Yale Freeman’s practice focuses on complex criminal, civil and administrative litigation. A practicing Florida attorney since 1973, he received his Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Temple University in Philadelphia and his Juris Doctorate from University of Miami School of Law.

With a reputation for strategic analysis, strong representation and smart solutions to complex issues, Yale T. Freeman represents individuals and companies accused of criminal activity. The firm distinguishes itself by also facilitating investigations on behalf of victims of crime.

Freeman is recognized for his skills in several areas including the investigation and defense of economic crime, healthcare fraud, tax fraud and federal grand jury inquiries. Most recently Mr. Freeman has been involved in investigating and initiating litigation against hotels that facilitated sex trafficking.

Business-related criminal matters and corporate internal investigations are among Mr. Freeman’s areas of concentration. Often partnering with civil and transactional lawyers in the representation of their clients who are facing issues with potential criminal implications. Frequently he has handled many significant cases involving complex civil litigation with parallel criminal proceedings. He frequently acts as an intermediary with law enforcement and administrative regulatory agencies in the resolution of those matters.

ATTORNEY OF THE YEAR 2012

Presented by Legal Aid Service of Collier County in recognition of his pro bono service, financial support, leadership and ongoing community involvement

 

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT - THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER 2015 - Award of Appreciation for four years of pro bono service in rewriting the disciplinary rules that govern mediators and mediation.

 

LION OF THE LAW AWARD 2014

Presented by the Collier County Judiciary to recognize excellence in legal skills, professionalism, character and public service

PROFESSIONAL STATUS IN LEGAL COMMUNITY


Lion of the Law Award 2014 for professionalism presented by the Collier County Judiciary recognizing excellence in legal skills, professionalism, character and public service

Florida Legal Elite™ 2019 – Florida Trend magazine’s prestigious roster of attorneys exemplifying a standard of excellence in the legal profession and chosen for highest honors by their peers.

The Best Lawyers in America® 2007-2023 in the field of White-Collar Criminal Defense (Copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc. of Aiken, SC)*

Super Lawyers® 2013-2022 in the practice area Criminal Defense-White Collar by Super Lawyers, a rating service that recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice. Only five percent of lawyers in each state are named Super Lawyers*

Legal Aid Service of Collier County – Lawyer of the Year 2012 (Presented at the Barrister’s Bash – April 2013) 

Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent / AV Rating, 1997-2023 – An AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the country’s preeminent lawyer-rating service, signifies an attorney who has “achieved the highest levels of professional skill and integrity based on peer reviews by members of the bar and judiciary.

Martindale Hubbell/AV Preeminent Attorney – Judicial Edition 2022

Top Attorney’s In Florida 2019

America’s Most Honored Lawyers 2022

America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys 2022

South Florida’s Top Lawyers 2023

Selected locally by a group of respected peers based on high ethical standards, intelligence and a passion for one’s chosen legal specialty (Gulfshore Life magazine, July 2007)

** Yale Freeman is the only attorney in Southwest Florida named by Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers® in the practice area “Criminal Defense-White Collar” in the same year