In this episode, we sit down with Michael Friedman, a partner at Chapman and Cutler LLP, to talk about his path through law, bankruptcy, and restructuring. Michael reflects on his upbringing and his time at Penn Law School, before walking through how he built a career in a demanding and fast-paced legal environment. He shares how he navigated key transitions throughout his career, the lessons he learned along the way, and what it really takes to succeed in complex, high-stakes legal work.
Michael also brings listeners inside the world of big law through real stories from negotiations and lived experiences advising clients in restructuring situations. He discusses why negotiations continue to fascinate him, how judgment and preparation matter when the pressure is on, and what he’s learned from years of working across the table from sophisticated counterparties. Now a partner at Chapman Cutler, Michael is also focused on building the firm’s Israel practice and giving back through mentorship and leadership. This episode offers a thoughtful look at law, negotiation, and long-term career development from someone who’s been in the room where it happens.
