Escalation w/ Super Lawyers - Anthony R. Friedman

On October 20, 2025 a demand was sent to "Super Lawyers" a division of Thomson Reuters for the removal of the profile of Anthony R. Friedman, attorney d.b.a. The Friedman Law Firm LLC St. Louis, St. Charles Missouri citing that the continual presentation of Friedman and his law firm until his status has been re-assed and to determine if he meets the Super Lawyers criteria for inclusion in their registry whereas. 

1) The Super Lawyers "rising star" status has not been revised since 2019 and that it was recognized while Friedman was under the employ of the Simon Law Firm P.C. in St. Louis, Missouri. 

2) That the current professional and legal modality of Anthony R. Friedman d.b.a. The Friedman Law Firm LLC is in stark contrast to his prior status and capacity.

3) That the continual presentation of search engine search results of Friedmans "legacy" Status is misleading and creates an unjustified expectation in a potential client seeking representation of competence and financial capacity. 

4) At which time I advised Super Lawyers that if the demand was not heeded and the search results were not removed by the date of Nov. 10, 2025 I would proceed with other legal and regulatory remedies to impose compliance. 

Super Lawyers did not comply with the demand by the specified date and therefore I have proceeded to escalate wherein I had advised Super Lawyers of my intent. 

Below is the original demand letter that went unheeded and how I proceeded to escalate to seek compliance. 

 To: Legal Department Super Lawyers c/o Thomson Reuters 610 Opperman Dr Eagan, MN 55123 Email: legal@superlawyers.com 

NOTICE OF DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF ANTHONY R. FRIEDMAN'S PROFILE AND "RISING STAR" STATUS (MISSOURI BAR #65531) 

COMES NOW, the undersigned, Albert B. Pepper Jr., a former client of Anthony R. Friedman and a citizen journalist operating the website notthefriedmanlawfirmsaintcharles.com, and as a consumer advocate, hereby submits this Notice of Demand for the immediate removal of Mr. Friedman's profile and "Rising Star" designation from the Super Lawyers platform. This demand is made pursuant to the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (R.S.Mo. § 407.020) due to the profile's materially misleading and outdated information, which risks harming future potential clients.

I. INTRODUCTION 

1. The undersigned seeks the removal of Anthony R. Friedman's (Missouri Bar #65531) Super Lawyers profile and "Rising Star" status, recognized from 2016 to 2019, as it no longer reflects his current capacity and violates consumer protection laws.
   
2. This demand is based on the undersigned's role as a consumer advocate documenting Mr. Friedman's conduct post-withdrawal from representation and into solo practice with The Friedman Law Firm LLC.
   

STATEMENT OF FACTS 

1. Mr. Friedman was designated a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers from 2016 to 2019 during his tenure at The Simon Law Firm P.C. in St. Louis, Missouri, a status enriched by the firm's significant infrastructure, personnel, and financial capacity.
   
2. On June 30, 2023, Mr. Friedman departed The Simon Law Firm P.C. and thereafter established The Friedman Law Firm LLC in St. Charles, Missouri, where he no longer avails himself of these assets.
   
3. Following his departure, former colleagues advised the undersigned verbally in July 2023 that Mr. Friedman's exit was prompted by performance concerns, a statement attested to in a sworn affidavit (Exhibit 5).
   
4. Public records (e.g., PACER, Missouri Case.net) show no significant personal injury verdicts or settlements as a solo practitioner, with his only documented trial being a minor Vespa motorscooter title dispute in the 11th Judicial District of St. Charles County.
   
5. Despite this, Mr. Friedman's Super Lawyers profile remains unchanged except for the acknowledgement of Friedman now d.b.a. The Friedman Law Firm LLC., and an address update, yet, promoting him as a "Top Rated" personal injury attorney based on outdated criteria.
   
6. During the undersigned's representation by Mr. Friedman from 2019 to 2023, his professional misconduct including nonfeasance, misfeasance, and a conflict of interest—resulted in significant personal injury. However, I do not make the claim that I retained Friedman through or as a result of the Super Lawyers profile and in this matter I hold Super Lawyers harmless. I make this statement indicating that legal malpractice injury is plausible and in consideration that any future injured parties may indeed ascribe fault to Super Lawyers.
   
7. The undersigned's ongoing investigation has documented a pattern of misrepresentation in Mr. Friedman's solo practice, including:
   
   • a. Operating illegally from a home address (violating zoning/local laws).
     
   • b. Listing a P.O. box at a UPS Store (6209 Mid Rivers Mall Dr #204, St. Charles) as his firm's address, creating an unjust expectation of future clients of having a bona fide "brick and mortar" law practice.
     
   • c. Advertising "significant verdicts and recoveries" without attribution to his former law firm employment implying they were achieved while in his solo practice, (These two misrepresentations have been reactively amended and cured as a result of my citizen journalism investigation and expose.) breaching Missouri Rule of Professional Conduct 4-7.1.
     
