Douglas I. Friedman, Founding Partner, Shareholder

Practice Summary

Mr. Friedman provides counsel on the legal, ethical, and operational aspects of Social Security disability insurance. He serves life and health insurers as a trusted resource on marketing practices, regulatory compliance requirements, and the development and introduction of new insurance products. His firm acts as National Counsel for Estate and Business Planning for leading insurers across the country.

Mr. Friedman also advises the owners of closely-held businesses and their families on the estate, gift, and income taxation of their personal affairs and businesses.

Mr. Friedman is a nationally known speaker and author. He lectures on disability issues for insurers and disease-specific advocacy groups, such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Lupus Foundation of America. His presentations are also offered at the Million Dollar Roundtable and life and health insurers' annual conventions. Mr. Friedman writes a regular column for the National Underwriter, and is an editor for the Journal of Financial Service Professionals.

Education

CLU, The American College, 1978

J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School, 1975

B.A., University of Virginia, Honors History with distinction, 1972

Bar Admissions

Alabama, 1976

New York, 1981

Professional Memberships

Alabama Bar Association

New York Bar Association

Birmingham Bar Association

National Organization of Veterans Advocates, Sustaining Member

National Organization for Social Security Claimants' Representatives, Member

Association for Advanced Life Underwriting, Associate Member

Insurance Marketplace Standards Association, Qualified Independent Assessor

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Associate Member

Birmingham Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Associate Member

Civic Activities

University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health Advisory Board, Former Member

Cooper Green Hospital, Former Advisory Board Chairman

Birmingham Bar Association, Former Volunteer Lawyers Program Chairman

Alabama Federal Tax Clinic, Former Board of Directors Member, Former Faculty Member

Alabama Department of Insurance, Worker's Compensation Division, Continuing Education Seminars, Former Faculty Member

Birmingham Jaycee Foundation, Former Member of Board of Directors

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Alabama Chapter, Former Member of Board of Directors

Birmingham Jewish Day School, Former Member of Board of Directors

Birmingham Jewish Community Center, former member of
the Board of Directors

Publications

Selling in Current Market Conditions, National Underwriter, Life and Health Edition, September 7, 2009.

Do Away with Fine Print, National Underwriter, Life and Health Edition, June 15, 2009.

Some Practical Things that Advisors Should Know about COBRA, National Underwriter, Life and Health Edition, May 4, 2009.

Do People Really Cut Back on Life Insurance During Economic Crises, National Underwriter, Life and Health Edition, June 16, 2008.

Professional Designations: The Ethical Issues, National Underwriter, Life and Health Edition, October 10, 2007 (co-author).

Is Permanent Individual Life Insurance Passe', National Underwriter, Life and Health Edition, September 24, 2007.

Identifying Issues in Todays Single Employer 419 Plans, National Underwriter, Life and Health Edition, February 2, 2007.

Tips For Advisors On Estate Tax Uncertainties , National Underwriter, Life and Health edition, Web Exclusives, published 2/2/2010 at http://www.lifeandhealthinsurancenews.com/