About Ernest
Ernest Friedman is a personal injury attorney based in Southfield, Michigan. He has been practicing law in Michigan since 1976, following his graduation from Wayne State University Law School in 1975. His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1970. Over his nearly five-decade career, Friedman has handled numerous personal injury, auto, and workers' compensation cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients. He is admitted to practice in both federal and state courts. Friedman's practice areas include personal injury, workers' compensation, and medical malpractice. He has represented clients in cases involving animal and dog bites, brain injuries, car accidents, construction accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, truck accidents, and wrongful death.
In the realm of medical malpractice, his experience encompasses birth injuries, medical misdiagnosis, pharmacy errors, and surgical errors. His office is located at 24567 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 500, Southfield, MI 48075, and he offers free consultations to prospective clients. In 2009, Friedman received a BV rating from LexisNexis, indicating very high legal ability and ethical standards. This rating is awarded to attorneys who have been practicing for 5-9 years and reflects a strong reputation among peers. Despite this recognition, Friedman's professional conduct has faced scrutiny. In October 2024, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board announced a 180-day suspension of his law license, effective October 18, 2024. The suspension was the result of findings that Friedman mishandled client funds and violated terms of a previous suspension.
Specifically, he failed to promptly pay or deliver funds to clients, did not properly maintain client funds separate from his own, and deposited excess funds into his Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA). Additionally, he violated the terms of a prior suspension by failing to notify all active clients of his suspension and submitting a false reinstatement affidavit. These actions were found to violate multiple provisions of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and Michigan Court Rules. Prior to this suspension, Friedman had been involved in a previous disciplinary matter. In 2020, the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board issued a notice suspending him from the practice of law for sixty days. This suspension was related to separate professional misconduct issues. Following the 2024 suspension, Friedman filed a petition for review and a petition for a stay of the suspension.
However, the Board denied the stay on October 17, 2024, and upheld the 180-day suspension — He was also assessed costs amounting to $3,598.59 associated with the disciplinary proceedings. As of February 2026, Friedman's license status is suspended, and he is not authorized to practice law in Michigan. Friedman's disciplinary history has significantly impacted his professional standing. The 2024 suspension, in particular, has raised concerns about his ability to manage client funds and adhere to professional conduct standards. Prospective clients should be aware of this history when considering his legal services. It is advisable to consult with other legal professionals or firms to ensure that their legal needs are met by attorneys with a clean disciplinary record and a reputation for ethical practice.
