Name: Corey Brian Friedman
Date and place of birth: 11/12/1983, Santa Monica, CA
Office sought: County Court Judge, Broward County – Group 25
Campaign website: www.coreyforjudge.com
List in reverse chronological order each college, university and law school and indicate years of attendance.
Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law School, 2007-2010, J.D. cum laude
Barry University, 2002-2006, B.A.
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Romano Law Group, Attorney, 2012 – Current
Engel and Siegel, Attorney, 2012-2012
Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, Adjunct Professor (Florida Bar Auxiliary Program), June 2012-August 2012; June 2013 – August 2013; June 2014 – August 2014; June 2015 – August 2015
Florida Office of the Attorney General, Intern, 2008-2010
As a lawyer, judge, or both, describe what types of cases you have typically handled?
As a lawyer, I’ve handled a wide variety of cases. Typically, the cases that I handle involve: catastrophic personal injury including wrongful death, paralysis, traumatic brain injury and amputation. Specific cases include: premises liability, product liability, trucking law, dram shop, utility liability, and negligent security. Additionally, I have handled matters including: medical malpractice, legal malpractice, mass torts, class actions, complex commercial litigation, defamation, and wrongful termination.
If you are an attorney, how many cases have you tried in the past five years? Of those cases, how many were tried before juries to verdicts and how many were tried before a judge?
One jury trial in 2019. And then, as most people know, COVID hit which delayed a lot of cases. Throughout my career at Romano Law Group (est. 12 years), to the best of my recollection, I have been to verdict 5 times in jury trials, approximately 4-6 times to arbitration verdict, and 1 bench trial.
It is important to note that due to the types of cases I handle, they often can take years to work up before they’re ready for trial. They involve a substantial investment of time and money to get them prepared for trial. It is also common that, on the eve of trial, these types of cases resolve.
If you are a judge, how many jury trials have you presided over that resulted in verdicts and judgments?
N/A
Have you been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details, including case style, jurisdiction and details of disposition.
No.
Have you been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including adjudications of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates of conviction and terms of sentence.
When I was 15 years old (est. Dec. 2000), I threw a piece of fruit at a wall in an alleyway and it was wrongfully alleged that a piece of the fruit hit someone. The prosecutor entered a nolle prosequi and did not pursue any charges against me. However, this was one of my most important life lessons as a juvenile. From this, I learned that while the system works, it’s not perfect. It goes without saying that there are people who are rightfully accused of committing a crime (and are entitled to due process as well as other constitutional guarantees), and there are those who are wrongfully accused of committing a crime but still must trust the system to work. As a judge, I will ensure not to pre-judge litigants, that the proper evidence is heard, that the constitution is upheld, and that the law is applied equally, fairly and impartially.
Have you ever been disciplined by the Florida Supreme Court as a result of a recommendation by the Florida Bar? If so, provide details.
No.
List three cases in which you were lead or co-counsel and why they are significant.
For more than a decade I have litigated cases throughout the state of Florida in both state and federal court. Specifically, I have been the lead attorney on hundreds of difficult and complicated cases knowing that the balance of people’s lives and futures could otherwise be jeopardized. This requires navigating complicated factual and legal issues, traps, and obstacles to get it right. Similarly, judges have a similar responsibility to navigate factual and legal issues while understanding and applying the law fairly and justly. The three cases that stand out to me are listed below. All of these cases have resolved confidentially, and I can only share what is available in the public record and how these cases have impacted me personally.
⦁ Maribel Jaimes, as Mother and Natural Guardian of H.V., a minor versus Hector Espitia, Maria Jaimes, and DPT Construction, Inc., a Florida Corporation – Case No.: 2020-CA-000200-ON (Osceola County). I was lead counsel in this case. It was alleged that a young boy drowned and suffered an anoxic/hypoxic brain injury in a residential swimming pool. I still think about this case, the young boy, his mother and his older brother frequently. While I’ve handled various cases involving catastrophic injuries to children, there is no way to convey the unimaginable grief I’ve seen parents experience due to the sudden and unexpected loss of a child. As I have two young girls (8 mo. and 2.5 yrs. old) this case, to me, is a constant reminder of how precious life is and how things can change in an instant.
