Ian Nathan Friedman

Friedman & Nemecek, L.L.C.

Ian Friedman is a partner at the law firm of Friedman & Nemecek, L.L.C., based in Cleveland, Ohio. He has earned a fierce reputation for successfully defending individuals and organizations in complex criminal and white collar matters. He is a frequent author and lecturer on matters related to criminal justice. He represents individuals and entities across the United States and has served as counsel in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Ian is the current President of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and past-President of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was the first lawyer to be named its “Lawyer of The Year.” Ian was the driving force behind the overhaul of Ohio’s Criminal Rule 16. As a result of this effort, all state criminal cases now operate with greater transparency in what has become known as the “Open Discovery” system. In recognition of this accomplishment and his dedication to the legal profession, the Supreme Court of Ohio and Cleveland City Council honored him for the systemic change to the criminal justice system.

Ian is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and served as President in 2018. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law since 2006, where he teaches Cybercrime. Mr. Friedman has been routinely named in the “Best Lawyers in America”, Ohio Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, and Inside Business Magazine as a leading criminal defense lawyer.

Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
White Collar Crime
Traffic Tickets
Suspended License
Appeals & Appellate
Civil Appeals, Federal Appeals
DUI & DWI
Legal Malpractice
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
Communications & Internet Law
Internet Law, Media & Advertising, Telecommunications Law
Juvenile Law

Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
North Carolina
North Carolina State Bar
Since 2011
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Languages

  • English:
    Spoken, Written

Partner
Friedman & Nemecek, L.L.C.
2015 –

Current

Adjunct Professor
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
2007 –

Current

Cybercrime
Adjunct Professor
Ursuline College
2005 –

2008

Cleveland State University
J.D. | Juris Doctorate
1994


1997

Honors: Top Student, Trial Advocacy
Cleveland State University Logo
Ohio University
B.S. | Legal Communications
1991


1994

Ohio University Logo
Super Lawyer
Ohio Super Lawyers
2022
General Practice and Criminal Defense: White Collar
Best Lawyers in America
2022
Super Lawyer
Ohio Super Lawyers
2021
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2021
Top 100 Ohio Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2021

General Practice and Criminal Defense: White Collar
Best Lawyers in America
2021
Top 100 Ohio Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2020
General Practice and Criminal Defense: White Collar
Best Lawyers in America
2020
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer
Ohio Super Lawyers
2019
Hall of Fame Honoree
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
2019
Top 100 Ohio Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2019
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer
Ohio Super Lawyers
2019
The Best Firms in America, Tier I Ranking
Best Lawyers in America
2019
“Lawyer of The Year” for Criminal Defense: General Practice
Best Lawyers in America
2019
Top 100 Ohio Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2018
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer
Ohio Super Lawyers
2018
The Best Firms in America, Tier I Ranking
Best Lawyers in America
2018
24th Edition, Criminal Defense
The Best Lawyers in America
2018
Top 100 Ohio Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2017
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer
Ohio Super Lawyers
2017
Annual Recognition Luncheon, Alumni of the Year Honoree
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Alumni Association
2017
Criminal Defense
The Best Lawyers in America, 21st Edition
2017
The Best Firms in America, Tier I Ranking
Best Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer
Ohio Super Lawyers
2016
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2016
100 Ohio Lawyers
Ohio Super Lawyers
2016
Criminal Defense
The Best Lawyers in America, 21st Edition
2016
Top 100 Ohio Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2015
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2015
Ohio Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2015
Criminal Defense Best Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Ohio Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2014
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2014
Ohio Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2014
Significant Sig
Sigma Chi Fraternity
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Ohio Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2013
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2013
Ohio Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2013
President’s Service Award
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Alumni Association
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2012
Top 100 Ohio Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2012
Top 50 Cleveland Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2012
Ohio Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer
Ohio Super Lawyers
2011
Distinguished Alumni
Cleveland State University Alumni Association
2011
Legal
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2011
Resolution of Congratulations for Outstanding Service, Leadership & Career Achievements
City of Cleveland
2011
Lawyer of the Year
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2011
Certificate of Recognition, Open Discovery Effort
The Supreme Court of Ohio
2010
Open Discovery Effort
Champion of Justice Award
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2010
Northeast Ohio’s Leading Lawyers
Inside Business Magazine
2010
Super Lawyer
Ohio Super Lawyers
2010
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2010
William K. Thomas Professionalism Award
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
2010
Northeast Ohio’s Leading Lawyers
Inside Business Magazine
2009
President’s Award
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2009
Ohio Rising Stars
Ohio Super Lawyers
2009
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The American Trial Lawyers Association
2009
Leading Criminal Lawyer
Inside Business Magazine
2008
President’s Award
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2008
Top 20 Professionals
Cleveland Jewish News
2008
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The American Trial Lawyers Association
2008
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The American Trial Lawyers Association
2007
President’s Award 2005-2006
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2005
Outstanding Service
American Civil Liberties Union
2001

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

President
2019 –
Current
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American Board of Criminal Lawyers

President
2018 –
Current
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American Board of Criminal Lawyers

Incoming President, President
2017 –
Current
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W.A.G.S. 4 KIDS

Board of Directors
2015 –
Current
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Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

N.E. Ohio Ethics Strike Force Chairperson
2015 –
Current
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Strategic Planning Committee
2015 –
Current
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

New Lawyer Boot Camp Program Chair
2013 –
Current
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American Board of Criminal Lawyers

