Craig Friedman, whose practice focuses on employment law, is a leader in the defense of employment class actions including wage-and-hour litigation. He has secured victories around the nation in employment class actions, including for clients such as Publix Super Markets, Dick's Sporting Goods, and The Scott Fetzer Company.
Beyond class actions, Craig represents employers in a broad range of labor and employment matters. This includes lawsuits brought under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974, and various state laws. On behalf of The Scotts Company, Craig successfully argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that the lower court properly dismissed claims of race, gender, and disability discrimination. In addition, he was recognized as a recommended attorney by Legal 500 for workplace counseling and for ERISA litigation.
Active in community service in Atlanta, Craig is a member of the board of directors of the Labor and Employment Section of the Atlanta Bar Association. He is also on the board of directors of the JDRF Georgia Chapter. Craig is past president of the Executive Committee of Georgia Appleseed's Young Professionals Council and previously served on Georgia Appleseed's board of directors. He also has served on the Leadership Council of Arts For Learning, Woodruff Arts Center, a nonprofit organization that provides educational arts programming to Georgia students.
Expérience
Hybrid Wage and Hour Section 216(b) FLSA Collective and Rule 23 Class Actions
Drilling Down: Wage and Hour Claims, Texas Lawyer
- 2/5/2024
Advancing Diversity and Managing Risk: Corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Post-Harvard/UNC (Jones Day CLE Academy) - April 3, 2019
Discovery Strategies in Wage and Hour Class and Collective Actions Before and After Class Certification - January 28, 2019
Workplace Investigations: Strategies and Pitfalls, JD CLE Academy - December 17, 2018
Detecting Bias: Model Rule of Professional Responsibility 8.4(g) Viewed Through the Lens of Sherlock Holmes Movies, Celesq - March 7, 2018
Classification of Workers, The Fair Labor Standards Act, and Compensation in the Nonprofit Workplace, Atlanta Bar Association Pro Bono March Madness - January 22, 2018
Navigating The #MeToo World: Practical Advice for Corporate Boards and Executives, JD CLE Academy - October 18, 2017
Daubert Hearings & Preparing for Direct and Cross Examination, Advanced Civil Trial Practice, Emory University School of Law, Guest Lecturer, Experts - March 17, 2017
Wage & Hour Update, Recent Developments and Practical Advice, Atlanta Bar Association Advanced Employment Law CLE - January 13, 2017
Sherlock Holmes and Ethical Rules Addressing Discrimination: A Cinematic Journey, Jones Day CLE Academy - February 19, 2016
Education Advocacy for Children in Care: Student Tribunal Hearing Training - March 31, 2015
Labor & Employment Law for Non-Profits: Compensation in the Nonprofit Workplace, Atlanta Bar Association Pro Bono March Madness - December 11, 2013
Public School Disciplinary Hearings in Georgia: Georgia Appleseed Pro Bono Training - April 16, 2013
Claims of Sexual Orientation Discrimination Under Federal, State, and Local Law, Labor & Employment Law Society, Georgia State University College of Law - March 19, 2013
Public School Disciplinary Hearings in Georgia: Georgia Appleseed Pro Bono Training - February 28, 2013
Get Ready To Play or Pay!: Key Considerations About the Employer Health Coverage Mandate, Jones Day CLE Academy
- Boston University (M.S. in Communication 2005; J.D. cum laude 2004; Paul J. Liacos Distinguished Scholar; Articles Editor, Boston University Journal of Science and Technology Law); The George Washington University (B.B.A. in Business Economics and Public Policy magna cum laude 2001)
- Georgia; New York; New Jersey; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Georgia, Northern District of Florida, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of New York, and District of New Jersey; U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second, Eleventh, and District of Columbia Circuits
Best Lawyers in America: litigation: labor & employment (2024-2025)
Chosen by The Daily Report for its list of outstanding young lawyers "On The Rise," published May 3, 2018
Legal 500 United States (2017) — recommended for workplace & employment counseling and ERISA litigation
Georgia Super Lawyers "Rising Star" — labor & employment (2013-2019)
Recipient, Georgia Appleseed "Good Apple Award" (2016)
Leadership Academy, State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division, Class of 2012