Women in Law 2025

2025

BRENDA G. FRIEDMAN PARTNER Kogut & Wilson

B renda G. Friedman is a partner at Kogut & Wilson, where she represents individuals in all aspects of family and matrimonial law, including complex property division, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, maintenance, contempt and post- decree modifications. Known for her meticulous preparation, strategic insight and financial acumen, Brenda helps clients navigate high-stakes disputes with confidence and clarity during some of life’s most difficult transitions. She also negotiates and drafts prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, reviews financial information to determine fair support and maintenance and develops cost-effective strategies that guide clients toward balanced, practical resolutions. She weighs the costs and benefits of each aspect of the cases she manages and presents the 360-view of the options to clients to ensure they have a full understanding of their next steps. Throughout all client issues, she strives to minimize the emotional toll and guide them confidently into the next phase of their lives. Whether she is negotiating an agreement or navigating a contentious dispute, her detail-centered approach and blend of strategic insight and compassion set her apart. Throughout her career, Brenda has distinguished herself as both a trusted advocate and a dedicated mentor. She approaches mentorship as an opportunity to help others grow in confidence and independence, offering practical guidance with clear, constructive and insightful feedback while explaining the purpose behind assignments and strategic decisions so that the work feels meaningful and client focused. In doing so, Brenda has created space for junior team members to take on challenging matters while avoiding

micromanagement and ensuring they have the tools to flourish in their practices. Associates and staff describe her as a “knowledge bank” who leads by example, delegates thoughtfully and someone who is always available to jump on a call to help work through questions. Her willingness to share opportunities and guide others speaks to her generosity and commitment to uplifting women in the profession. Before joining Kogut & Wilson in 2020, Brenda practiced family law at two prominent Chicago firms, counseling clients in a wide range of domestic relations matters. Her commitment to service began in law school, when she interned at the Center for Disability and Elder Law and later received a Loyola Public Interest Fellowship with the organization. Brenda’s skill and dedication have been recognized throughout the legal community. She has been named to the Illinois Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers every year since 2020, recognized as an Emerging Lawyer by Law Bulletin Publishing Company beginning in 2021 and honored on the Best Lawyers in America list for Family Law. Within the firm, Brenda plays a key role in managing operations, overseeing paralegal assignments and billing and promoting consistency across cases. She organizes regular check-ins that encourage communication and accountability, fostering an environment where every team member feels informed and supported. Outside the firm, she has shared her insight as a presenter for HalfMoon Education Inc.’s Paralegal Webinar and volunteers through her daughters’ school Parent–Teacher Organization, lending her time to classroom and community projects.

WOMEN IN LAW 2025