Ema Vidak Friedman

Independent Counsel & Arbitrator

I am an arbitration specialist based in New York. I offer ‘big law’ quality, insight and sophistication with the affordability, nimbleness and flexibility of an independent practitioner.

  • “Ema is a real star, combining sharp intellect with exceptional pragmatism and intuition.”

    - Gary B. Born (WilmerHale), commenting for Global Arbitration Review, 2020

  • "She is a role model for the new generation of arbitrators."

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION 2022

  • "Ema is a well-established independent arbitrator - she is excellent, very effective, and has superb strategic instincts."

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION 2023

  • "Ema is an extremely bright and sharp mind, and definitely one of the stars of the new generation."

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION 2022

  • “Ema is brilliant, insightful and knowledgeable beyond her years.”

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION 2021

  • “She brought tremendous clarity to very complicated issues and showed deep understanding of client needs.”

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION 2021

  • “Ema is a true star – one of the best arbitration lawyers of her generation.”

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION 2020

  • "Ema is a formidable lawyer who has already achieved a tremendous amount in her career."

    – Cherie Blair QC (Omnia Strategy), commenting for Global Arbitration Review, 2020

  • “Ema combines an impeccable knowledge of arbitration law and legal cultures with passion and ethics.”

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION FUTURE LEADERS, 2020

  • "She's a talented and energetic lawyer and I've no doubt she will be successful in independent practice."

    - John Savage QC (King & Spalding) in a comment for Global Arbitration Review, 2020

  • "She is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and innovative."

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION 2022

  • "Ema is a real trailblazer. She'll attain success through her energy, sharp mind and hard work. Luck will have nothing to do with it."

    – Michael McIlwrath (General Electrics – Baker Hughes) in a comment for Global Arbitration Review, 2020

  • “Ema is a brilliant lawyer.”

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL – ARBITRATION FUTURE LEADERS, 2019

  • “She is capable of transforming complicated issues into simple and straightforward points.”

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL – ARBITRATION FUTURE LEADERS, 2019

  • "Ema is technically strong and ethically impeccable."

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION 2022

  • "She is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and innovative"

    – WHO’S WHO LEGAL, ARBITRATION 2023