216.696.8700
Susan L. Friedman
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216.736.7272
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Susan L. Friedman

Partner
216.736.7272
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OVERVIEW & EXPERIENCE

As an attorney in KJK’s Estate, Wealth & Succession Planning group, Susan Friedman is experienced in all aspects of estate planning, probate, trust and estate administration, special needs planning, charitable planning and guardianships. She is valued by clients for her calm demeanor and ability to actively listen to address clients’ specific needs and develop individualized strategies.

Susie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis and earned her Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. In addition to her law degree, Susie holds a Master’s degree in social work, which further helps her to address and resolve various issues her clients face.

Susie is involved with Jewish Federation of Cleveland and has served on the Donor Advised Fund Committee since 2016.  Additionally, she participates in the Professional Advisors Council with Jewish Federation. Susie is also a member of The Cleveland Museum of Art Gift Planning Committee and the University Hospitals of Cleveland Diamond Advisor Group.

In her free time, Susie enjoys walking in the Metroparks near her home in Solon, spending time with her two daughters and her six-pound Yorkie, Louie, playing tennis, skiing and reading fiction.

Representative Experience
AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Awards

  • JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards, Top Author, Wealth Management, 2023

Professional Affiliations

  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Cleveland Estate Planning Council
  • Membership Committee of the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland
  • Ohio Bar Association
BAR / COURT ADMISSIONS
  • Ohio
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
  • American Heart Association
    • Advisor Network, Member
  • American Cancer Society
    • National Professional Advisor Network, Member
  • Cleveland Museum of Art
    • Gift Planning Network, Member
    • Gift Planning Advisory Committee, Member
  • Cleveland Hillel Foundation, 2018 – 2023
    • Board of Directors
  • Estate Planning Council of Cleveland
    • Membership Committee
  • Jewish Federation of Cleveland
    • Donor Advised Fund Committee
    • JFC Advisors
    • Professional Advisor Council
    • Steering Committee
  • University Hospitals of Cleveland
    • Diamond Advisory Group
  • Shaker Figure Skating Club, 2014 – 2016
    • Trustee
MEDIA MENTIONS
PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS
  • “Estate Planning Essentials for Individuals and Families,” MAI Capital Management LLC, August 17, 2023
  • “Estate Planning and Probate Essentials,” T-Squared Honors Academy High School, August 16, 2023
  • “Trusts in Ohio from A to Z,” National Business Institute, August 14, 2023
  • “Chasing the Sunset of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017,” 50th Charitable Tax Seminar, June 1, 2023
  • “Aging with a Plan: How a Little Thought Today Can Vastly Improve your Tomorrow,” Cleveland Jewish Book Festival, April 30, 2023
  • “Estate Planning Basics,” Baldwin Wallace Institute for Learning in Retirement; Cuyahoga County Community College Adult Education, 2019 – Present (quarterly presentations)
  • “Online Accounts and Cryptocurrency:  Estate Planning, Gifting, and Charitable Giving Considerations,”  Lake County Bar Association presented April 27, 2022

PRACTICE AREAS

EDUCATION

  • Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D., 1996
  • Case Western Reserve University Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, MSSA, 1996
  • Washington University in St. Louis, B.A., Political Science, 1991

RECENT KJK INSIGHTS

I enjoy helping and counseling individuals and families to plan for their futures and manage issues during difficult times. I like knowing that I have helped individuals and couples accomplish their planning goals so they do not need to worry about what will happen when they are gone.

Susan L. Friedman
Partner