Valerie Wicks

Valerie Z. Wicks is the Attorney Director of Gideon Asen’s Case Intake, Evaluation, and Pre-Litigation Department. With years of experience in litigation, negotiation, and client advising, she brings a keen eye for initial case evaluation, determined approach to early case resolution, and passion for helping clients narrow the gap between what is just and what the legal system is prepared to provide.

Val is known for her determined and pragmatic approach to advocacy, finely tuned moral compass, and commitment to helping clients make informed decisions even—and especially—when none of the options are ideal.

Val began her legal career at a large law firm in New York and moved to Maine to clerk for United States District Court Judge Nancy Torresen. Following her clerkship, Val litigated employment and civil rights cases here in Maine, ranging from wage and hour class actions to single plaintiff discrimination matters. She was the lead attorney in the first-ever decision under the Maine Equal Pay Law, securing victory for her client in federal district court and defending the victory through a First Circuit appeal. That decision held that intent is not an element of a Maine Equal Pay Law claim and meant that her client—who was paid roughly half as much as her male counterparts with the same job—could recover treble damages. This landmark decision remains the law of the land in Maine.

Val earned her undergraduate degree from Bates College and her Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. She serves on the United States District Court, District of Maine Local Rules Committee and has volunteered her time with the Southern Maine Workers’ Center Legal Clinic. She has been recognized as a SuperLawyer, and before that, a SuperLawyer Rising Star. Prior to law school, she taught first and second grade in the New York City public school system.

Val lives in Portland with her husband and two children. Outside of work, she enjoys a good book, escapist television, meals with friends, and outdoor adventures with her family.