Michael Fralin grew up in Stoughton, Massachusetts, in a family focused on service. He earned his degree from the University of Michigan in 1997 and his J.D. from Boston College Law School in 2002.
He began his legal career in New York at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, then moved to Sidley Austin in Chicago, focusing on commercial real estate finance. Later, he joined J.P. Morgan as lead counsel for its Midwest real estate loan business.
In 2010, Michael stepped away from law to run a children’s franchise. After selling it in 2013, he returned to legal practice with broader business experience.
In 2016, he became the first hire at SomeraRoad Inc., helping grow the firm to over $2B in transactions. As General Counsel, he oversaw legal operations and helped structure innovative deals, including a tax-exempt bond strategy for Lightwell Tower.
Now a senior attorney at Bogal & Kahn LLP, he continues to focus on real estate and structured finance. He lives in New York, has two teenage children, and supports causes like the NAACP and local food banks. He remains active in mentorship and returns annually to Michigan football games.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I'm a senior real estate and finance attorney based in New York. I’ve been practicing law for over two decades, with experience in structured finance, commercial real estate, and private equity transactions. I’ve worked at large firms, gone in-house, launched a children’s franchise, and helped build a real estate investment firm from the ground up. These days, I focus on helping clients navigate complex capital stacks and deals that don’t always follow the typical playbook.
How would you describe your personal or professional vibe in 3 words?
Curious. Steady. Practical. I’m the person in the room who doesn’t talk just to fill space, but I listen closely and try to see the full picture. I like building systems that work and helping others connect the dots between legal complexity and business needs.
What’s one fun fact about you most people don’t know?
I once ran a children’s activity franchise in New York City after leaving Big Law. It was completely different from anything I’d done before, and it taught me a lot about people, service, and pressure. It also gave me a whole new appreciation for small business owners and what it really takes to keep things running.
What’s your favorite TV show right now?
Right now I’m into Slow Horses on Apple TV. It’s clever, darkly funny, and the writing is sharp. I like stories where things are a little messy and the characters are flawed but still trying.
What’s your most-used social media app these days?
LinkedIn. I don’t post a lot, but I read updates regularly. It’s where I keep up with changes in the legal and finance world and reconnect with former colleagues.
What was the first social media app you ever joined?
Probably Facebook, back in the mid-2000s. At the time, it felt like a casual way to stay in touch with old friends and college classmates. Now I mostly use it to keep up with family updates and the occasional birthday reminder.
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Are there any influencers or creators you never miss content from?
I follow Scott Galloway pretty closely. He brings a mix of business sense and bluntness that’s refreshing. I also appreciate that he doesn’t shy away from talking about work-life balance and bigger economic trends.
Are there any must-follow accounts or pages for people in your industry?
I think Commercial Observer and Bisnow are must-follows for anyone in real estate or finance. They break news quickly, and even their more casual headlines give you a feel for where the market is headed. Also, I keep tabs on Law360 for industry shifts and regulatory updates.
Do you listen to any podcasts related to your field or niche?
The Real Deal podcast is a great one for staying plugged into the New York real estate scene. I also like Capital Allocators, which dives into how institutional investors think. The interviews are often with fund managers or legal strategists, which gives me different angles to consider.
What’s the best advice you’ve heard from a podcast or interview?
One idea that stuck with me is: “Say yes before you feel ready.” It came up in a business podcast years ago, and it’s become something I try to live by. Most of the big turning points in my career—starting a business, joining a new firm, taking on a general counsel role—happened before I felt fully “qualified.”
If you could collab with any influencer or celeb, who would it be?
I’d love to have a long-form conversation with someone like Adam Grant. His work on decision-making and workplace dynamics is something I think about a lot—especially in high-pressure deal environments. Plus, he approaches problems with curiosity, not ego.
What’s a habit, hack, or tool you swear by for staying informed or inspired?
I end every day by writing down what I actually got done—not what was on my to-do list. It helps me reset and gives me a more honest picture of how I’m spending my time. It’s simple but surprisingly effective.