⦁ Carlos Lemus and Gregoria M. Lemus, a married couple, versus Lee County Electric Cooperative, Inc., Lewis Robert Bowe, Dorothy A Bowe, All Reliable Services, Inc., Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC d/b/a Asplundh Tree Expert Co., Davey Resource Group, Inc. d/b/a The Davey Tree Expert Company, and Home Watch Report.com – Case No. 2020-CA-006711 (Lee County). I was lead and co-counsel on this case. I was brought into this case because of my experience in handling electric utility/vegetation management cases. It was alleged that a tree trimmer suffered an indirect electric shock due to a tree being too close to an uninsulated high voltage power line which caused him to sever his own hand with a chainsaw at the wrist. To me, this case was significant because of the unique legal challenges faced, the theories of liability, and my ability to handle teams of defense lawyers working against me and my clients. This case, however, represents another instance that taught me to see various points of views as to factual and legal issues. Judges must be fair and balanced and my experience has taught me to be exactly that.
⦁ Herbert Brown, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert Michael Brown, deceased, and Ronald Snow, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Meredith Margaret Snow, deceased versus AJ’s Grayton Beach, LLC and Brayton Beer Company Brewpub, LLC – Case No. 2019-CA-000270 (Walton County). I was brought into this case as lead counsel because of my experience handling dram shop cases. In this case, it was alleged that Robert Brown, his wife, Meredith Snow, and their dog, were killed by a drunk driver. I sued the restaurant and bar that served alcohol to the drunk driver and alleged that they violated F.S.A. 768.125 by knowingly serving someone who was habitually addicted to the use of alcohol. To me, this case was significant because while I have dealt with wrongful death cases and dram shop cases throughout the course of my career, this was the first time I had to handle the wrongful death of a young husband and wife simultaneously.
In May of 2022, I authored a blog post for my law firm entitled How Being a Personal Injury Attorney Has Changed Me. In it, I explained, in part, “Day in and day out I work with clients that have experienced some of the worst pangs in life. In the cases that I deal with, it is not merely the loss of a loved one, but rather the sudden, unexpected, violent, and perceivably avoidable loss of a mother, father, or child.
It is working with clients and those around them who are having to adapt to their new reality. It is working with clients who may never walk again, may never talk again, may never see again, and may never love again.
For most of us, we remain insulated from these experiences until they become part of our experience. Lots of people don’t understand what it is like to sit in a cold sterile hospital under institutionalized lighting waiting to hear from a doctor about whether a loved one will be OK. Or, what it’s like to look at another human that you are so connected to lay helpless staring into the distance.
This profession requires us as advocates to reach out and protect our clients. To lift them up. To do everything we can to get them back to their normal. For some of them, we are their only hope. This profession has also taught me to be mindful and appreciative of what we have. To cherish those things that are often taken for granted.
Every time I get in a car, I can’t help but think about my clients. Their experiences become my experiences. Because of this, when I speak with friends and family, I can’t help but offer lessons learned in safety and precaution. This stems from a fundamental desire to protect those we love and is fortified by the experiences I dive into with my clients.”
If you have provided any significant pro bono legal services in the past 10 years, please provide details.
Beginning in 2021, I represented a husband and wife who were in a horrific crash near the Keys resulting in the husband losing a limb. It took a bit over two and a half years to bring the matter to finality. Due to the severity of the injuries and the limitations in available insurance coverage, I decided to handle this matter without taking or accepting any fee.
List current and former memberships in civic, fraternal, legal or social organizations.
