Michael Freedman

Attorney

Michael G. Freedman is a Los Angeles–based trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor who represents individuals, executives, and organizations in white collar criminal cases and investigations and complex litigation. He is widely regarded as one of the city’s leading criminal defense attorneys and is trusted to handle matters where the stakes are high, the scrutiny is intense, and the outcome matters. He has repeatedly been recognized as one of the Top White Collar Defense Lawyers in California and one of the Top 100 Lawyers in California by the state’s leading legal publication.

Michael founded The Freedman Firm in 2021 after serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California. Since then, he has established himself as go-to counsel in serious white collar and regulatory matters, as well as high-stakes civil disputes. He is regularly retained by public officials, business leaders, professionals, and other lawyers based on his trial experience, strategic judgment, and disciplined approach to litigation.

Federal Criminal and White Collar Defense

A veteran trial lawyer, Michael has first-chaired more than a dozen federal criminal trials, many of them as a defense lawyer since starting the firm, in addition to numerous state court trials and complex civil arbitrations. His extensive trial experience — unique among white collar practitioners — shapes every aspect of his practice. He prepares cases to be tried, negotiates from a position of strength, and is equally effective in the courtroom and behind the scenes. While he is fully prepared to try cases when necessary, many of his white collar matters are resolved quietly and confidentially, often through early advocacy that prevents charges from being filed or convinces the government to dismiss them once filed.

Michael’s practice is centered on white collar criminal defense. He represents clients at every stage of a federal case, from grand jury investigations and charging decisions through trial, sentencing, and appeal. His matters frequently involve complex financial allegations, public corruption and bribery, healthcare and insurance fraud, money laundering and asset forfeiture, tax and environmental offenses, and emerging issues involving cryptocurrency, financial technology, and cyber-related investigations. Many of his cases also involve parallel civil and regulatory exposure, including matters arising from sanctions, customs, and export control regimes.

Judges, prosecutors, and opposing counsel respect Michael’s skilled advocacy. Clients value his accessibility, candor, and relentless focus, particularly in fast-moving matters where decisions must be made carefully and under pressure.

State Court Defense, Civil Litigation, and Regulatory Matters

In addition to his federal white collar practice, Michael represents clients in serious state court criminal matters, complex civil litigation, and regulatory and enforcement proceedings. His civil work includes disputes involving business and partnership matters, real estate, employment, and tort claims, often in cases carrying significant legal and reputational risk. His regulatory experience includes matters involving the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Department of Commerce, Congress, the FDIC, and professional licensing boards.

High-Profile Representation and Recognized Excellence

Michael is highly experienced in representing clients in matters that attract national media attention, including representing Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, and Ippei Mizuhara. He is frequently retained through referrals from former colleagues, large law firms, and trial lawyers who trust him to step in, stabilize complex cases, and carry them through to successful resolution, whether in the courtroom or behind the scenes.

Earlier in his career, Michael practiced at several of Southern California’s leading criminal defense firms. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Johnnie B. Rawlinson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

What distinguishes Michael is not only his results, but the way he practices. Clients describe him as direct, fully engaged, and deeply loyal — combining courtroom skills, strategic clarity, and genuine devotion to the people he represents. That combination has earned him the long-term trust of clients facing some of the most serious cases in Los Angeles and nationwide.

• University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, J.D. (2011)
• Harvard University, A.M. (2008)
• University of California, San Diego, B.A. (2005)