Michael Fricklas
About Michael Fricklas
Michael Fricklas serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at Advance, bringing extensive experience in technology, media, corporate governance, and finance. He has a background in electrical engineering and has held significant roles at various organizations, including Viacom and GetSwift.
Work at Advance
Michael Fricklas serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at Advance, a position he has held since 2018. In this role, he oversees legal affairs and corporate governance for the organization. His responsibilities include managing compliance, risk management, and legal strategies that align with the company's objectives. Fricklas's extensive background in law and corporate governance supports his leadership in navigating complex legal landscapes.
Education and Expertise
Michael Fricklas has a strong educational foundation in both engineering and law. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, followed by a Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, from Boston University School of Law. His dual expertise in technology and law enhances his ability to address legal issues in the media and technology sectors.
Background
Fricklas has a diverse professional background that intersects technology, media, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and finance. He began his legal career at DLA Piper, where he worked as an Associate from 1984 to 1987. He later held positions at Shearman and Sterling and led the legal function at Viacom from 1993 to 2017, focusing on intellectual property issues during significant industry changes.
Board Memberships
In addition to his role at Advance, Michael Fricklas is actively involved in various board memberships. He has been a Board Member at Condé Nast since 2018 and joined the Board of Directors at Equal Justice Works in 2023. His involvement in these organizations reflects his commitment to corporate governance and social justice initiatives.
Professional Experience
Michael Fricklas has held several notable positions throughout his career. He served as Chairman of the Board at GetSwift from 2018 to 2019. His experience includes managing large law departments, particularly in the media and technology sectors, which positions him as a knowledgeable leader in navigating legal challenges within these industries.