Florida Justice Association, (Eagle) Member
American Association for Justice, Member
Broward County Bar Association, Member
Broward County Trial Lawyers Association, Member
Association of Plaintiffs’ Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America, (Former Member)
National Trial Lawyers, Member
Society of American Magicians, Member
Fort Lauderdale Magic Society, Member
Curator’s Circle, NSU Art Museum, (Former Member)
Temple Bat Yam, Board Member
Baer School PTO Co-treasurer
If you are or were an officer or director or engaged in management of any business enterprise other than a law practice, list its name and business activity, your duties and whether you intend to resign upon your election.
N/A
Why are you running for this office?
I grew up in Broward County. I went to Mirror Lake elementary school, Plantation Middle school, Fort Lauderdale Preparatory school, and Nova Southeastern University for Law School. My wife and I have lived in Broward for some time and it’s where we’re raising our two daughters. I feel that it is my time to serve my community and simultaneously teach my two daughters about leadership and public service. I also believe that, with my experience, I can help to enforce the well-respected Broward judiciary.
If you have chosen to run for judicial office against an incumbent, specify why you have done so.
N/A
If you have sought appointment as a judge through a Judicial Nominating Commission, provide details, including year(s) and results.
N/A
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
I don’t know much about my opponent. I’ve met her a few times, and she seems like a very nice person. I know she ran for a judicial position back in 2022 and was defeated. However, as I’ve been out in the public speaking to voters, I’ve asked a number of people the following question: What qualities or qualifications is it that you, as a voter, are looking for in a judicial candidate? Consistently, I’m hearing two things: 1. We want someone who knows the law and can apply it fairly and impartially. And, 2. Before we entrust our courtrooms to someone, we want to make sure that the candidate has had a career in and out of the courtroom.
I meet both those criteria. I have the experience, wisdom and knowledge to understand the law, and apply it equally and consistently with precedent.
I speak at legal seminars teaching other lawyers about the law. I also write about the law. I have been consistently named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40 list and was named a Rising Star in Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers. For years, I was hired by Nova Southeastern University to help recent law school graduates study for and pass the Florida Bar Examination. To do this, you have to have a comprehensive understanding of the law. Further, I am admitted to practice law in California, New York, and the District of Columbia. Studying for and passing the bar examinations in California and New York also helped to solidify my understanding of Florida law as you have to understand the differences and similarities between the state jurisdictions. I was allowed to waive into the District of Columbia. I am also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
My opponent refers to herself as the “seasoned choice” on her website and while that may be some double entendre, the fact is, I’ve been admitted to practice law in Florida longer than she has – by at least 3 years.
I can’t speak to any extraordinary results my opponent may have gotten for any of her clients because I just don’t have that information. From a basic search, it appears that she handles some probate matters and some real estate matters which I think is commendable. But, I think the main difference between her and me is my experience in the courtroom.
Simply stated, my whole practice for more than a decade has been in and out of courtrooms all over the state of Florida. I have a reputation of accepting and prevailing in difficult legal matters. Because of this, other attorneys working on complicated cases, who’ve run into roadblocks, bring me on to help them forge a path to success. I understand how a courtroom works, I’ve lived it. I can and will apply the law equally, fairly and impartially, consistent with precedent.
What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a judge?
When my wife and I wanted to start a family, we were told that it would only be the two of us. We were disheartened, but we didn’t give up. We were determined and after many years and lots of ups and downs, I sit here today with two beautiful girls and the family I always dreamed of. That is unquestionably my biggest achievement. As to my professional career, that same determination applies.
Helping my clients obtain life-changing results is what I strive for every day. Good lawyering means understanding when and how to argue and when to hold back. It means learning how to provide a judge with what s/he needs to decide an issue as opposed to what I think is important to me. That’s something that can only be learned through experience and it’s that experience that I will bring to the bench.
