NEW YORK – June 13, 2022 – Cozen O’Connor welcomed attorney Benjamin A. Friedman to its Private Client, Trusts and Estates Group in New York City — the tenth attorney to join the fast-growing practice in the past nine months. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America among the “Ones to Watch” in Trusts and Estates, Friedman brings to the firm more than a decade of experience guiding domestic and international high net worth individuals, families, and family offices through the complex process of managing and transferring family wealth.
Previously a partner in the Trusts & Estates and Wealth Preservation group of a large multinational law firm, Friedman focuses his practice on estate and trust planning and administration, offering his clients sophisticated guidance on the implications of estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes, as well as options for asset protection and charitable giving.
“Benjamin is a strong and welcome addition to our tri-state practice, which has been growing quickly over the past 12 months,” said Helene Jaron, chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Private Client, Trusts and Estates Group. “Adding a seasoned attorney — especially one with a history of success in New York and New Jersey — will not only benefit our existing clients but help us continue to attract new ones. I’m thrilled to welcome Benjamin to our practice and the firm.”
“While it’s always important to be in close proximity to your client base, it’s especially helpful when it comes to private client legal services,” added Michael C. Schmidt, managing partner of the New York office. “Whether it’s a family or a financial institution, clients want a confidante, an adviser, who’s part of their community. With strong personal and professional ties throughout the region, Benjamin checks all the boxes.”
Admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey, Friedman’s credentials also include a strong background in estate administration, including probate proceedings, estate and trust accounting proceedings, and the preparation of federal and state estate tax returns, as well as the drafting of Surrogate’s Court petitions, receipt and release documents, change of trustee documents, and exercise of power of appointment instruments.
“I chose Cozen O’Connor because I was really impressed by the private client team’s commitment to its clients, to each other, and to the firm. Everyone here is excited about their work,” Friedman said. “I’m also impressed by the firm’s commitment to growing our group and its HomeBase family office platform. My clients will benefit greatly from that program.”
Friedman is the tenth attorney to move to Cozen O’Connor’s Private Client practice in the past nine months, joining Margo K. Ceresney, Stuart R. Morris, Ellen S. Morris, Howard S. Krooks, Gregory S. Bloshinsky, Michael S. Gross, Heather Beale, Ryan Chusid, and Cassandra Jelincic. He earned his J.D. at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and a B.A. in history at Yeshiva University.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 825 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 32 offices across two continents.
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