Robert J. Bob Friedman

Robert J. Bob Friedman

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

5.0 (1 reviews)
Miami, Florida
48+ years experience
Holland & Knight LLP
Updated:

Contact Information

701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 3300, Miami, FL 33131
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Bio

Robert Friedman practices in the area of ERISA, employee benefits and executive compensation. Since 1996, he has been the head of the firm's national Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation and ERISA Practice Group. Mr. Friedman is also co-chair of the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) Practice Group. His clients include private, non-profit and governmental employers.He is a frequent speaker on employee benefits, ERISA fiduciary matters and pension and tax planning. Mr. Friedman’s practice frequently involves working on matters with Holland & Knight lawyers in other specialty areas, including securities, investment funds, mergers and acquisitions, labor, employment and bankruptcy. Mr. Friedman has extensive experience with all aspects of benefits work, including the design, qualification and drafting of pension, 401(k), profit sharing and other qualified plans, corporate mergers and acquisitions and plan transfers, mergers and terminations, fiduciary matters, executive compensation, nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements and ERISA related litigation. Mr. Friedman’s practice includes representation of clients in matters with the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor and other governmental agencies. Mr. Friedman also has been actively involved with welfare benefit plans, flexible benefit plans and the rules relating to COBRA continuation coverage under such plans. He has experience with the design, implementation, operation and communication of welfare benefit plans, and has been involved with such benefit plans in connection with mergers and acquisitions, reductions in force and other employee terminations and layoffs. In the area of stock option plans, ESOP’s and other forms of employee ownership, Mr. Friedman’s practice includes developing strategies to achieve employee ownership, creating individually designed plans, and complying with the applicable tax and other statutory and regulatory requirements. His clients in these matters include privately and publicly owned companies. Prior to joining Holland & Knight as a partner in November 1988, he practiced law in New York and Miami. Mr. Friedman’s practice frequently involves working on matters with Holland & Knight lawyers in other specialty areas, including securities, investment funds, mergers and acquisitions, labor, employment and bankruptcy. Mr. Friedman has extensive experience with all aspects of benefits work, including the design, qualification and drafting of pension, 401(k), profit sharing and other qualified plans, corporate mergers and acquisitions and plan transfers, mergers and terminations, fiduciary matters, executive compensation, nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements and ERISA related litigation. Mr. Friedman’s practice includes representation of clients in matters with the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor and other governmental agencies. In the area of stock option plans, ESOP’s and other forms of employee ownership, Mr. Friedman’s practice includes developing strategies to achieve employee ownership, creating individually designed plans, and complying with the applicable tax and other statutory and regulatory requirements. His clients in these matters include privately and publicly owned companies. Prior to joining Holland & Knight as a partner in November 1988, he practiced law in New York and Miami.

Practice Areas

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Miami (2026)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Individuals, Miami (2026)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Individuals, Miami (2020)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Miami (2019)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Individuals, Miami (2018)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Miami (2015)
  • Recognized: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Recognized: Employment Law - Individuals
  • Recognized: Tax Law
  • Practice Area: Employment Law - Management
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • Chambers USA – America's Leading Business Lawyers guide, Tax: Employee Benefits, 2009-2013

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1995

Education

  • Trinity College, graduated 1977
  • Trinity College, B.A. Economics, graduated 1977

Reviews

C

Christine Cook

2 weeks ago

A consummate professional who delivered an exceptional outcome

When my former employer attempted to deny my vested retirement benefits, I turned to Robert Friedman. His 48 years of deep expertise in ERISA and employee benefits law was immediately apparent. He navigated the complex regulations with precision, clearly explaining every strategic step. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in this field is well-deserved. At Holland & Knight, Mr. Friedman and his team secured a full settlement, protecting my financial future. His blend of profound knowledge, steady professionalism, and genuine care for my situation was invaluable. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

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