I have been the lead attorney on hundreds of difficult and complicated cases knowing that the balance of people’s lives and futures could otherwise be jeopardized. This requires navigating complicated factual and legal issues, traps, and obstacles to get it right. It goes without saying that judges have a similar responsibility to navigate factual and legal issues while understanding and applying the law fairly and justly. My typical work week includes meeting with and advising clients and lawyers; taking and defending depositions; arguing law and fact in contested hearings; legal research; developing litigation strategy; and drafting and responding to pleadings. To do this requires a methodical, calm and reflective approach – which I believe is a necessary characteristic of any judge so as to not pre-judge cases, issues or litigants. This has taught me the right approach and temperament to deal with these issues respectfully and courteously. From all my litigation experience, I have learned that both sides have important points to make and that it is important to be prepared and “get it right” the first time. I have been to verdict in a variety of complicated cases. This includes both jury trials and arbitration trials. I believe that anyone considering becoming a judge must, at a minimum, have these fundamentals. My background and achievements demonstrate that I possess a comprehensive understanding of many different areas of Florida law.
Finally, a judge should set an example inside and outside of the courtroom. Being an effective leader means listening, understanding, using wisdom, and good judgment all the while maintaining a command of the courtroom. Judges should be stoic and human, humble yet decisive, and respected while respecting those who come before them. I will respect all people who come before me and I will treat each and every person with dignity while allowing justice to be served. This means ensuring that litigants, parties, and citizens receive full and fair hearings and trials and issuing rulings on a reasonably expedited basis. This also includes actively taking part in any and all activities necessary to support and uphold the integrity of the Broward judiciary.
What are three major challenges facing the justice system in Broward County, Florida or the U.S.?
⦁ A major challenge facing the Broward judiciary is tackling overcrowded dockets while simultaneously ensuring that litigants get their day in court. Martin Luther King, Jr. is credited with saying “justice delayed is justice denied.” It’s a tough balancing act. As a judicial candidate, I must remain focused on what I can do to help strengthen the Broward judiciary. As a lawyer that is in and out of courtrooms, I have seen the effects of overcrowded dockets. It’s causing cases to be delayed and leads to various judicial changes in the life a lawsuit. This affects continuity, causing more stress on judges who are new to the case that now must learn what can be a very complicated docket history. This takes time and can be mentally taxing. The judges are doing the best they can and have no control over how many lawsuits are filed. Judges need to be able to reflect on the legal and factual issues before them to rule in a manner consistent with established law and overcrowded dockets are taking away that ability. As a judge, I will make sure that litigants, parties, and citizens have access to the court in a timely manner and are given ample opportunity to present their legal issues.
⦁ Another challenge that I see is helping to ensure the public’s confidence in the judicial process. County Court is aptly referred to as “the people’s court.” But, what does that truly mean? When most people hear that term, they immediately think of the reality TV show which ran for nearly 40 seasons, and I don’t believe that the dramatics on that show helped instill public confidence in the real judicial process. The fact is, County Court is oftentimes the first place litigants end up and I don’t think I’m exaggerating, but I’m confident not many of the litigants want to be there. For me, a successful term includes working collaboratively with the Chief Judge and other judges to move cases effectively and efficiently while making just decisions in accordance with the law. Additionally, this means ensuring that litigants, parties, and citizens receive full and fair hearings and trials and issuing rulings in a timely manner. Finally, this includes actively taking part in activities necessary to support and uphold the integrity of the Broward judiciary while instilling public confidence in the process.
⦁ Finally, the last issue that I see affecting the U.S. justice system, which is tangentially related to No. 2 (above), is the notion of the weaponization of the courts. Once a judge puts that black robe on, their responsibility is to follow the law and apply it fairly, equally and impartially. It does not matter what that judge’s personal beliefs are and if a judge has a hard time separating their judicial decision-making from their deeply held beliefs, that judge needs to recuse him or herself. As a judge, I will never allow my personal feelings or beliefs to interfere with the way I would rule on any case. And, if for some reason I simply can’t separate my personal beliefs from a matter before me then I owe it to the public and the community to recuse myself from that matter immediately.
