John Friess, ’22

Associate, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, London

My fascination with diverse global perspectives and a strong inclination toward business and law led me to pursue a career in international corporate transactions. The decision to enter law school was contingent on selecting an institution that could tailor my education to this career objective.

Michigan Law emerged as the optimal choice, allowing me to chart my unique academic path. Seeking guidance from the Center for International and Comparative Law and Michigan Law’s esteemed faculty members, it became evident that Michigan Law was committed to facilitating an environment where students could shape their educational experiences. Michigan Law’s support materialized in securing an internship during my 1L summer at a prominent law firm in Brazil, where I focused on cross-border commercial issues, solidifying my interest in global legal practice.

Actively seeking opportunities to further my exposure, I engaged in remote work for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in London during my 2L summer. The firm’s comprehensive corporate practice allowed me to delve into cross-border transactional issues for companies throughout the world. Continuing this pursuit of global expertise, I spent my 3L year at Università Bocconi in Milan, Italy, earning my LLM in European business law while concurrently serving as a research assistant researching the Chinese civil code.

Throughout this transformative journey, the mentorship and support of Professor Vik Khanna played a crucial role, including connecting me with Coinbase, an online platform for cryptocurrency trading, where I engaged in policy work before graduation.

The skillset cultivated through these international opportunities proved invaluable and instrumental in securing my current job in the mergers and acquisitions practice group at Skadden in London. As I grow into my professional role, the experiences gained and lessons learned at Michigan Law continue to guide my approach to the dynamic intersection of law, business, and the global landscape.

A portrait of John Friess, ’22.

We are Michigan Law

Michigan Law changes those of us who are fortunate enough to spend time here; it is a place that inspires victors who go into the world and do great things. Michigan Law is committed to providing a legal education that is unequaled and to maintaining the elite reputational value of our institution. We are dedicated to training great lawyers and leaders to advance the rule of law worldwide, advocate for the dispossessed, ensure the success of complex transactions, and provide the counsel necessary for clients who are innovators in many realms. Michigan Law is committed to producing exceptional 21st-century lawyers.