James J. Sexton
About James
Biography
Sexton has intentionally focused his practice on divorce and family law since his graduation Fordham Law School. In addition to his Juris Doctorate (Law Degree) he has a Master of Arts degree from New York University where he focused his graduate studies on persuasive speech and propaganda. After nearly two decades of refining his skills as a trial lawyer in the Courtrooms of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Rockland, Westchester and Orange Counties, Sexton's legal skills and confidence in the courtroom earned him his place in the top 1% of family law attorneys practicing in New York. In 2018, upon the release of his first book, Sexton added #1 bestselling author, television personality and sought-after podcast guest/public speaker to his resume: his penchant for verbal gymnastics and no-holds-barred approach to argument thrusting him into the national spotlight.
Known for his intensity, focus and discipline, Sexton wakes up at 4:00am every day (including weekends) to meditate, drink pu-ehr tea, work out and immediately begin executing his next "moves" in the never ending chess match of family law. An admitted "computer geek" since the 1980's Sexton keeps his practice on the cutting edge of technology at all times: using the latest cross platform applications to facilitate his "lightning fast" response time without sacrificing his OCD enforced attention to detail.
Sexton serves a diverse but select roster of clients that includes everything from "Fortune 500" CEO's, world renowned surgeons, entertainment personalities and high end financial professionals to law enforcement, teachers and stay-at-home moms. Relentless in and out of the courtroom, Sexton ensures that each and every case he agrees to take on is given the personalized attention it deserves.
A longtime advocate for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ individuals and families, Sexton has served for nearly twenty years as a Consulting Attorney for Lambda Legal and a popular speaker at the annual "Lavender Law" Conference (the largest national symposium for LGBT legal issues).
Sexton resides in Manhattan (Chelsea) where, in his very limited free time, he enjoys reading, yoga, tactical firearms and training and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a active member of the Marcelo Garcia Academy (NYC).
Mr. Sexton meets with clients and potential new client consultations by appointment only.
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 24 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Jersey for 24 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices Of James J. Sexton, PC
301 North Main Street, New City, NY, 10956
Law Offices Of James J. Sexton, PC
475 Park Ave South, 21st Floor, New York, NY, 10016
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James J. Sexton's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
63 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Staff & Support
Posted by Tom | July 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family
Not Divorce, but No Problem
My girlfriend's divorce was not final yet and unfortunately New York has an archaic presumption of legitimacy that meant as a new father they told me at the hospital I could not be listed on my son's birth certificate. I was devastated. I contacted James the next day. Not only did he calm my fears...
Posted by Diane | May 09, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
A lawyer that will not let you down
I hired James Sexton when I was going through a nasty divorce. He was my only hope during this dark time. He was always there to reassure me when things got tough. He fought every challenge that was thrown his way and won. In court and out. He delivered on his promises. His staff is amazingly nice an...
Posted by Frank | May 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
BEWARE! He lost my case and wasted my $$$
Sexton failed to represent me diligently. He lost my case at every opportunity. He compromised my situation and charged a small fortune to put me in a worse position. He is arrogant, spiteful and is super focused on how much he can bill me. His staff is super aggressive and care only about collecti...
James Sexton
Replied last April 06, 2016I've been described as "arrogant" before. So that part might be true (I prefer to call it "extremely confident in my abilities" but it's a matter of opinion I guess. People generally don't want a humble divorce lawyer. I've also been accused of being "aggressive" and a "loud mouth" and someone who "refuses to take no for an answer". I'm also pale and my nose is overly pointy. The rest of this review is B.S. but they might be on to something with the "arrogant" thing.
Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Billable Hours..
I hired James Sexton for my child custody hearing and gave them a fixed budget (substantial) and they came back to me with a bill double the budget without advance notice. I paid it...based on false pretense from the kids mom I was accused of an infraction that was not true. I gain my custody back bu...
James Sexton
Replied last April 09, 2016So...in essence this client confirms that the firm was able to get him (a father) sole custody of his children but that he was required (under the law) to pay child support to his former spouse who still has parenting time with the children but earns substantially less income than he does. The custody part you can thank the firm for. The child support part you've got to take up with the New York State Legislature. I appreciate the acknowledgment (after getting him custody) that I am "good at what I do" but I make no apologies for charging for my services. When a businessperson client (like this one) suggests a "budget" for their case I make it clear that the "budget" is beyond my control as the actions of the other side will impact the scope of work to be done (and thus the cost). I'm not the least expensive divorce lawyer. If you're looking for that - look elsewhere. I'm not the most expensive either. I believe most clients (as noted in the overwhelming majority of our reviews here - on the Internet - the "complaint box" of the universe) consider what we charge and what we provide to be equal in value. The only thing more expensive than a good divorce lawyer is a bad one.
