Ian Friedman
Partner
Ian R. Friedman focuses his practice on professional liability defense, complex commercial litigation, and professional ethics. Ian is a Certified Specialist in Legal Malpractice Law by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
In his practice, Ian represents business entities, as well as individuals in multi-million dollar disputes involving the ownership and operation of corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships. He also has previous experience litigating cases involving school bond issues, investment fraud, wrongful deaths, federal and state housing claims, real estate issues, ADA compliance and employment claims. In his professional liability defense practice, Ian has successfully represented attorneys, real estate brokers, and investment advisers against claims of breach of fiduciary duty, negligence and fraud.
Ian has continually obtained early resolutions for his clients through California’s Anti-SLAPP statute, summary judgment, demurrer, and motions to dismiss. He has protected his clients’ right to litigate in their chosen venue by succeeding on motions to transfer venue and motions to compel arbitration. Ian has also assisted in the trial of multiple cases to verdict including serving as co-trial counsel examining and cross-examining critical witnesses during a two-week bench trial.
Within the community, Ian is an active member of San Diego Defense Lawyers, and was named Young Attorney of the Year in 2016. In 2024, he has the privilege of serving as that organization’s President. He has achieved the highest AV®-Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Ian earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2013 where he completed a concentration in business and corporate law. He worked as a judicial extern with the San Diego County Superior Court and as a law clerk for several San Diego law firms and public agencies. He is a former newspaper reporter and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona.

(619) 387-3172

Admissions
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California
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
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U.S. District Court, Central District of California
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
Practice Groups
- Lawyers and Accountants
- Professional Liability
- Business and Commercial Litigation
Education
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University of San Diego School of Law (J.D., 2013)
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University of Arizona (B.A., magna cum laude, 2010)
Professional and Community Affiliations
San Diego County Bar Association
Lawyers Club of San Diego
San Diego Defense Lawyers: President (2024), Vice-President (2023), Director (2020-2024)
American Inns of Court, Louis M. Welsh Chapter: Alumni
The State Bar of California
Recognition and Awards
Recognized by San Diego Defense Lawyers as Young Attorney of the Year (2016)
AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers® (2017–2024)
Obtained $33.7 million verdict featured in Daily Journal’s Top Verdicts of 2015
Publications
“Exercise Caution and Do Not Disclose Confidential Information to AI Programs,” San Diego Defense Lawyers, The Update (Spring 2023)
“State Bar Approves Provisional License Program Placing Monitoring Burden on Supervising Lawyers,” San Diego Defense Lawyers, The Update (Fall 2020)
“Duties Owed to Non-Client Insurance Carriers,” San Diego County Bar Association, For the Record (February 2020)
“Caution Attorneys Must not Forget Their Duty of Candor,” San Diego Defense Lawyers, The Update (Spring 2022)
“What Must Lawyers do to Maintain Client Confidences While Working From Home?” San Diego Defense Lawyers, The Update (Summer 2020)
Ethics Guides for Trusts and Estates Practitioners, Fourth Edition, Trusts and Estates Section of the California Lawyers Association
“Paraprofessionals are not the way to increase access to justice,” Los Angeles Daily Journal (December 15, 2021)
“Spread of Novel Coronavirus Risks Potential Future Claims for Negligent Exposure,” San Diego Defense Lawyers, The Update (Spring 2020)
“Class-Wide Arbitration is the Arbitrator’s Decision Unless the Contract Says Otherwise,” San Diego Defense Lawyers, The Update (Spring 2017)
Connect with Ian Friedman
Take the first step towards resolving your legal matters with Ian Friedman. Reach out today to discuss your case and explore your options with personalized legal guidance.
