In legal sector, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. “What people need most is an attorney who will fight hard for them,” says Sari M. Friedman, the founder of Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law. With over 35 years of experience in matrimonial and family law, Sari understands the intricacies and emotional complexities involved in these cases. As a mother of two, she deeply values the significance of family and is dedicated to protecting the rights of both children and parents.
Admitted to the New York State Bar in February 1981, Sari holds a BA from Hofstra University, earned in 1977, and a law degree from Hofstra University School of Law, where she graduated with honors and was a member of the Law Review. Her early career included clerking for the Appellate Division Second Department from 1980 to 1984, where she honed her skills in appellate litigation. In 1984, she transitioned to private practice, focusing on matrimonial and family law.
Before founding Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Sari operated as Sari M. Friedman P.C. The firm became Friedman & Friedman PLLC when her daughter, Andrea Friedman, joined as a partner, managing the Westchester office. Their practice continues to specialize in matrimonial and family law, addressing issues such as divorce, custody, and property distribution. Sari chose this field because it deals directly with real-life problems and is inherently people-oriented.
Throughout her career, Sari has been a staunch advocate for clients seeking equal rights in custody and parenting time. Early in her practice, she represented numerous fathers in a system that was predominantly biased towards mothers, advocating for more equitable arrangements. Thanks to her efforts, there is now broader recognition of joint legal custody and more balanced sharing of parenting time, including mid-week overnights and, in many cases, primary custody for fathers when circumstances warrant.
However, Sari’s expertise and reputation extend far beyond representing only fathers. Over the years, she has also become a zealous and highly skilled advocate for many women. Her dedication to justice and fairness in family law has led numerous women to seek her representation. Sari’s practice is inclusive and committed to serving both men and women with the same level of fervor and proficiency, ensuring that all her clients receive the best possible advocacy and support in their legal matters.
Meeting Families’ Unique Needs
Sari’s dedication to her clients and her relentless pursuit of justice makes her a formidable presence in the field of family law, ensuring that each family’s unique needs are met with compassion and expertise. Sari and her dedicated team serve the Long Island community, assisting families with a range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and fathers’ rights. She recognizes that each case is unique, providing personalized attention and crafting customized legal strategies to meet the specific needs of her clients.
Fighting Hard and Caring Personally About Outcomes
Sari highlights what distinguishes Friedman & Friedman PLLC: professionalism, a commitment to quality work, and rigorous oversight of the actions of lawyers and employees. “We fight hard for our clients, care personally about the outcomes, and are always dedicated to delivering the best work possible,” Sari asserts. As the managing partner for the Long Island office, she ensures everything operates smoothly and efficiently.
At Friedman & Friedman PLLC, cases are handled through a collaborative team approach. Each case is assigned to both Sari and one of her partners, ensuring clients have consistent points of contact and access to their legal team. This method allows for meticulous management of the caseload, ensuring that all tasks and court appearances are handled promptly and effectively.
In court, Sari and her team are known for their aggressive advocacy, a trait highly valued and appreciated by their clients. This robust representation is a key reason the firm enjoys a high referral rate from current and former clients. “Clients know I am outspoken in court on their behalf, ensuring their positions are clearly communicated and defended. They never feel that we have failed to advocate for them,” Sari emphasizes. This commitment to client advocacy and case management underscores the firm’s reputation for excellence in family law.
Guiding Clients Through Complex Issues
Friedman & Friedman PLLC has handled several notable cases that underscore its expertise and impact in family law. Sari Friedman shares examples such as Justino v. Justino, where the firm successfully argued that a parent should receive a dollar-for-dollar credit toward room and board against child support payments. Another landmark case is Counihan v. Bishop, in which the appellate court held that in a same-sex marriage, the non-childbearing spouse has standing to seek custody and visitation of a child born during the marriage.
Sari emphasizes that disagreements with clients are rare. “We explain why we do what we do and ensure that clients understand they are in control. However, clients hire us for our expertise and typically want to know our recommendations and the rationale behind them,” she explains.
Friedman & Friedman PLLC is a boutique matrimonial firm that prides itself on providing exceptional attention to clients and delivering high-quality work. “Our goal is to continue earning this reputation,” Sari asserts, reflecting the firm’s dedication to maintaining its standing as a premier family law practice.
Community and Education Contributions
Sari is highly recognized in the Long Island and New York legal communities for her extensive experience and skill in family law. In 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2020, she was named to New York’s Legal Leaders Top Rated Lawyers, a distinction given to attorneys honored with the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. Additionally, she was recently named one of the “10 Best” Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in New York by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, highlighting her commitment to client satisfaction.
Her dedication to the Long Island community through her legal efforts has been acknowledged with the Star Network Power Women in Business Award. In 2016, Smart CEO magazine honored her with the New York Family Business Award, recognizing Friedman & Friedman’s legacy and commitment to matrimonial and family law.
Sari has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including:
- 2022 Top Lawyer of New York Metro Award
- 2020 Top Attorney Award Winner, Attorney.com
- 2020 Top Lawyer, Top 100 Registry Inc.
- 2017-2018 Women’s Leaders in Law Award, Hofstra University School of Law
- National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers – Matrimonial & Family Law
- 2014-2019 New York Metro Super Lawyers®
- 2016-2020 New York’s Women Leaders in the Law, New York Magazine
- 2015 Premier 100 Trial Attorneys in New York, The American Academy of Trial Attorneys
- 2012 Leadership in Law Award, Long Island Business News
- Who’s Who in American Law
- Who’s Who Top Attorney in North America
- Best Attorneys of America, Rue’s Ratings
- Honoree – National Association of Women Business Owners
- 2018-2023 Lawyers of Distinction
- 10 Best in NY, Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
Sari regularly lectures on matrimonial law at Marino Institute for Continuing Legal Education seminars and publishes articles on family law matters. She has also been interviewed on radio and television about family law issues. She serves as general counsel for the Fathers’ Rights Association of New York State and Long Island and has authored numerous articles on matrimonial and family law issues. In 2007, she was featured in Newsday as Businesswoman of the Year for New York by the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Business Advisory Council. Furthermore, Attorney Sari M. Friedman was featured in Fortune 52 by Beverly Fortune (Long Island Press), a column dedicated to honoring 52 Long Island women who have made significant and lasting contributions to their communities.
These accolades and her active involvement in legal education and community service solidify Sari M. Friedman’s reputation as a leading family law attorney in Long Island and New York.
