Championing Accountability Through Law, Advocacy, and Public Service
Jeremiah Frei-Pearson is a well-known class-action lawyer and community leader. He has helped improve worker rights, protect consumers, and strengthen data privacy laws in the United States. From winning important settlements to serving the city of White Plains, New York, Frei-Pearson uses his legal skills to support his community. Learn about his work and how law can help bring positive change.
Facts About Jeremiah Frei-Pearson
| Facts | Details |
| Full Name | Jeremiah Frei-Pearson |
| Education | B.A., Skidmore College (2000); J.D., Stanford Law School (2003) |
| Honors | Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa |
| Profession | Attorney, Class-Action Litigator |
| Law Firm | Finkelstein Blankinship Frei-Pearson & Garber (FBFG) |
| Role | Founding Partner |
| Practice Areas | Employment law, consumer protection, data privacy, civil rights |
| Notable Settlements | $20M Papa John’s; $39M Saint Joseph Health; $42M Seagate; $40M TransPerfect |
| Public Office | White Plains Common Council Member |
| Advocacy | LGBT rights, disability rights, youth engagement |
| Awards | Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyer, Thurgood Marshall Award |
| Residence | White Plains, New York |
| Former Spouse | Karla Mosley (2011–2015) |
Early Life and Education
Jeremiah Frei-Pearson’s academic foundation played a central role in shaping his future career. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Skidmore College in 2000, graduating magna cum laude and receiving membership in Phi Beta Kappa, one of the most prestigious academic honor societies in the United States. His undergraduate years reflected both intellectual rigor and an early interest in public service.
During college, Frei-Pearson interned for U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, an experience that exposed him to the intersection of law, policy, and social justice. This early engagement with public affairs influenced his long-term professional direction, reinforcing a commitment to advocacy and institutional reform.
He continued his education at Stanford Law School, earning his Juris Doctor in 2003. Stanford’s emphasis on public-interest law and interdisciplinary thinking helped prepare Frei-Pearson for a career that would balance complex litigation with broader social concerns.
Entry Into the Legal Profession
Following law school, Frei-Pearson began his legal career in New York, entering a demanding professional environment that would shape his litigation skills. He joined the international law firm Kaye Scholer LLP as an associate, gaining experience in high-level legal practice and complex legal frameworks.
He later transitioned to a more mission-driven role as a staff attorney with Children’s Rights, a national public-interest law firm dedicated to representing foster children through class-action lawsuits. In this capacity, Frei-Pearson worked on cases that addressed systemic failures in child welfare systems, reinforcing his belief in the power of litigation to drive institutional reform.
These early roles laid the groundwork for his future specialization in class-action lawsuits, combining technical expertise with a strong ethical orientation.
Founding FBFG and Building a Legal Legacy
In 2010, Jeremiah Frei-Pearson co-founded Finkelstein Blankinship Frei-Pearson & Garber (FBFG), a law firm dedicated to federal and state class-action litigation. As a founding partner, he played a key role in shaping the firm’s mission and strategic focus.
Under his leadership, FBFG has specialized in cases involving:
- Wage-and-hour violations
- Employment rights
- Consumer protection
- Privacy and data breaches
- Civil rights and disability advocacy
Frei-Pearson has served as lead or co-lead counsel in dozens of significant class actions, representing thousands of individuals affected by corporate misconduct, labor violations, or systemic negligence. His approach emphasizes thorough preparation, strategic litigation, and accountability-driven outcomes.
Landmark Class-Action Cases
Throughout his career, Jeremiah Frei-Pearson has been involved in numerous high-profile cases that resulted in substantial settlements and policy changes. Several of these cases stand out for their scale, impact, and legal significance.
Durling v. Papa John’s
In this nationwide wage-and-hour class action, Frei-Pearson served as co-counsel representing pizza delivery drivers who were systematically underpaid. The case resulted in a $20 million settlement, which at the time was considered a record recovery for delivery drivers in similar litigation.
Saint Joseph Health Data Breach
As co-lead counsel, Frei-Pearson represented patients affected by a major medical data breach involving Saint Joseph Health. The litigation concluded with a $39 million settlement, recognized as one of the largest per capita recoveries in data breach class actions at the time.
Castillo v. Seagate Technology
This case involved a large corporate data breach affecting more than 12,000 individuals. After surviving a motion to dismiss, the case settled for up to $42 million, reinforcing legal standards around corporate responsibility in data protection.
Sackin v. TransPerfect Global, Inc.
Serving as lead counsel, Frei-Pearson represented over 4,000 current and former employees in a wage-theft class action against TransPerfect Translations. The court-approved settlement exceeded $40 million.
Following the settlement, TransPerfect filed a defamation lawsuit against Frei-Pearson related to statements made about the case. The court dismissed those claims under New York’s anti-SLAPP law, affirming protections for attorneys speaking on matters of public concern.
Additional Notable Cases
Frei-Pearson has also served as co-lead counsel in Reed v. Friendly’s Ice Cream, which resulted in a $4.6 million settlement, and Al Fata v. Pizza Hut of America, concluding with a $3.1 million settlement for Florida delivery drivers. Beyond these, he has led cases involving nursing-home reform, consumer fraud, and privacy rights, securing both financial recoveries and systemic improvements.
Advocacy, Politics, and Civic Engagement
Beyond litigation, Jeremiah Frei-Pearson has maintained a strong presence in advocacy and local politics. In 2010, he ran for the New York State Assembly in Queens on a progressive platform, emphasizing equality, workers’ rights, and community investment.
He co-founded Western Queens for Marriage Equality, helping organize rallies and advocacy efforts supporting LGBT rights and opposing hate crimes. These initiatives reflected his belief that legal expertise should extend into grassroots activism.
Currently, Frei-Pearson serves on the White Plains Common Council, where he contributes to municipal governance and public policy. He also chairs the City Youth Board, focusing on youth engagement and community development. His past leadership includes chairing advisory committees on disabilities and sustainability, highlighting a long-term commitment to inclusive and forward-thinking public service.
Recognitions and Professional Honors
Jeremiah Frei-Pearson’s work has earned widespread professional recognition. Since 2014, he has been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers list by the National Trial Lawyers Association. He is also a member of the Best Attorneys of America, an honor reserved for approximately the top 1% of U.S. attorneys.
Additionally, he has been designated a New York Metro Super Lawyer every year since 2014, reflecting peer recognition for professional excellence. His public-interest work has been honored with the Thurgood Marshall Award from the New York City Bar Association, as well as a citation from the New York City Council for child-advocacy efforts.
Skidmore College recognized his civic contributions with the Palomountain Award in 2010, celebrating alumni who demonstrate exceptional public service.
Personal Life and Community Roots
Jeremiah Frei-Pearson resides in White Plains, New York, where he remains deeply involved in civic life. He was married to actress Karla Mosley from 2011 to 2015. While maintaining privacy around his personal life, Frei-Pearson continues to engage actively with his community.
In addition to his legal practice and council duties, he serves on the boards of Meals on Wheels of White Plains and the Hudson Valley Legal Services Corporation, further reflecting a commitment to service beyond professional obligations.
Conclusion
Jeremiah Frei-Pearson’s career represents a rare blend of legal excellence, ethical advocacy, and civic responsibility. From landmark class-action settlements to local governance and grassroots activism, his work consistently centers on accountability, fairness, and community impact.
As class-action litigation continues to evolve in response to new challenges, ranging from data privacy to labor rights, Frei-Pearson’s contributions offer a compelling example of how legal practice can drive both justice and reform. His ongoing efforts in law and public service underscore a career defined not only by professional success.
