NextGEN Law: Samuel Friedman, Dentons Sirote PC - Birmingham Business Journal - Birmingham Business Journal
Practice area(s): Commercial Real Estate, Banking & Finance, and Consumer Finance Regulation
Years practicing: 14
Law school: University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Why did you decide to be a lawyer? As far back as I can remember, I have been interested in all aspects of the legal profession. There isn't a single moment or experience that led me to be a lawyer; rather it just always felt like something I was meant to do.
What project/case/client has most influenced your career and why? Just a few months into my practice, one of my law partners asked me to take the lead on a large loan transaction. That first project gave me confidence to think, "Hey maybe I can actually do this!" It was scary and stressful but also very exciting.
Who has been someone who has inspired your legal career (can be a real person or a fictional character)? Karl Friedman, one of our founding partners, was a friend and mentor to me (and so many others) before he passed away. While we aren't related, I am proud to share a last name and carry on his legacy of service to clients, our firm, and the community.
What's the biggest misconception people have about lawyers from TV shows/movies? Many lawyers like me never see the inside of a courtroom. The legal profession is so much broader than what we see on the screen. Of course, a TV show about a lawyer sitting at a desk and answering emails all day might be kind of boring.
What has been your greatest accomplishment so far in your legal career? I get so much satisfaction from playing a small part in my clients' success. I take a lot of pride in just driving by a hotel, office building, apartment complex or shopping center that I helped a client buy, develop, finance or sell.
What's on top of your career bucket list? Becoming a part of the largest law firm in the world, I am excited about the opportunities it unlocks for my practice and for Birmingham. On top of my "bucket list" is to play a role in leveraging this opportunity to make our city and region even better.
What's the hot topic in your practice area? In my consumer finance regulatory practice, it will be very interesting to see how the regulatory and enforcement agenda of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) changes based on the presidential administration change.
What's your favorite thing about being an attorney? I love that I get to think for a living. Every day is different and presents its own set of challenges, problems and solutions.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted your practice area? I am very fortunate that my clients stayed busy and kept me busy during the pandemic, especially in the commercial real estate practice area. I credit my clients' long-term vision, strategy and creativity.
What's your favorite legal TV show or movie? Just Mercy
If you could make any change to improve metro Birmingham, what would it be? Metro Birmingham is one of the greatest places on earth, but we could all benefit from better cooperation, communication and collaboration among all metro Birmingham communities.
source: https://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2021/11/30/nextgen-in-law-samuel-friedman.html
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