Posted by Laura | April 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
This is the lawyer you want on your side
Words can't express how pleased I am with the service that was provided to me by Jim Sexton. His team at the Law Offices of James J. Sexton were exceptional. I had the pleasure of working personally with Mr. Sexton, and I found him to be straight forward, honest, and compassionate. Anyone dealing wit...
James J. Sexton's Lawyer Endorsements
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services. Also, brilliant on Steve Harvey Show, both stellar beings."
"Exceptional attorney, dedicated to client success. Highly recommended."
Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Jim Sexton is one of the most aggressive, well prepared, zealous advocates that I have encountered in the Courtroom. As a fellow attorney, I can also say that Jim will always demonstrate the highest level of ethics and decorum even while fighting tooth and nail to advance his client’s goal. For these reasons, I endorse him without reservation."
"I have known Jim since he was an associate at one of the major firms in Rockland. He is one of the most able and competent lawyers I know. He is very well versed in the areas of law which make up his practice, is very professional and always has his client's interests as his major priority."
"Jim is an extraordinary attorney, who possesses a keen ability to achieve the best interests of his clients. He is very dedicated to his craft and is well respected in the legal community, including the presiding judges. He also happens to be a very nice guy, which is such a valuable trait in the courtroom!"
"Mr. Sexton and I have worked on a number of legal matters together and I have always found him to be well prepared, articulate and a vociferous advocate on behalf of his clients. Similarly his working knowledge and understanding of the law makes it simple to achieve mutually successful case settlements as much of the gamesmanship that typically takes place between attorneys is generally avoided. I therefore would not hesitate to endorse Mr. Sexton and his firm."
"James is a strong, aggressive and zealous advocate for his clients. He is well versed on the law and an experienced litigator who is also a persuasive negotiator when need be."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is a highly regarded, well respected and dynamic attorney. His advocacy skills are second to none. A fine lawyer."
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to endorse Jim Sexton. I have known Jim for many years and know him to be a truly professional, zealous advocate for his clients. Jim is a both seasoned litigator and skilled negotiator, with great attention to detail and the ability to help his clients navigate the emotional turmoil that so often attends divorce cases."
"I am pleased to endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to work with James Sexton in the courtroom as adversary counsel in a difficult trial. Jim was an excellent, ethical attorney. He knows his stuff and knows his way around the courtroom and he knows how to fight for his client. If I needed a tough, caring, and skilled lawyer, Jim would be right at the top of my list."
"Jmaes was opposing counsel in a high net worth, hotly contested, emotionally charged case in which I represented the othet party.. This matter never wound have been resolved as amicably and expeditiously as it had if not for his expert guidance. Thank you, James"
"Mr. Sexton has always treated the clients I have recommended to him competently, fairly, and honestly."
"Jim Sexton is a zealous advocate for each and every one of his clients. He handles himself in an extremely professional manner and is an excellent attorney both in and out of Court. Most importantly, he enjoys the practice of Law and it shows in everything he does."
"I have dealt with Jim on both personal and professional concerns and have found him to be attentive, courteous and professional. I have also found him to be highly regarded by his colleagues and I would recommend him without hesitation or reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jimmy Sexton has and is handling several matrimonial matters referred by my law firm. He is a formitable litigator possessing both trial and expert negotiation skills. Jim is recognized by his peers as one of the preeminent family law practitioners in the Hudson Valley. Clients referred to him have expressed their gratitude. Through hard work, preparation and with the ability and experience to try a matter to conclusion, Jim achieves his objectives and the respect of the bench and bar alike. Those in time of distress can look to his guidance and counsel to navigate the difficult waters of divorce and separation."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Notable, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top Lawyer, New York Magazine
2009
Top 10 New Jersey Matrimonial and Divorce Lawyer under 45, Ten Leaders
2003
"Forty Under Forty", Rockland Business Association
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Founding Partner, Law Offices of James J. Sexton, PC
Associations
2004 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsMember
2001 - Present
Rockland County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
New York State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2001 - Present
Law Guardian PanelMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Record setting counsel fee award.
Motion for additional disclosure granted.
Petitioner/Mother Entitled to Reimbursement
Education
2001
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
MA - Masters
Speaking Engagements
2016
You Be The Judge : Domestic Violence in Family Court
2007
Public Speaking
2006
Issues & Ethics
2005
Constitutional Issues in Family Law
1999
Various Undergraduate Courses
Publications
2000
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides