Michael Freed

• Class action counsel to publicly traded food manufacturer
• Successfully tried, as lead counsel, litigation for theft of intellectual property, violation of trade secrets act and breach of non-compete contract
• Prevailed in jury trial as lead counsel in fraud claims arising from land purchase transaction
• Litigation of major construction defect claims arising out of luxury condominium project
• Negotiation of asset purchase and stock purchase agreements
• Representation of technology companies in licensing, marketing and vender agreements
• Negotiation of celebrity brand ambassador agreements

• The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) "Lawyer of the Year" in Jacksonville, 2020
  • Employment Law - Individuals, Business Organizations, Commercial Litigation, 2015-25
• Jacksonville Daily Record, "Lawyer of the Year", 2018
• Florida Trend, “Legal Elite”
• Florida Super Lawyers, 2011-24
  • "Top 25 Lawyers in Jacksonville," 2020
• American Board of Trial Advocates Florida Chapter, Fran Peacock Coker Community Service Award, 2019
• First Coast News, 12 Who Care Community Service Award, 2019
• Distinguished Alumni Award of Excellence, Jacksonville University, 2018
• "But For Leadership Florida" Award Recognizing Community Impact, 2018
• Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, "Michael K. Reese Quality of Life" Award, 2018
• Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne Distinguished Dolphin of Service award, Jacksonville University, 2017
• First District Court of Appeal, Judicial Nominating Commission, 2014-18
• Jacksonville Business Journal
  • "Ultimate Attorneys: Best of the Bar," 2020
  • "Ultimate Attorney," 2018
  • Diversity Award, 2013
  • “Up and Comers,” 2005
• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

• "What can lawyers learn from stand-up comedians?," Litigation Counsel of America, October 2024
• "Partner Viewpoint-Focusing Forward for a Better Future," National Conference of Bar Presidents, August 2021
• "Leveraged Philanthropy," The Florida Bar's Leadership Academy, August 2019
• "Listening - the sound of diversity," National Conference of Bar Presidents, April 2019
• "Obtaining Board Certification in Business Litigation," Jacksonville Bar Association, 2017
• "The Pros and Cons of Non-Compete Agreements," Young Upstarts, 2016.
• "Legal Services as an Economic Indicator," Jacksonville Business Journal, 2016
• “Red Flags in Business Valuations,” American Society of Appraisers, 2014
• “Advanced Direct Examination Techniques,” Raymond Ehrlich Trial Advocacy Seminar, 2012
• “Effective Cross Examination,” National Business Institute, 2012
• “Practical Applications of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act,” Westlaw, 2012
• “Impact on Banks of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act,” Financial News and Daily Record, 2012
• “Preparing for Your Deposition,” Building Edge Magazine, 2010

Professional Associations & Memberships

• Florida Bar, Business Litigation Certification Committee, 2016-present
  • Chair, 2019-20
  • Vice Chair, 2018-19
• National Conference of Bar Presidents Executive Council, President 2021, Officer 2018-2022, Executive Council 2014-2018
• American Bar Association, Delegate, 2013-2018
• Judicial Nominating Commission, appointed by the governor, 2014-18
• Florida Bar Fourth Judicial Circuit Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, 2014, Grievance Committee, 2009-12
• Jacksonville Bar Association
  • President, 2011-12
  • Chairs
    • Commercial Litigation, 2004-09
    • Professionalism, 2004-07
• Federal Bar Association, Jacksonville Chapter, President, 2002-03
• Florida, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Bar Associations
• The Chester Bedell Inn of Court
• Litigation Counsel of America

Civic & Community Service

• Cultural Council of Jacksonville, Board of Directors, 2022-present
• Innocence Project of Florida, Board of Directors, 2022-present
• Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, Board Member, 2016-22
• Jacksonville Country Day School, Past Board Member
• Clara White Mission, Board Member, 2013-16
• Jacksonville University
  • Advisory Board Member, 2024-present
  • Board of Trustees, 2013-15
  • National Alumni Association, President, 2013-15
  • Honors College, Executive Council, 2023-present
• Leadership Florida, Class 33, 2014-15
  • Northeast Florida Regional Council, Chair, 2016-17
  • Northeast Florida Regional Council, 2015-present
• Leadership Jacksonville (Class of 2008)
  • Board of Directors, 2018-2022

Freed to Run™ started in 2016 as a six marathons in six days point to point relay, from Tallahassee to Jacksonville, courthouse to courthouse, with teams covering the distance by taking turns throughout the day. For the next 7 years, Freed to Run™ raised money and awareness to support pediatric patients and their families in navigating legal obstacles that often impede their health outcomes. The result: $2.25 million raised and placed in an endowment to fully fund the North Florida Medical Legal Partnership.

Starting in 2023, we transformed Freed to Run™ into a 24 hour run over a half mile track around the Duval County Justice Complex. And, having funded one initiative, we set out to fund another: Shelter for Elders. - to help protect and enhance civil legal aid services for indigent seniors, particularly as it relates to housing issues - reverse mortgage foreclosure, door-to-door scams and other civil legal issues that directly impact the ability of our seniors to age in place throughout Northeast Florida.

Learn more