J. BENNETT FRIEDMAN | Founder & Managing Shareholder

J. Bennett Friedman is the visionary behind Friedman Law Group, P.C., bringing almost four decades of legal experience to the firm. Absolute commitment to the client’s success has shaped the firm’s dependability and reputation as a trusted legal advisor and resource in California and throughout the United States.

Mr. Friedman’s legal practice spans commercial, transactional, real estate and business law – with a strong emphasis in acquisition, financing and sale of large commercial properties as well as advising corporate clients with their general business needs.  Over the years, he has assisted clients in acquiring and selling commercial buildings, multi-family properties and shopping centers in excess of several hundred million dollars while at the same time guiding businesses through bankruptcy and restructuring to regain financial stability and preserve financial operations.  His work in the real estate and corporate field has benefited the financial strength and portfolio of his clients.

With bar admissions in both California and Illinois, Mr. Friedman brings a depth of regional expertise and a diverse professional network.

Outside the office, Mr. Friedman is a passionate Barbershopper and Gold Medal Champion with the Masters of Harmony. His dedication to harmony extends beyond music – reflecting his approach to law and life. He also enjoys golf, yoga, cooking, walks on the beach, and the performing arts. Above all, he takes the most pride in being a devoted father to his two sons and step-son.

Education

• J.D., Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University, 1987
• B.A. in Speech Communications and Music, University of Illinois, 1984

Bar and Court Admissions

• United States District Court, Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Central Districts of California
• United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois
• State Bar of California
• State Bar of Illinois

Professional and Bar Association Memberships

• Beverly Hills Bar Association

Representative Transactions

$20 million acquisition and financing of private airport for Buyer

$32 million acquisition and financing of Jimmy Johns Franchise Stores in Arizona, Florida, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa

$ 90 million Multi-family Residential Acquisition, Loan Acquisition and refinancing  (including 400 unit apartment in Arizona and 384 unit apartment/school in Los Angeles)

$100 million in CMBS loan negotiations and modifications

Beverly Hills office building lease negotiations and modification for 2 floors (12,000 sq.ft.)

Draper, Utah modification of lease and sublease agreements for a 6-floor office building (149,892 sq.ft.)

$120 million in financing lines of credit secured by land throughout the United States (Ohio, North Carolina, Washington, California) for a national agricultural company and $40 million in sales of land in the same jurisdictions.

Retail Shopping Center Acquisition, Financing, Leasing, and Representation in Numerous Retail Chapter 11 cases including JC Penney, Chuck E Cheese, Corner Bakery, LA Fitness, Mervyns, etc.

Chapter 11 Restructuring of Hot Dog on a Stick (HDOS, Inc.)

Representation of creditors acquiring $50 million in real property assets in Chapter 11 case

$220 million partnership divisions and 1031 exchanges for senior housing and multi-family properties

$20M acquisition of 724 acres of agricultural land in Paso Robles, CA

Sale of shareholder interest in union electric service company

Corporate representation of heavy equipment leasing company, electrical contractor, real estate developer, construction/concrete supplier, fast food franchisee, insurance company, and others