David M. Friedman
Partner
- (617) 330-7157 (Direct)
- (617) 330-7550 (Fax)
David Friedman believes that a good lawyer solves problems rather than intensifies conflict. He is committed to the well-being of his clients, and his counsel reflects his values of dignity, respect, and fairness. Since 2005, David has successfully led clients through all aspects of family law matters with deep experience, thorough preparation, and practical sense.
David’s practice is focused on representing and counseling clients in all areas of family law, including divorce, post-divorce modification, and enforcement (contempt) proceedings, as well as family law mediation and conciliation.
Particular areas of focus include:
- Division of assets
- Alimony and child support
- Child custody and parental rights
David has appeared before trial courts across the Commonwealth, as well as the Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court. His cases frequently involve closely held businesses, valuation of commercial and residential real estate, trust interests and inheritance, and complex compensation structures (including equity compensation plans). David also represents clients on domestic relations-related appeals, and he regularly negotiates and drafts prenuptial, postnuptial, and nonmarital agreements.
David is also experienced in mediating, conciliating and arbitrating family law matters and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© for Family Law Mediation since 2019.
He has lectured on domestic relations law topics and trial procedure for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association and Suffolk University Law School. David has authored chapters for the Massachusetts Divorce Law Practice Manual (Chapter 8, Division of Estate; Chapter 20, Modification) and LexisNexis Practice Guide: Massachusetts Family Law (Chapter 12, Agreements), and has published articles in various magazines on the topics of divorce and financial planning. He has been quoted in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly and The Boston Globe as to issues of family law.
When not in the office, David enjoys soccer and skiing, and sharing adventures with his wife and two boys.
Recognition and Awards
- Selected, Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers List, 2025
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America©, Family Law, Family Law Mediation, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2019-2025
- Selected, Massachusetts Super Lawyers List, 2022-2024
- Named, Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers List, Family Law, 2021-2024
- Selected, Massachusetts Rising Stars©, Family Law, 2013-2020
Professional and Community Involvement
- Council Member, Boston Bar Association
- Steering Committee, Boston Bar Association Law Day Celebration, 2024
- Member, Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Task Force
- Family Law Committee Member, Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission
- Family Law Section Co-chair, Boston Bar Association (2018 – 2020)
- Founding Member, Greater Family Law Inn of Court
- Frequent Lecturer/Presenter for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Boston Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Association and Suffolk University Law School
- Leadership Committee Member, Lawyers Clearinghouse
- Advisory Committee, Boston Bar Association Public Interest Leadership Program
Publications and Speaking Engagements
- Chair, “Navigating the Nuances of Alimony & Child Support Interplay Post-Cavanagh,” Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (October 1, 2014)
- Panelist, “27th Annual Family Law Conference 2024,” Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (May 16, 2024)
- Author, LexisNexis Practice Guide: Massachusetts Family Law, (Chapter 12, Agreements)
- Author, Massachusetts Divorce Law Practice Manual, (Chapter 8, Division of Estate; Chapter 20, Modification)
- Speaker, “Domestic Relations Financial Summit 2024,” MCLE New England (February 15, 2024)
- Speaker, “Divorce Fundamentals: Section 34: Income, Assets, Liabilities & Discovery,” Boston Bar Association (January 9, 2024)
- Speaker, “Divorce Fundamentals: Separation Agreements,” Boston Bar Association (May 9, 2023)
- Speaker, “Application of the 2021 Child Support Guidelines - One Year Later,” MCLE New England (September 29, 2022)
- Speaker, “The New 2021 Child Support Guidelines in Practice,” Boston Bar Association (December 6, 2021)
- “Now What? Addressing Recent Financial Issues,” Massachusetts Bar Association, 30th Annual Family Law Conference, Massachusetts Bar Association (October 15, 2021)
- Speaker, “Divorce Fundamentals: Separation Agreements,” Boston Bar Association (May 19, 2020)
- Speaker, “Divorce Fundamentals: The Financial Statement & Supplemental Rule 410,” Boston Bar Association (December 11, 2018)
- Speaker, “Divorce Law: MCLE BasicsPlus!®,” MCLE New England (May 5, 2015)
- Speaker, “Accounting for Family Lawyers,” MCLE New England (February 5, 2015)
- Speaker, “Evidentiary Issues in Family Court Practice & Procedure,” MCLE New England (July 16, 2014)
- Speaker, “Trial Preparation & Techniques in Divorce Cases,” MCLE New England (April 30, 2014)
- Speaker, “Leveraging Pretrial Preparation to Resolve Family Law Cases Short of Trial,” MCLE New England (February 12, 2014)
- Speaker, “Temporary Orders & Discovery Issues in Family Law Cases,” MCLE New England (October 23, 2013)
- Speaker, “Evidentiary Issues in Family Court Practice & Procedure,” MCLE New England (July 16, 2013)