Paul Friedman heads our global compliance practice. He specializes in conducting internal investigations on behalf of companies and board committees, including cross-border investigations that are global in scope. These investigations focus on corruption issues, alleged price-fixing by cartels, and other significant compliance issues. He frequently represents clients in government investigations. Mr. Friedman is the firm’s managing partner for Europe, and assists clients who need investigation and compliance assistance in EMEA.
Mr. Friedman has extensive experience across a broad range of issues involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-corruption laws. He has conducted investigations across the globe, including in some of the most challenging markets in EMEA, Asia, and Latin America. His experience spans a broad range of industries, including consumer products, energy, entertainment/media, financial services, technology and transportation. Clients routinely seek his guidance in mitigating risk in business partner relationships, performing transactional due diligence and conducting risk assessments.
In his more than 32 years with the firm, Mr. Friedman has represented a wide range of companies, including many Japanese companies, some of the largest global companies, audit and special committees, individual directors and officers, venture capital firms, investment banks, and law firms. He is a frequent speaker on the FCPA, securities litigation, cross-border litigation, and internal investigations.
Mr. Friedman was recognized in BTI Consulting Group’s Client Service All-Star Team 2006 and 2010 surveys for consistently delivering superior client service. Mr. Friedman has also been recommended in the 2007–2014 Best Lawyers in America directories for Commercial Litigation, Securities Litigation and Antitrust Litigation. He has been named to the Northern California Super Lawyers list as one of the top attorneys in California for 2004–2014.
Mr. Friedman was the chair of the Ninth Circuit Advisory Board, a group of senior lawyers appointed from throughout the Ninth Circuit by the chief judge. He was chair of the 2003 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference and also 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 and chair of the lawyer representatives of the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference from the Northern District of California for 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 chair of the Morrison & Foerster Foundation, as well as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Compensation Committee, and board of directors. He also serves as a board member for Equal Justice Works, the Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society, and Berkeley Repertory Theater.
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.
