In a revealing session on our podcast, Andrea B. Friedman, Esq., a distinguished matrimonial and family lawyer from Friedman & Friedman Attorneys at Law in New York, shared her extensive insights into the complex world of high-net-worth divorces. Hosted by Justin West, the discussion delved into various aspects of family law, particularly focusing on the unique challenges faced in high-stakes divorce cases.
Andrea began by highlighting the strengths of her law firm, known for its profound courtroom and trial experience, and its ability to resolve matters outside court when possible. She emphasized their client-centered approach and commitment to setting realistic expectations—qualities that make them stand out in the legal field.
The conversation took a turn towards the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the legal profession. Andrea detailed how the pandemic led to court shutdowns, a pivot to virtual appearances, and an accelerated digitalization of legal processes. Interestingly, she noted an uptick in divorce filings during the pandemic, attributing it to the strains caused by lockdowns and other related stressors.
Throughout her career, Andrea has been driven by a desire to help clients navigate the emotional rollercoaster of legal disputes in family law. She shared anecdotes from her career, including handling cases of first impression and winning complex custody battles through appeals. Her experiences underline the unpredictable nature of legal practice—from dealing with unprofessional adversaries to handling wacky court decisions.
Justin and Andrea discussed the complexities involved in divorces concerning high-net-worth individuals. Andrea broke down the critical distinctions between a standard divorce and a high-net-worth case, pointing out the involvement of intricate assets like businesses, multiple properties, trusts, and even cryptocurrencies.
The podcast also covered the shift towards collaborative divorces, where parties aim to settle matters without court intervention. Andrea advocated for this method as a less adversarial approach, fostering a more amicable resolution for both parties.
A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the ethical challenges in family law. Andrea spoke about the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, learning from failures, and the ability to compartmentalize personal emotions from professional duties. She stressed on learning from each case and continuously striving to improve client outcomes.
Looking to the future, Andrea expressed hope for further reforms in family law to reduce the adversarial nature of divorces and to better address emerging issues like the status of frozen embryos in divorce proceedings. Her comments on recent legal developments, including New York's acceptance of no-fault divorce laws, highlighted ongoing progress in family law.
Towards the end of the podcast, Andrea shared words of wisdom for law school graduates, emphasizing the importance of patience, dedication, and the love for the learning process. Her career is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and a genuine passion for helping others.
Justin wrapped up the podcast by thanking Andrea for her insightful contributions and encouraging listeners to explore further discussions on family law through their platform. For those needing expert guidance in matrimonial and family law, Andrea B. Friedman represents a blend of strong advocacy tempered with compassionate counsel—a guiding light for anyone navigating the complexities of family law.
Listeners can find more about Andrea B. Friedman and her practice by visiting the website of Friedman & Friedman Attorneys at Law, a beacon for high-net-worth individuals facing family law dilemmas.
Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law
120 Bloomingdale Rd
Suite 307,
White Plains, NY 10605
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mxocEJrhuMUCc9Hf8
https://www.sarifriedman.com/
