Ian J. Friedman, a devoted father & husband, talented entertainment attorney, and cultivator of many long-term friendships, died after a short but fierce battle with esophageal cancer on February 16 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 51. Though he was passionate about his chosen profession and took great pride in building his law practice, success for Ian was not measured in money or possessions. He was generous with friends and family, and toward causes he regarded as worthy. He was also known for his unique sense of humor, permanent smile, and ready laugh. Ian was a keen sports fan and especially loved cheering for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team and the University of Southern California Trojans football team. He loved gambling on trips to Las Vegas and played in several regular poker games in Los Angeles, enjoying not only the competitive atmosphere and requisite statistical prowess, but also the friendships he developed around the poker table.
In 2017, his wife, Emily Davis, gave birth to their son, Jack Ezra. In a video made for Jack on the day of Ian's cancer diagnosis, Ian said that "These four-and-a-half months, they've been the greatest of my life." Although Ian was determined to survive for as long as possible, he made a number of videos for his son, Jack; videos commemorating Jack's birthdays and celebrating various holidays, and videos telling Jack about Ian and Ian's life. One of Ian's cherished routines was waking up early with his son and taking both Jack and the family dog, Cassie, on long walks through the neighborhood where they would enjoy nature and conversing with neighbors.
Ian Jeffrey Friedman was born to Richie and Rosalind in New Jersey on July 12, 1966. He graduated with a degree in economics from Emory University in Atlanta, having spent part of his junior year abroad at the London School of Economics. While studying in Europe, Ian made a number of life-long friends. One of them, Brian Landau, remembers Ian giving him a place to stay when he had nowhere to go - "I bumped into Ian in the hall between classes, and he graciously heard my plea and without having to ask, told me I’d be welcome to crash in his flat that night. I was so relieved, and nervous that I’d have nowhere to stay, but Ian saved me...We became immediate friends and Ian’s smile, friendship and warmth remains with me." This sentiment is shared by many longtime friends, with one, Jill Rubinstein, saying "I am realizing now that Ian’s friendship was one of the foundations that makes me who I am. Just knowing him made me a better friend to others. " After finishing his undergraduate studies and following a brief stint on Wall Street, Ian decided, like his father and grandfather before him, to attend law school. He later graduated with honors from The George Washington University Law School and moved to Los Angeles, intent on pursuing a career representing musicians. Ian genuinely loved practicing law and advocating for his clients. Record producer Fred Archambault remembered that "One of my favorite moments, and most proud, was when I able to give Ian two plaques (Gold & Platinum) from my work with Avenged Sevenfold...It meant a lot to me because I always felt he had bigger name clients than myself and it was a way to give back to Ian whom I always regarded as a father figure. I also appreciated that he would go to bat for me and made me realize my own self-worth in this crazy business." Another client, singer-songwriter Boy Epic, posted thoughts to social media, saying of Ian, "This news devastates me because in a business that can be so heartless, Ian had the biggest heart. He was caring, he was kind, he was a loving father to a little one year old baby boy and had a beautiful family. He always prioritized what was best for the artist over a quick payday. I really admired that in him." Says longtime friend Julie Shama Stephens, "A big part of who I am is because of his advice, encouragement and love. He taught me how to be strong, confident and bullheaded in business...He was also the first and only lawyer I ever referred my clients to. Not only because he was so damn good at his job, but also because he had a giant heart and loved helping people cultivate their talents."
Longtime friend and manager of one of his bands, Berko Pearce, echoed those sentiments, saying, "When AWOL was looking for a lawyer and I'd known Ian for 10 years there was only one person to ask to shepherd us. Ian loves what he does and nobody fought for the rights of his artist harder than him." He also served as a mentor to many young folks looking to get into the music business. Friend Sean Nicholson summed it up by saying "Ian proved you can be successful in this business and still be a kind and gentle person to those around you. You can work with rock stars and still be a family man. We should all strive to follow his example. We should all give guidance and help to those who ask for it expecting nothing in return. Out of all the priceless business tips Ian has passed along to us, that's the most important lesson I've learned from him. Be a good person first."
Ian is survived by his wife, Emily Davis, and son, Jack Ezra Friedman; sister Jennifer Friedman of Florida; former stepfather Stu Levin and partner Kathy Phelan of California and Australia; and a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 9 at 11:00 a.m., at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park, 1218 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90024. (310) 474-1579. Following the funeral, friends are welcome to come back to the family home for refreshments and an informal celebration of Ian's life.
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