Overview
As a member of the Financial Services Litigation Practice Group, Rachel Friedman defends financial institutions from alleged violations of state and federal consumer protection laws at both the trial and appellate levels.
Rachel represents financial institutions such as banks, mortgage lenders, credit card companies, auto finance companies and debt buyers/collectors in consumer lawsuits filed under various state and federal laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the Truth-in-Lending Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Rachel’s experience includes defending class actions and compelling claims to arbitration. She has also obtained successful outcomes on behalf of clients at the appellate level in both state and federal court. Rachel is licensed in Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and Illinois, and routinely handles cases in those jurisdictions and throughout the country for her clients.
Rachel is also a contributor to the firm’s Consumer Finance Litigation Blog and Blockchain & E-Transactions Law Blog.
Prior to joining Burr & Forman, she served as a Judicial Clerk for The Honorable Sharon L. Blackburn at the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama.
Experience
- Obtained affirmance in Alabama Court of Civil Appeals of dismissal of borrower's breach of contract, fraud, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims against mortgage lender based on statute of limitations and failure to state a claim upon which relief could be granted.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA") defendant in putative class action that alleged that the defendant violated the FDCPA by using summons notices in collection actions that allegedly misinformed debtors of their rights under state law.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of client holding cell tower easement on property sold in tax sale against plaintiff who claimed client’s easement was eliminated in tax sale.
- Obtained affirmance in Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals of order granting motion to compel arbitration in putative class action.
- Obtained partial summary judgment dismissing punitive damages claims against auto finance client in wrongful repossession case.
- Successfully compelled arbitration of putative class action filed by thirteen named plaintiffs, each with different versions of credit card arbitration agreements.
Honors & Recognitions
- Named, ALM Southeastern Legal Awards: On the Rise (2023)
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants since 2023
- Listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®: Financial Services Regulation Law since (2021 - 2022)
- Mid-South Super Lawyers "Rising Star," Consumer Law (2016-2020)
- Alabama Super Lawyers, "Rising Star" (2014-2015)
Newsroom
News
Speaking Engagements
Articles
Blog Posts
Professional & Community
Civic Activities
- Board Member, Women Lawyers Section, Birmingham Bar Association
Professional Activities
- Alabama State Bar
- American Bar Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
Paralegal/Assistant
Legal Practice Assistant
Caryn Wingate
(205) 458-5238
cwingate@burr.com