   • d. Lacking professional liability insurance, as evidenced by attached screenshots (Exhibit 1), exposing clients to unmitigated risk.
     

1. During Mr. Friedman's tenure with Simon Law, injured parties benefited from redress through the firm's professional liability insurance, a protection absent in his current practice.
   

LEGAL BASIS 

1. The omission of these material facts, combined with the profile's implication of current "top-rated" status based on 2016-2019 performance, constitutes deceptive advertising under the MMPA.
   
2. The current status of Mr. Friedman's capacity reflects a legacy capacity incongruent with his current capacity and is factually untenable.
   
3. Super Lawyers' continued maintenance of this profile exposes the platform to increased liability, as an injured party may claim they retained Mr. Friedman based on the advertisement, with tangential liability potentially extending to Super Lawyers, particularly given his lack of insurance to cover resulting damages.
   
4. Additionally, the potential for a "negligent referral" lawsuit arises, as Super Lawyers' prominent profile could be seen as an implicit recommendation of an attorney exhibiting professional misconduct, questionable ethics, and business practices such as operating without insurance, illegally from his residence advertising a P.O. box, and with no significant solo verdicts.
   
5. This misrepresentation risks misleading future potential clients into unjust expectations of competence, professional ethics and resources potentially leading to harm.
   
6. Super Lawyers' "stringent selection criteria" would likely not support Mr. Friedman's inclusion if reviewed today, given his lack of recent peer nominations or outstanding work as a solo practitioner.
   

DEMAND 

1. Super Lawyers is deemed to be a highly credible resource for consumers and with that I do concur. However, to ascribe such a status to Friedman at this time affords Friedman undue high-value recognition and as an adjunct undermines Super Lawyers credibility. Therefore, the undersigned respectfully demands that Super Lawyers remove entirely, without regard to amendment, Anthony R. Friedman's profile and "Rising Star" status from its website and all associated platforms (e.g., Google search caches) within 21 days, by no later than November 10, 2025.
   
2. This action is necessary to protect future consumers from ongoing deception and to align with Super Lawyers' commitment to accurate legal recognition.
   

V. SUPPORTING EVIDENCE 

1. The exhibits are substantial and multitude. In consideration of your review, I consider it prudent not to overwhelm the process through a "data dump". Therefore, I will provide three exhibits for review and upon request any and all exhibits including:
   
   
   • a) Screenshot featuring the UPS Store at 6209 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. Ste. 204 St.Charles, Missouri 63304 as the advertised address of the Friedman Law Firm Llc.
     
   • b) Multiple legal filings, court correspondences indicating that Friedman is conducting his practice from his home.
     
   • c) Complaint filed with the St. Charles County Planning and Zoning confirming Friedman did not have a requisite "home occupation permit".
     
   • d) Complaint filed with the H.O.A. that manages the covenants and restrictions governing home based business activity and violations.
     
   • e) The issuance of a "home occupation permit" post complaint by the St. Charles County Planning and Zoning investigation.
     
   • f) Screen shot from the Illinois A.R.D.C. confirming the Friedman d.b.a. The Friedman Law Firm Llc. does not retain a professional liability policy.
     
   • g) Complainant sworn affidavit as to the fact former colleagues of Friedman made statements with regard to the reason that Friedman is no longer employed with the Simon Law Firm P.C.
     

NOTICE OF FURTHER ACTION 

1. If this demand is not met by the deadline, the undersigned will pursue all available legal remedies, including filing a private action for injunctive relief under the MMPA, and lodging complaints with the Missouri Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission.
   
2. Additionally, the undersigned is preparing an OCDC complaint against Mr. Friedman for review, citing several acts of professional misconduct, with submission intended no later than December 31, 2025, which may further impact his standing under Super Lawyers' selection criteria.
   
3. The undersigned has notified Mr. Friedman's firm (anthony@friedmanlawfirmllc.com) of this issue to encourage self-correction.
   

CONCLUSION 

1. The undersigned urges Super Lawyers to act promptly to avoid unnecessary escalation and to uphold consumer trust in its platform.
   
2. Please confirm receipt of this demand and your intended response in writing to the above email address.
   

Respectfully submitted, Albert B. Pepper Jr. Citizen Journalist and Consumer Advocate notthefriedmanlawfirmsaintcharles.com

 Catherine L. Hanaway ATTORNEY GENERAL November 11, 2025 mr albert b pepper, jr 

 ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MISSOURI JEFFERSON CITY 65102 P.O.Box 899 (573) 751-3321 

RE: Complaint No. CC-2025-11-002506 super lawyers a division of Thomson Reuters Service Dear mr albert pepper: Thank you. My office has received your complaint. Advocates from my Consumer Protection Division will diligently attempt to resolve your complaint. In order for my office to assist, it is important that we receive all the information you have, so we may be contacting you to ask for further information and/or documentation. We will keep you updated as to the status of your complaint and feel free to contact my office at any time. Again, we thank you for contacting the Attorney General's office and hope we can assist you further. Respectfully, Catherine d. Hanaway Catherine L. Hanaway Missouri Attorney General 