Fellow
2010 –
Current
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American Bar Foundation

Fellow
2010 –
Current
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Ohio State Bar Association Foundation

Fellow
2010 –
Current
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American Bar Association

Member
2009 –
Current
Activities: Criminal Justice Section, Defense Function Committee, Cyber Crime Committee
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American Bar Association

Criminal Justice Sub-section
2009 –
Current
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American Bar Association

Cyber Crime Committee
2009 –
Current
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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Champion Magazine Advisory Board
2008 –
Current
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The American Trial Lawyers Association

Member
2008 –
Current
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Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Adjunct Professor
2007 –
Current
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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Life Member
2004 –
Current
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Member
2002 –
Current
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Ohio State Bar Association

Member
1997 –
Current
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

President
2019 –
2020
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Incoming Vice-President
2017 –
2018
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Community Trust Task Force, Chairperson
2016
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American Board of Criminal Lawyers

Board of Governors
2013 –
2016
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Nominating Committee
2015
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Executive Board
2011 –
2014
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Ohio House Bill 59 Opposition Committee Co-Chair
2013
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Task Force on Civility and Professionalism
2013
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Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Alumni Association

President
2012 –
2013
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Board of Trustees
2011 –
2013
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American Bar Association

Defense Function Committee
2009 –
2013
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Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Board of Trustees, Continuing Legal Education
2009 –
2012
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Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Alumni Association

Board of Trustees
2006 –
2012
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Executive Committee Liaison to Criminal Justice Subcommittee
2011
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Cuyahoga County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member
2008 –
2011
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Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Criminal Justice Advisory Board
2007 –
2010
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Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

President
2008 –
2009
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Ohio State Bar Association

Jury Instructions Committee
2007 –
2009
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Ohio State Bar Association, Subcommittee on Sex Offenses

Ohio Jury Instructions
2007 –
2009
Activities: Subcommittee on Sex Offenses
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Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Mentor Program
2006 –
2009
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Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

President-Elect
2007 –
2008
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Certifiied Grievance Committee
2007 –
2008
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Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Alumni Association, Membership Committee
2006 –
2008
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Jewish Federation, Young Leadership Division

Committee Chairperson
2006 –
2008
Activities: Young Leadership Division
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Cuyahoga County Bar Association

Judical Candidate Rating Coalition
2007
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Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Directors
2006 –
2007
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Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Membership Chairman
2005 –
2007
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Ursuline College

Curriculum Advisory Board
2005 –
2007
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Trial Committee
2005 –
2006
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Family Transitional Housing

Board of Directors
2001 –
2004
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Articles & Publications
Penalties for Child Pornography Defendants Not Aligned With Risks
Sex Offender Law Report: Vol. 20, No. 6.
October 1, 2019
Marsy’s Law: Sounded Good But a Step Back for Ohio’s Criminal Justice System
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: The Vindicator
2018
#Trending: Traditional Crimes Meet Nontraditional Evidence
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: The Champion
February, 2018
The Uncertainty of Ohio Law: The New Legal Frontier of Medical Marijuana
Vindicator
February, 2017
‘Your Honor, We Next Call to the Stand in Taiwan … ’: Videoconferencing & the Confrontation Clause
Attorney at Law Magazine
September, 2016

A Guide for Developing a Corporate Response to a Grand Jury Subpoena Duces Tecum
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal
September, 2014
Does the Right to Remain Silent Begin with Talking Away? Pre-Arrest Silence Post Salinas v. Texas
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal
September, 2013
Inside the Minds: Litigation Strategies for Internet Pornography Cases: The Second Prong
Aspatore Books
2012
The Spirit of Ohio Criminal Rule 16, Has Cuyahoga County Embraced It?
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal
September, 2012
Ten Commonly Asked Questions About Ohio Rule 16
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: The Vindicator
2011
An Introduction to Sexual Addictiion and its Conveyance to Sentencing Courts
The Vindicator
2010
Open Discovery Comes to Ohio’s Justice System
Ohio Lawyer
December, 2010
What You Should Know About Ohio’s DNA Testing
Law You Can Use
August, 2010
The State of Criminal Justice, Defense Function & Services, Current Landscape of Technology Crimes
American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section
April, 2010
Fair Trial or Fast Trial?
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal
2009
Sexual Offenders: How to Create a More Deliberative Sentencing Process
The Champion
December, 2009
Inside the Minds: Strategies for Defending Internet Pornography Cases: Leading Lawyers on Analyzing Electronic Documents, Utilizing Expert Witnesses, and Explaining Technological Evidence
Aspatore Books
2008
Child Pornography Sentencing: The Road Here and The Road Ahead
Federal Sentencing Reporter, Vol. 21, No. 2
December, 2008
Getting Tough on Sex Offenders: The Adam Walsh Act & Ohio SB 10
Law & Fact
2007
How the Adam Walsh Act Restricts Access to Evidence
The Champion
2007
Why Defend Computer Sex Crimes?
Law & Fact
2007
Defending Virtual Crimes: Poor Audience for the Defense
GP Solo
2006
Basics of a Criminal Defense Practice
Yo! Cleveland
February, 2006
Pre-Trial Preparation in Computer Pornography Cases: Combating the Watering Down of Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition in State Prosecutions
The Vindicator
2005

Websites & Blogs

Website
Website

1360 E. 9th Street
Suite 650
Cleveland, OH 44114
US
Telephone: (216) 928-7700
Fax: (216) 820-4659