletes who found themselves on the wrong side of the law. He discovered he had a real talent and passion for criminal defense.
Mr. Valencia firmly believes that defending the rights of those accused of a crime protects all of us and furthers the ideal of a free society. Toward that end, he pursued the study of International Human Rights in Strasbourg, France and completed an internship at the Henri Dunant Institute in Geneva, Switzerland.
Mr. Valencia has developed a nuanced understanding of various professional boards and their licensing and disciplinary procedures. He has represented hundreds of nurses, medical doctors, real estate agents, and various other professionals in a wide variety of disciplinary proceedings. Mr. Valencia finds helping professionals keep their career dreams on track to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.
Mr. Valencia continues to enjoy sports, both as a participant and a spectator. He has two daughters whom he encourages to excel in academics and share his interest in sports. Valencia
Valencia represents clients throughout Northern California. On a regular basis, he tries cases in the Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda County courthouses, Mr. Valencia is in charge of VIB Law’s San Francisco branch as well as all cases in San Francisco County courthouse.
Honors and Awards
San Jose Magazine: Top Juvenile Attorney
Professional Associations and Memberships
State Bar of California
Santa Clara County Bar Association
