Paul Friedman specializes in defending class action litigation, particularly securities, antitrust, and consumer cases, in courts across the country. He also specializes in conducting internal investigations on behalf of Audit Committees and companies (some of which are global in scope and focus on alleged price-fixing by cartels and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act issues). He co-leads the firm’s FCPA Task Force. He frequently represents clients in SEC investigations.
In 30 years with Morrison & Foerster, he has represented a wide range of companies, including some of the largest global companies, audit and special committees, individual directors and officers, venture capital firms, investment banks, and law firms in investigations, securities class actions, derivative actions and regulatory matters.
In addition to securities and antitrust litigation, Mr. Friedman has an active practice in corporate and other complex commercial litigation. He is a frequent speaker on topics relating to securities litigation, cross-border litigation, the FCPA, and internal investigations.
Mr. Friedman was recognized in the 2010 and 2006 BTI Consulting Group's Client Service All-Star survey for consistently delivering exceptional client service. Mr. Friedman has also been listed in the 2007-2012 Best Lawyers in America directories for Commercial Litigation, and is regularly recognized as a Northern California “Super Lawyer.”
Mr. Friedman was the Chair of the Ninth Circuit Advisory Board, a group of senior lawyers from throughout the Ninth Circuit appointed by the Chief Judge during 2008-2009. He was the Chair of the 2003 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference and was also the Chair of the Lawyer Representatives Coordinating Committee of the 2003 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. He served as Program Chair of the 2002 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. Mr. Friedman was the Chair of the Lawyer Representatives of the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference from the Northern District of California during 1998-2000. In 2002, the bench and bar of the Northern District of California honored him with the Public Service Award in recognition of his service to the Court.
Mr. Friedman joined Morrison & Foerster in 1982 and became a partner in 1986. He has served as Deputy Chair (1987-1990) and Chair (1990-1993) of the firm's Litigation Department. He is the Chair of The Morrison & Foerster Foundation, a member of the firm's Executive Committee, Compensation Committee, and Board of Directors, and is a Vice President of the Executive Committee of the Yale Law School Association.
Mr. Friedman was a member of Phi Beta Kappa at the University of California, Berkeley. He was also awarded the University Medal, the highest undergraduate honor at the University, presented to the most distinguished student in the graduating class.