Michael Freed

• Class action counsel to publicly traded food manufacturer
• Successfully tried, as lead counsel, litigation for theft of intellectual property, violation of trade secrets act and breach of non-compete contract
• Prevailed in jury trial as lead counsel in fraud claims arising from land purchase transaction
• Litigation of major construction defect claims arising out of luxury condominium project
• Negotiation of asset purchase and stock purchase agreements
• Representation of technology companies in licensing, marketing and vender agreements
• Negotiation of celebrity brand ambassador agreements

• The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) "Lawyer of the Year" in Jacksonville, 2020
  • Employment Law - Individuals, Business Organizations, Commercial Litigation, 2015-26
• Jacksonville Daily Record, "Lawyer of the Year", 2018
• Florida Trend, “Legal Elite”
• Florida Super Lawyers, 2011-26
  • "Top 25 Lawyers in Jacksonville," 2020
• American Board of Trial Advocates Florida Chapter, Fran Peacock Coker Community Service Award, 2019
• First Coast News, 12 Who Care Community Service Award, 2019
• Distinguished Alumni Award of Excellence, Jacksonville University, 2018
• "But For Leadership Florida" Award Recognizing Community Impact, 2018
• Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, "Michael K. Reese Quality of Life" Award, 2018
• Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne Distinguished Dolphin of Service award, Jacksonville University, 2017
• First District Court of Appeal, Judicial Nominating Commission, 2014-18
• Jacksonville Business Journal
  • "Ultimate Attorneys: Best of the Bar," 2020
  • "Ultimate Attorney," 2018
  • Diversity Award, 2013
  • “Up and Comers,” 2005
• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

• "What can lawyers learn from stand-up comedians?," Litigation Counsel of America, October 2024
• "Partner Viewpoint-Focusing Forward for a Better Future," National Conference of Bar Presidents, August 2021
• "Leveraged Philanthropy," The Florida Bar's Leadership Academy, August 2019
• "Listening - the sound of diversity," National Conference of Bar Presidents, April 2019
• "Obtaining Board Certification in Business Litigation," Jacksonville Bar Association, 2017
• "The Pros and Cons of Non-Compete Agreements," Young Upstarts, 2016.
• "Legal Services as an Economic Indicator," Jacksonville Business Journal, 2016
• “Red Flags in Business Valuations,” American Society of Appraisers, 2014
• “Advanced Direct Examination Techniques,” Raymond Ehrlich Trial Advocacy Seminar, 2012
• “Effective Cross Examination,” National Business Institute, 2012
• “Practical Applications of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act,” Westlaw, 2012
• “Impact on Banks of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act,” Financial News and Daily Record, 2012
• “Preparing for Your Deposition,” Building Edge Magazine, 2010

Professional Associations & Memberships

• Florida Bar, Business Litigation Certification Committee, 2016-2022
  • Chair, 2019-20
  • Vice Chair, 2018-19
• National Conference of Bar Presidents Executive Council, President 2021, Officer 2018-2022, Executive Council 2014-2018
• American Bar Association, Delegate, 2013-2018
• Judicial Nominating Commission, appointed by the governor, 2014-18
• Florida Bar Fourth Judicial Circuit Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, 2014, Grievance Committee, 2009-12
• Jacksonville Bar Association
  • President, 2011-12
  • Chairs
    • Commercial Litigation, 2004-09
    • Professionalism, 2004-07
• Federal Bar Association, Jacksonville Chapter, President, 2002-03
• Florida, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Bar Associations
• The Chester Bedell Inn of Court
• Litigation Counsel of America

Civic & Community Service

• Cultural Council of Jacksonville, Board of Directors, 2022-26
• Innocence Project of Florida, Board of Directors, 2022-present
• Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, Board Member, 2016-22
• Jacksonville Country Day School, Past Board Member
• Clara White Mission, Board Member, 2013-16
• Jacksonville University
  • College of Law Advisory Board Member, 2024-present
  • Board of Trustees, 2013-15
  • National Alumni Association, President, 2013-15
  • Honors College, Advisory Board, 2023-present
• Leadership Florida, Class 33, 2014-15
  • Northeast Florida Regional Council, Chair, 2016-17
  • Northeast Florida Regional Council, 2015-present
• Leadership Jacksonville (Class of 2008)
  • Board of Directors, 2018-22

Founded in 2016, the Freed to Run Challenge is an annual community running and endurance event now benefiting Jacksonville Area Legal Aid's Shelter for Elders Endowment. The event brings together runners and supporters for a range of challenges—from 5K races to 12-hour endurance events—all in service of a single mission: keeping vulnerable seniors safely housed.

Proceeds from the Freed to Run Challenge fund housing-related legal services for seniors across Northeast Florida who face eviction, foreclosure, unsafe living conditions, and other threats to stable housing. Since its founding, the event has united the community around the belief that every mile run is a step toward protecting those who need it most. 

Over the first 7 years of Freed to Run, a $2.25 million endowment was created to support indigent pediatric patients.

Learn more