Consumer Complaint No. CC-2025-11-002506 Details Consumer Information Name: mr albert pepper b jr Address:  Email: gpckings@gmail.com 

Business Information Business Name: super lawyers a division of Thomson Reuters Service Address: 610 Opperman Dr. eagan, MN 55123 

Phone: Fax: Email: Website: https://www.superlawyers.com/ 

Contact Person: legal department, legal department 

Complaint Information Complaint Number: CC-2025-11-002506 

Consumer Info: Over Age 60 Yes; Disabled: Yes; Veteran: No Category: 

Solicitations/Publications/Subscriptions - Advertising Transaction Date: Financial Loss: No Contract Signed: No 

Brief description of complaint: Misleading Advertising that puts the public and consumer at risk --- Subject: Formal Consumer Complaint: Deceptive Advertising by Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) - Violation of MO Merchandising Practices Act 

Dear Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding deceptive advertising practices by Super Lawyers (a Thomson Reuters service), which violates the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (R.S.Mo. § 407.020). The complaint concerns the misleading profile of Missouri attorney Anthony R. Friedman (MO Bar #65531). 

1. Complainant Information Name: Albert B. Pepper Jr. Address: 3420 Hanover Rd., Columbia, IL. 62236 Email: litigant.pro.se.advocate@gmail.com Primary Phone: 314-580-1684
   
2. Business Information (The Subject of the Complaint) Name of Business/Individual: Super Lawyers (c/o Thomson Reuters) Address: 610 Opperman Dr, Eagan, MN 55123 Contact Email (Legal Dept): legal @superlawyers.com Complaint Category: Professional Services / Advertising/Deceptive Practices
   
3. Detailed Description of the Complaint I am filing this complaint because Super Lawyers (a Thomson Reuters service) is publishing a materially misleading and deceptive profile for Missouri attorney Anthony R. Friedman (MO Bar #65531), in direct violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (R.S.Mo. § 407.020). The profile continues to advertise Mr. Friedman's 'Rising Star' status (2016-2019), implying a current level of achievement and firm capacity that no longer exists. This status was achieved while he was employed at The Simon Law Firm P.C., which provided significant infrastructure and financial support. Mr. Friedman left that firm on June 30, 2023, and established a solo practice, The Friedman Law Firm LLC, which operates without the prior firm's support, professional liability insurance, or reported significant verdicts as a solo practitioner. The continued publication of this profile by Super Lawyers constitutes an unfair and deceptive practice because it creates a false impression in the mind of a reasonable consumer seeking legal services.
   
4. Action Taken to Resolve On October 19, 2025, I, acting as a consumer advocate, sent a formal 'Notice of Demand for Immediate Removal' via certified mail and email to the Super Lawyers Legal Department, citing these exact MMPA violations and requiring removal by November 10, 2025. The deadline has passed (Today's date is November 11, 2025), and the profile remains active.
   
5. Requested Resolution I request the Missouri Attorney General investigate this violation of the MMPA and issue injunctive relief to compel Super Lawyers to: Immediately and permanently remove the Anthony R. Friedman profile and associated "Rising Star" designation from the Super Lawyers platform. Launch an investigation into the company's compliance standards under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. Supporting documentation, including the full "NOTICE OF DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE REMOVAL" and proof of delivery, will be attached/mailed separately as required by your office.
   

Sincerely, Albert B. Pepper Jr. Citizen Journalist and Consumer Advocate 

Consumer has indicated that the following statements apply to this complaint: Consumer has taken these action(s): Sent Email to business Consumer has contacted agencies: Consumer would like complaint resolved via: Investigate business - Other: The profile removal of Anthony R. Friedman Mo Bar #65531 and associated business profile of The Friedman Law Firm LLC from the roles of "super lawyers" and online key word search results. Printed 11/11/2025

 Subject: NOTICE OF REGULATORY ESCALATION: MO AG Complaint CC-2025-11-002506 Filed Due to Non-Compliance

Dear Super Lawyers Legal Department,

This email serves as formal notice that the deadline for compliance with the NOTICE OF DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF ANTHONY R. FRIEDMAN'S PROFILE (dated October 19, 2025) has passed.

The required removal of the misleading profile (Missouri Bar #65531) was not completed by the compliance date of November 10, 2025.

As warned in Section VI of the original Demand Notice, due to your failure to comply, I have now proceeded with the intended remedial actions.

Action Taken:

1. A formal Consumer Complaint, Case No. CC-2025-11-002506, was filed with the Missouri Attorney General on November 11, 2025, citing violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (R.S.Mo. § 407.020). A copy of the AG's official acknowledgement is attached to this email.
2. I am proceeding with additional actions, including lodging a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and preparing the OCDC complaint against Mr. Friedman.
3. 
   

Super Lawyers is urged to take immediate action to remove the profile to mitigate further regulatory and legal exposure.

Respectfully,

Albert B. Pepper Jr. Citizen Journalist and Consumer Advocate