Biography
Bruce A. Friedman, Esq. has built a rich, diverse practice handling entertainment matters with copyright issues arising from illegal downloading and use of music, profit participation, production and distribution of films, insurance and more in regards to the film, television, music, and internet industries. His invaluable understanding of the nuances that make each industry unique has made him an unmatched resource for his clients. Along with his calm, respectful demeanor and dedication to considering the points of all sides, he applies an evaluative approach and consistently helps parties find a satisfactory resolution.
Representative Matters
- Arbitration of disputes between lender and international film distributor involving conspiracy between bank and production company to defraud distributor into entering agreements and paying production costs of multiple films
- Suit by creators of internationally released film against bank that loaned production costs involving conspiracy claims to defraud them out of profit participation
- Arbitrated dispute under film completion bond over issues of whether film met delivery requirements of production agreement
- Disputes between film production companies and insurers involving slate of films insured for recovery of production costs
- Arbitrated disputes between European production company and Asian distributors over breach of distribution agreement
- Copyright claims by record companies claiming illegal downloading of music on the Internet
- Copyright claims on behalf of songwriters against motion picture and television studios for infringement of songs used on daytime television
- Class action age discrimination actions brought by television writers over 40 against studios and networks
- Member of the Independent Film and Television Alliance arbitration panel
Completed Virtual ADR training conducted by the JAMS Institute, the training arm of JAMS.
Honors
- Selected as a Southern California Super Lawyer in Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2014-2020
- Selected as a Southern California Super Lawyer in Business Litigation, 2004-2012
- Recognized as a “Rising Star,” California’s Top 50 Neutrals, Daily Journal, 2013
- Leading Lawyer in Insurance: Insurer Firms, California, Chambers USA, 2004-2012
- Insurance Law Lawyer of the Year, Los Angeles, Best Lawyers, 2012
- Leading Lawyer in Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, and Insurance Law, Best Lawyers, 2005-2012
Memberships and Professional Affiliations
- Adjunct Professor, Arbitration Advocacy, University of Southern California School of Law, 2017- Present
- Rutter Insurance Litigation Contributing Editor, Third Party Coverages, D & O, Personal & Advertising Injury, Professional Liability
- Mediator on the Mediation Panel, USDC, Central District of California, 2012-2017
- Arbitrator, Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), 2013-2016
- Member on Insurance Coverage, Professional Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, and Fidelity and Surety Law, American Bar Association Litigation Section and TIPS Section, 1985-present
- Board of Directors, Public Counsel, 2003-2007
- President and member of the Board of Trustees, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, 1989-2006
- Member of the Board of Directors of Paragon International Insurance Brokers, Lloyds of London, 1996-2002
- President and member of the board, Hope-Net, an interfaith and homeless charity, 1989-2001
- Top 10 plaintiff’s verdict in California, 1996
- President and Board of Governors, Association of Business Trial Lawyers, 1987-1995
ADR Profiles
- "Whatever It Takes: Bruce Friedman Invests Himself Completely Into Each Matter He Handles," ADR Profile, Daily Journal, September 11, 2015
- Partner and Co-Chair, Complex Litigation Department, Bingham McCutchen, 2007-2012
- Partner, Managing Partner, General Counsel, Chair of Litigation Department, Alschuler Grossman, 1995-2007
- The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law, 2011
- J.D., with honors, The George Washington University Law School
- B.A., with honors, Claremont McKenna College
Counsel Comments
- “I really appreciated Bruce's efforts in continuing to work with me and opposing counsel and his perseverance in settling the case.”
- Los Angeles Attorney - "Just a quick note to say, you are wonderful! It was quite a day of long narratives -- I really appreciated how you respected and valued each party and managed to forge alliances and built trust gradually through an authentic desire to help. Today was going to be difficult until you rolled out some creative solutions for very unconventional folks."
- San Francisco Attorney - "Bruce was recently my mediator for a difficult multi-way dispute (plaintiff-defendant-insurance companies). What impressed me most about Bruce was how he kept at it for over three months after the mediation to get a deal done (even when it looked like it was a lost cause). Bruce has a sharp understanding of complex insurance issues, which is essential for a mediator in complex cases. Bruce is a total pro, and I would definitely use him again."
- Los Angeles Attorney - “I recently settled two cases at mediations with Bruce. He is really good at his craft. He knows when to talk, when to listen, and how to work the room. Many mediators seem more interested in looking smart rather than being smart. Bruce is not only smart, he is personable and a pleasure to work with in the mediation. My clients really liked him, too!”
- National Attorney - “Bruce helped a client recently by conducting a moot mediation of a high-visibility legal malpractice case involving a national firm. The client's attorneys split up, one asserting the client's position and another asserting the defendant law firm's positions. The moot session was preceded by the presentation of materials containing the client's case against the law firm, the law firm's defenses, and the client's rebuttal. A few demonstrative exhibits were used to relate the facts quickly. Bruce took time to point out parts of each side's case that could be made stronger and parts that could be deemphasized or omitted. Bottom line: the client came out of the exercise with a more focused case and better able to advance its positions. Bruce was superb.”
- Prominent Trial Attorney - “I have mediated two cases with Bruce. Both involved three adverse parties. One involved a commercial real estate transaction and claim for commission and another involved a claim against a life insurance broker and company in connection with alleged representations made in connection with the sale of a life insurance policy. Both cases settled and my clients were happy with the results. Bruce was prepared and understood the issues and the practical aspects of the cases. In the second case, he continued the negotiation process after the formal mediation and got the case settled the week following the mediation. I really appreciated Bruce's efforts in continuing to work with me and opposing counsel and his perseverance in settling the case. I highly recommend him and would not hesitate to use him again.”
- Los Angeles Attorney - “Defense counsel and I agreed on using Bruce as a mediator for a consumer class action based on his experience in the field. From the outset of the mediation, it was clear that Bruce understood the case and structure of a class action settlement. He was effective in his discussion of the issues in the case and made many helpful and constructive suggestions with respect to the negotiating process and the settlement terms. We settled the case! I would use him again without reservation and recommend him to the class action plaintiffs and defense bar.”
- Los Angeles Attorney - “I am privileged to have been involved in Bruce's first mediation…. I did not know Bruce was doing mediations until the other side recommended him but I am glad we agreed to use him. From our initial pre-mediation call until final resolution he was engaged in the process. Bruce's willingness to continue to follow up with both sides to settle the matter and his efforts in speaking directly with the clients to explain the issues and possible outcomes should the case proceed to trial were invaluable. I look forward to my next mediation with Bruce.”
-Los Angeles Attorney
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Practice Areas
- Arbitration
- Business/Commercial
- Class Action/Mass Tort
- Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Employment
- Entertainment and Sports
- Environmental
- Financial Markets
- Insurance
- Professional Liability
- Real Property
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