Broward County Attorney Howard Friedman, of Fischler & Friedman, P.A., whose practice is located in Fort Lauderdale, and who is allegedly well-known for his “less-than ethical” Courtroom tactics, may have stepped on the wrong set of toes during a recent Divorce Trial held at the Broward County 17th Judicial Court in January 2009.
I am the “Respondent” and the former Wife of Friedman’s client in a divorce case. I am now hosting a website that would allow the public free access to learn of this egregious and unethical lawyer whose only concern is the dollar in his pocket.
The exposure of this case will hopefully give citizens an intimate and genuine view into the Courthouse “closed-door” proceedings where most Dissolutions of Marriage take place, in the privacy of Chambers, and without ever being available for public viewing. By doing so, those that are considering, are filing or have filed for a divorce in Broward County, and who may have fallen prey to hiring Friedman, or another lawyer with the same unethical school of thought, may very well end up replacing him or her with a more suitable counsel, and one with true integrity to represent them BEFORE their life is negatively and detrimentally impacted.
Howard Friedman is the type of lawyer that the public must be protected from and that protection will only come through the real stories of his victims. His peers will never share the truth due to their “unspoken peer alliance of protection” that exists between attorneys who practice out of the same county. There are, however, some attorneys that actually offer ethical services and genuine protection of their clients’ legal rights, and their interests in preserving the “family” and its future by fostering long-lasting amicable existences between litigants is a core benefit of using an attorney of this kind, not to mention the financial savings associated with mediation-focused lawyers that only exist among those that practice with these important principles.
Although Friedman boasts of his ability to prevail in the Courtroom through his highly-contentious litigation skills, the public must be educated on the truth, and that Friedman’s promises are empty once he completes his sought-out mission, leaving families in a state of destruction, broken-hearted and financially devastated, with his client being the most impacted victim in his legal loop-hole games. Both litigants lose, and they lose a lot!
“Although my [now ex] husband was fooled into believing that he was well-protected by hiring Friedman, he has foreclosed on his mortgage and has stopped meeting his financial obligations which has resulted in permanent damage to his credit history and the destruction of his almost-perfect (high 700s) credit score for the first time in this litigant’s 45 years of life.” The damages extend well beyond the Petitioner’s (his clients’) financial downfall. He has destroyed what was once a very strong family bond, despite the pending divorce, and has harmed many of the family members, including the children and our now-compromised sense of security, and all as a direct result of his greed and his over-indulgence in acts of dishonesty and fraud in his efforts to discredit his opposition.”
The egregious tactics of Friedman are not only unnecessary for amicable litigants, but they immediately throw the same litigants into a fueled fire of contention that did not otherwise exist and that only add to their burden of their pending divorce. Through diligent observations of the mechanics of this attorney’s tactics, I acquired a wealth of knowledge about the practices and false promises that attorneys make to their clients. I will be sharing my story and my newly-acquired wisdom with the public and, in particular, new divorce case-filers in my own relentless effort to spare others from falling prey to Friedman and Friedman-type lawyers.
“My hope is to capture the attention of anyone who is filing or knows someone that is filing for divorce so that they can better understand the legal system as it relates to their matter, and to hopefully intercept a case in time to save them from depleting their life savings by redirecting them away from hiring Friedman, or others like him, to represent them in their case(s). I believe that the formal court filings, transcripts and depositions of my case will initially shock the public and will likely cause many citizens to lose faith in what appears to be a very “broken” Broward County legal system that fails its citizens. In fact, my publications will undoubtedly leave any logical citizen in “utter shock” and “disbelief” that our local Court system actually allows for these unacceptable parameters of injustices in what is supposed to be A Law of Equity.
Friedman is going to be fielding a number of legal problems himself, including a Public Florida Bar Grievance complaint and other civil-related matters that I cannot yet disclose until such time that they are officially filed with the Court. Opinions that Friedman’s highly unethical practice of law and irresponsible disregard for the families of Broward County will be substantiated by the reviewing of Friedman’s “own words” in the many articles of Court record that will be made public in the weeks to come.
The complaints (and there are several) will include transcripts taken from “live” hearings, trials and depositions, and will consist of very specific quotes that would undoubtedly leave any grievance committee troubled the type of unethical conduct displayed by this Attorney during formal Court proceedings. I have made a vow to protect families, children, mothers and fathers, as well as the public at large, from a problematic system that remains without accountability to those that foster it.
“Friedman, who, in my opinion, solely practices law in the name of greed. His tactics, in my opinion, violate the very essence of humanity and go against many of the Florida Ethics Rules that The Florida Bar claims that all attorneys are held to in terms of their compliance with those rules. The ruthless and unconscionable acts of this attorney are on their way to the public press. I am a woman whose family has been torn apart at the hands of this attorney and I now vow to protect as many citizens as humanly possible through the use of the internet and any other channels that reach those that are in the process or will be filing for a divorce in Broward County.
Most people assume that the events leading up to a divorce are the cause of broken families. Actually, our families are shattered at the hands of attorneys that practice without ethics, morals and with reckless disregard to the hearts, homes and happiness of families that face divorce. Families are shattered when BAD LAWYERS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE. There will be more on this story as I prepare a manuscript my own experience that is sure to shock even the most cautious of citizens. My story will be published on a website so stay tuned as this story unfolds and as the public is made privy to the Truth Behind Chamber Walls.
Comments? Please email [protected]@browardcountydivorcelawyers.com. Attorneys are rated by clients at lawyerratingz.com. I have been banned from this website for telling the truth and it was undoubtedly Mr. Fraudman---I mean Friedman, himself, who hired some reputation “defense” to remove my truthful reviews on his profile. However, some remain…Review recent entries by visiting the following link.
http://lawyerratingz.com/ShowRatings.jsp?thank=1&tcvid=59092
ALSO: Please visit SLUGs. sluglawyers.com
Yes, I too believe there are to many unethical attorneys tarnishing and corrupting our judicial system. I was defrauded out of money, then hired an attorney and was defrauded by the attorney and failed in attempting to bring him to justice. As an American citizen, I understand there are crooks out there who make their lifestyles and livings by defrauding people, but the greatest and unforgivable experience was when I was defrauded by and within the judicial system itself! The very people you look up to, put trust and faith in, and pay more money to search and pray for justice, ...these people are in my experience, are certainly no better than the crooks in the underlying fraud. My evidence against the attorney was squelched and he got off scott-free and in fact was awarded 10% interest per each year of our dispute.
Only those who have been severely taken advantage of by attorneys can seem to relate to our stories. Just try to take an attorney to justice with your evidence and see how far you get and what happens. Its an amazing journey with an assured predestined result, you will lose! I filed a fraud suit against the attorney in state court and was denied a hearing. It was sent to arbitration against my wishes to be heard in a jury trial. I lost at arbitration because by evidence was not presented by another attorney. I requested for a continuance at arbitration but was denied, So, I appealed it back to state court and was denied a second chance for a rehearing with legal counsel. So, I appealed it to the Appellate court which was extremely costly, only to loose because the decision read, my evidence was not lodged with the court at the state level and was considered forfeited. So, I filed another complaint with the State Bar; after 3 previous complaints failed and another requested reconsideration after being denied, then in a last-ditch-effort, I filed a full 109 page brief to the SUPREME COURT of the United States. Would you believe after have 109 pages of evidence, I received on Sept. 22, 2010 a one page response which had the four words - "The petition is denied". No further decision information was available, no one in the supreme court clerks office or aids would answer my phone calls or return my phone calls there after.
This was a shocking revelation. This is and was a life altering experience. I can truly state - I believe there is no such thing as liberty in this country as our founding forefathers intended and the Pledge of Allegiance words of "justice for all", when you look at what is happening right inside the judicial system. This American believes we need serious judicial reform. I also believe and know, there are many good people in the country and we need to stand up for those good people and what is truly right and relieve those of their duty who break the laws representing it!
I am considering writing a book and titling it, "ATTORNEYS ABOVE THE LAW". Does anyone else have my same sentiments?
Dennis Schuelke
schuelkej@bellsouth.net
Howard Friedman, Divorce Lawyer? RUN, RUN, RUN! (My opinion, of course) Zealous representation, intentionally brought on by lawyers who want fees, fees, fees. Think about it---collaborative law will minimize billable hours. If you are seeking a divorce and you want to be stripped of your financial savings, hire HOWARD S. FRIEDMAN of Fishler & Friedman, P.A. Oh, he'll appear to be "smooth" in the trial court with his endless Motions to Strike, unethical misconduct and ignorant every FLORIDA BAR RULE of PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
Is your divorce lawyer a SLUG (Swindling Lawyer's of Unethical Greed) or a collaborative, ethical lawyer?
Learn the difference before it is too late
A greedy lawyer is almost always sited as unethical and harmful by some, and effective by others. Now, why are some clients satisfied with the tactics of certain lawyers, while others detest them?
Answer: Greed, at any cost.
The unethical lawyer immediately begins his manipulative quest to convince his credulous bate (prospective client) of his "Almighty, God-like Powers" particularly if he determines that the prospective client’s financial portfolio is considerable.
If you are undergoing a divorce and your lawyer resembles the manipulative tactics displayed by Attorney Howard S. Friedman, of Fischler & Friedman, P.A., Broward County, Florida, undoubtedly it is a matter of time before he achieves CB (Client Brainwashing). The manipulation is set in motion and the catastrophic fate of the children, former spouse and client is all but sealed. Howard Friedman, Broward County Divorce Lawyer takes the title, "King of The Slugs”.
In cases where the client is also willing to lie, cheat and steal in court all in the name of greed, Howard S. Friedman-type lawyers may visibly show signs of "drooling". What better combination than the greedy lawyer who is presented with the unethical prospective client?
It is an immoral match made in heaven.
When hiring a divorce lawyer, beware of a SLUG before he or she becomes your "God". Unfortunately, the children of divorce who innocently fall victim to this lethal lawyer are tragically harmed by a SLUG and his brain-washing tactics. He or she soon develops a "worshiping" client, convincing him or her of his "God-like" powers in divorce court.
Hey! What about the children? What about the impact of the family?
“…To hell with that! Cash Rocks!”, a common daydream of a typical SLUG.
Cash is King for SLUGs
The tragic consequences for both litigants of divorce (emphasizing “both”), the children and their future shall haunt them for years to come, particularly if both spouses were originally attempting collaboration and a peaceful parting.
In my case we (my ex-spouse and I) were two signatures away from a fair and equitable divorce settlement that would have saved our family and future. Our children’s future, their proms, weddings and joyous events in life could have been complimented by amicable parents.
Make no mistake that the health of the relationship of divorcing spouses’ in their post-divorce years can be the difference in whether or not their children go on to live happy, contented lives or suffer long-lasting and irreparable harm, all at the hands of a SLUG.
- An advocate of Children and Spouses Exposed to SLUGs
MY SISTER WAS THE WIFE IN A DIVORCE WHERE HOWARD FREIDMAN REPRESENTED HER EX HUSBAND. THEY HAVE TWO KIDS. THE EX'S LAWYER WAS HOWARD FREIDMAN AND MY SISTER'S LAWYER QUIT AFTER 8 MONTHS. HE SAID THAT HOWARD FREIDMAN IS TOO UNETHICAL TO WORK WITH AND SHE TRIED TO PAY HIM MORE MONEY TO STAY ON HER CASE BECAUSE HER EX HUSBAND BECAME HORRIBLE AFTER HE HIRED A LAWYER - THEY WERE GOING TO JUST SETTLE UNTIL HIS LAWYER TOLD HIM THAT HE SHOULDN'T. MY SISTER AND THEIR TWO KIDS WERE TORTURED LEGALLY - TWO MORE LAWYERS TRIED TO GET HER EX TO BE SENSABLE. THEY FINALLY GOT THE DIVORCE BUT IT ENDED UP COSTING HER OVER 33, 500.00! HER EX HUSBAND HAD TO PAY HER LAWYERS FEES AND HIS OWN FEES AND THAT MOST OF THEIR MONEY WENT TO HOWARD FRIEDMAN AND HER LAWYER, NO GOOD OUTCOME EXCEPT FOR THE LAWYERS! HER EX ACTUALLY TOLD HER THAT HE WAS CRAZY FOR HIRING FREIMAN AND THAT HE WOULD HAVE HAD MORE MONEY IF THEY SETTLED THE CASE AND THAT HE WAS SORRY FOR EVERYTHING. BY THE WAY, MY SISTER CALLED A BUNCH OF LAWYERS ASKING THEM ABOUT FREIDMAN AND THEY ALL HUNG UP ON HER SAYING THAT THEY DIDNT WANT THE CASE BECAUSE OF HIM AND HIS DISHONESTY AND LEGAL GYMNASTICS! GOOD LUCK. HOPEFULLY PEOPLE WILL READ THESE WARNINGS ABOUT LAWYERS THAT SHOULD NOT BE HIRED
I read the above story. And it is my case EXACTLY! I live in Santa Rosa County FL.
have read your stories...understand south florida is the most corrupt region in the country...90% of the lawyers are criminals...50% of the judges are...ONLY FOOLS GET MARRIED AND LIVE IN SOUTH FLORIDA...DIVORCE COURT IS THE HEART OF THE VIPERS NEST...also notice...most of the criminal lawyers and judges are from the N E, are VERY liberal...hate men, conservatives, southerners, ...and MOST ARE JEWISH...and they hate christians...not politically correct BUT...100% accurate...i was dragged into divorce court in palm beach county now for 8 yrs for a 23 month marriage to a BOCA RATON GOLD-DIGGER whose best friend is...why a jewish divorce lawyer from the N E ...who would have thunk it...we are on our 5th ( 5 ) judge...i had 3 recuse themselves cause i caught em taking bribes...starting with JUDGE CHARLES BURTON...i personally ran JUDGE WILLIAM BERGER off the bench...the " lawyer ? ? STEPHEN RAKUSIN ( ft lauderdale )...RAKUSIN, BURTON, BERGER are all LIBERAL, JEWISH, from the N E, lie their ### off, should ALL be in prison, and hate MEN, CHRISTIANS, etc...RAKUSIN has now run his bill to my " lovely " ex ### ( why from NYC of course ) over $ 500, 000 LOL...swear to god...and hes paid every bit of it HIMSELF !...i have represented myself ( non lawyer )...so HE bleeds, NOT me, when we do court stuff...bleed ###, bleed...YANKEES always asume SOUTHERNERS are slow and stupid LOL...whatta ya think now ### ? NEVER NEVER attack a SOUTHERNER or ANY member of his family...RAKUSIN dragged my son into it as well...BIGGGGGG mistake...you are right...the florida BAR, court of appeals, and all judges will always protect the lawyers...why ? lawyers feed them of course...oh...i became TOTALLY DISABLED in 1990, live on SS disability checks and live with my son, and have indigency status...but RAKUSIN just tried to steal my sons money and house...he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar and the cookie jar...WAS EMPTY...sorry ###...if you get a crooked lawyer in a situation like this, you can drive em nuts and make em bleed ( $ ) every time they turn around...and a jewish yankee lawyer will NEVER fight his own fights...they are pussies...he goes no where without armed bodyguards...swear to god...the keys are to REPRESENT YOURSELF and research research research on the internet...RAKUSIN stole $ 1.6 million from a monistary in 2005...a ft lauderdale judge caught him and made him pay it ALL back...but he should have thrown him into jail...its all on the internet...if we dont stand up against these criminals who run the legal system in south florida then we deserve what we get...just say NO, rep yourself and never stop fighting...learn how to drive em nuts and bleed em dry...and tell everybody...i'm not through with RAKUSIN...believe me...i filed a huge FRAUD motion against him 2 months ago...judge SMALL is hiding from it but at some point she is going to have to deal with it...i have over 150 exhibits...JUDGE MAASS said in 2008 in the Final hearing that RAKUSIN had NO CREDABILITY...he lied his ### off...but she should have had him arrested...i wont rest until he loses his law lience and is arrested...or i will die first...its all i have left to live for...stay tuned
SC15-0390
Rakusin will be disbarred. Signed: Sore Thumb
Supreme Court of Florida
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016
CASE NO.: SC15-390
Lower Tribunal No(s).:
2011-51, 359(17A);
2014-50, 657(17A)
THE FLORIDA BAR vs. STEPHEN BRUCE RAKUSIN
Complainant(s) Respondent(s)
The uncontested report of the referee is approved and respondent is
suspended from the practice of law for ninety days, effective thirty days from the
date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the
interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies this Court in writing that he is
no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients,
this Court will enter an order making the suspension effective immediately.
Respondent shall fully comply with Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 3-5.1(h). In
addition, respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed
until he is reinstated. Respondent is further directed to comply with all other terms
and conditions of the report and consent judgment.
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street,
Tallahassee, Florida [protected], for recovery of costs from Stephen Bruce
Rakusin in the amount of $26, 952.62, for which sum let execution issue.Not final until time expires to file motion for rehearing, and if filed,
determined. The filing of a motion for rehearing shall not alter the effective date
of this suspension.
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON,
and PERRY, JJ., concur.
We also have been duped by Rakusin on our elderly fathers divorce that occurred on January 2015 by what was called a bifurcation divorce.We have yet to resolve the marital assets and personal property.All we get is a run around from the lawyers, his former wife has been with us at mediation which has cost us & 60, 000 day for 6 lawyers 4 to be flown in from Florida to New Jersey for a 10 hour mediation process .Which got no resolution .We went back into 2nd Mediation and the mediator at the end suggested that we go for a arbitration.We agreed to that and 3 times arbitration has been on the schedule and a week before it seems to always get cancelled! We do not no where to go with this but I do know the Florida Lawyers and judges are not honest and they bleed the bank accounts very quickly.I ask you to please get in touch with us to give us some guidance and to expose the wrong doings.I stumbled upon this Rakusin case and realized he was the slime ball that represented my Dads wife in the Divorce . We also had no knowledge of the settlement until it was done! We have a payroll of lawyers accounts, forensic accounts that bleed our fathers hard earned immigrant money that he worked a lifetime to achieve in order to take care of his 4 daughters.
Please call the Florida Bar in Broward or the Supreme Court and file a complaint
How do we go about that when we reside in New Jersey ! The divorce was filed and done in Florida ! The lawyers are from Florida! The Bification divorce was done in Florida yet my fathers house is in New Jersey and haven't settle the division of marital assets in New Jersey ? Just don't know how to get this done and out there so people can see how unjust this problem is and much money and time has been wasted!
https://www.floridabar.org/TFB/TFBConsum.nsf/0/c5b7d247a0c9c45a85256b2f006c6186!OpenDocument&Click=
i agree 100% with everything that has been stated above! the judicial system is a scam, a circus! unless you have been through it you wouldn't believe what goes on. my list of "unbelievables" are much too numerous to mention but suffice it to say i have plans to write a book when this litigation is over and i also intend on bringing all lawyers and judges down who were complicit in this ridiculous system they call justice. after 3 years of contentious litigation and almost 1MM combined expense in fees, i am physically, emotionally and financially wiped. no one should go through this! the system needs to be reformed asap. i will help in any way i can to do so.