Joanna Friedman

Joanna Friedman is an employment lawyer and Deputy Managing Partner with the Federal Practice Group in Washington, D.C. She focuses on federal employment law from pre-litigation counseling through administrative proceedings and litigation. Her practice includes EEO discrimination, reasonable accommodation, whistleblower retaliation, misconduct and performance defense, security clearance matters, disability retirement, and Inspector General investigations. She regularly represents intelligence agency employees, law enforcement officers, and other federal workers in discrimination, discipline, and employment-related disputes.

Friedman earned her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, where she participated in public-interest programs and worked with the Legal Aid Society Juvenile Rights Division. She received an LL.M. in Constitutional and Civil Rights Law from American University Washington School of Law through its Program on Law and Government. She also earned a B.A. from American University in Law and Society, providing a strong academic foundation for federal employment and civil rights advocacy.

Friedman has represented employees in hundreds of negotiated settlements and has handled matters before the EEOC, MSPB, security clearance authorities, and federal courts. Her experience includes reversals of adverse security clearance decisions, appeals involving discrimination and retaliation, challenges to suspensions and dismissals, and cases resulting in findings of agency liability and monetary or equitable relief. She also has prior criminal defense courtroom experience through private practice and work connected with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office.

Joanna Friedman is admitted in Maryland and practices before federal courts and agencies, consistent with the limitations stated on her firm profile. She is active in employment law and federal bar organizations and frequently provides training on EEO issues, performance, and conduct defense. Her practice combines administrative procedure, civil rights analysis, litigation, negotiation, and practical counseling for federal employees facing workplace actions with significant career and security consequences.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, Federal Practice Group, LLP
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association
• Sustaining Member, Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Federal Circuit Bar Association

Licensed State

• Maryland

Education

• American University Washington School of Law
  Master of Laws (LLM) in Constitutional and Civil Rights Law
• St. John’s University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• American University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges