Joel F. Friedman, PLLC

Personal legal services from an Arizona lawyer

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Arizona and has no record of discipline from the Arizona bar association.*

Firm Overview

My practice focuses on providing personalized representation, with the assistance of a single paralegal (Gabrielle Sabol), in claims for benefits that require knowledge of many different types of medical conditions and how the law provides compensation for those problems. I have a special interest in, and have presented legal seminars about, traumatic brain injury and psychological disability claims, and I have experience with most disabling medical conditions, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders. I am available to represent disabled adults and children, and widows and children who need to establish legal relationships with deceased workers. I have also represented, and continue to represent, small business owners who want to retire early. I accept claims for Arizona work injury and ERISA LTD benefits as well.

Example cases

Grammatico v ICA, 2005 Arizona Supreme Court decision invalidating a section of Arizona workers' compensation law as a violation of the Arizona State Constitution.

Main Office

Main
610 East Roosevelt Street, Unit 133
Phoenix AZ 85004

Phone

602-314-5027

Fax

602-314-6771

Websites

http://www.jffdisabilitylaw.com/

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

I am available for telephonic and/or office consultations, and I will review case file documents, almost always at no charge (the exception being some ERISA LTD claims). There is no set limit, but the time must be reasonable.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

Fees generally are contingent and are not payable until and unless the client receives a payment. The costs and expenses of the case are separate, by Arizona ethical rules.

Hourly Rates

Hourly rates vary and are charged primarily in certain ERISA LTD cases.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Office Manager

Dennis Stewart

Emergency After Hours

Languages Spoken

Spanish

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

My interest in Social Security claims began with my job at the Department of Health and Human Services during my final year of law school, and I was fortunate that the law firm where I began my career also represented injured workers and allowed me to expand into workers' compensation cases. I started the ERISA LTD claims because the evidence needed and appeal processes are very similar to what I already knew from Social Security and workers' compensation claims.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I favor clients being aware of their own legal rights and responsibilities, because it is easier for me to provide advice and to move a case in the proper direction if my client is educated about the claim.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I routinely review documents prepared by my clients, especially for Social Security cases, because they are the ones with direct knowledge of the facts. I make sure the forms and questionnaires they have to complete are prepared correctly - focused on the real issues. I also read answers my clients must provide when workers' compensation insurance companies and lawyers send papers for medical examinations and for litigation.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I am not allowed, by the ethical rules, to coach a client who does not want an attorney. I do try to provide advice to people who want to represent themselves, about their responsibilities generally to the Social Security administration, their workers' compesnation insurance company, or the Industrial Commission.

Joel F. Friedman

Jerome, Gibson, Stewart, Friedman, Stevenson, Engle & Runbeck, PC, began in 1973.
I have been an attorney since 1982, when I passed the Pennsylvania Bar Examination, and my entire career has been with Jerome, Gibson, Stewart, Friedman, Stevenson, Engle, & Runbeck, PC.

I have maintained an interest in learning as much as I can, especially about the science of medicine and psychology, so that I understand how best to present my clients' cases. If I don't know the answers, I at least know the right questions to ask the experts.

I pay attention to the details, but don't lose sight of the most important fact in every case - my clients are not just "claims," but people who are sick and injured, with families and friends who share their experiences. I am firm with my opponents, but I never forget that final decisions are made by my clients, based on the best advice I can provide, and I make sure I know the details so my advice is the best possible under the circumstances of each case.

Personal interests:

I am a licensed referee for youth soccer and I manage my 16-year old daughter's Sereno Soccer Club team. I enjoy the outdoors, much of which involves taking care of my yard and garden areas with my wife, and I try to read as many books as I can that are NOT related to work.

License

Bar Number: 007688
Arizona , 1983

Education

Villanova University Law School
J.D. , 1982
Villanova, PA
Selected as Contributing Author to Villanova Law Review.
Franklin & Marshall College
A.B. , 1977
Lancaster, PA
Villanova University Law School
J.D. , 1982
Villanova, PA
Selected as Contributing Author to Villanova Law Review.
Franklin & Marshall College
A.B. , 1977
Lancaster, PA

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.