In a newly published interview, real estate attorney and former general counsel Michael Fralin is using his platform to advocate for a shift in how professionals think about success, productivity, and risk-taking. Known for his work building multi-billion-dollar real estate platforms and navigating complex capital structures, Fralin is now calling for a simpler focus: progress through purposeful action.
“I end each day by writing down what I actually accomplished—not what was on my to-do list,” Fralin says in the spotlight feature. “It sounds simple, but it changes how you see your day. You stop chasing activity and start valuing clarity.”
The feature, which traces Fralin’s journey from Big Law to entrepreneurship and back, underscores how his small daily habits—and willingness to take career detours—have shaped his professional life. His message comes at a time when burnout and overwork remain chronic problems across industries.
Rewriting What Productivity Really Means
In high-pressure fields like law, real estate, and finance, productivity is often equated with long hours, packed calendars, and constant connection. But studies show the toll that mindset takes:
-
77% of professionals report burnout at their current jobs (Deloitte, 2023)
-
61% of knowledge workers say they struggle with “work fragmentation”—a feeling of constant switching between tasks (Asana, 2024)
-
Lawyers and finance professionals rank among the top 5 industries for stress-related illness (ABA Journal, 2023)
Fralin’s approach offers a counterpoint.
“Sometimes stepping away is the most productive thing you can do. I’ve gotten more clarity folding laundry than staring at my screen for hours,” he explains.
Rather than chasing hyper-efficiency, Fralin focuses on practical, repeatable systems: blocking time, finishing what matters, and saying yes before feeling 100% ready.
A Career Shaped by Risk and Real-World Learning
Fralin’s path has been anything but traditional. After beginning his career at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, he moved through high-profile legal roles at Sidley Austin and J.P. Morgan. Then, in 2010, he left law to run a children’s activity franchise.
“I wanted to know what it really meant to run a business—hiring, managing cash flow, being the decision-maker,” he says.
That experience changed how he thought about leadership, risk, and execution. When he returned to legal practice, he brought those insights into a new role at SomeraRoad Inc., where he helped build the company from zero to $2 billion in real estate transactions.
“We were writing the playbook while running the business. That’s where growth happens—in real time, not theory.”
Call to Action: Redefine Success for Yourself
In his own life and work, Fralin says success is now less about titles and more about values: trust, clarity, and useful action.
“Don’t wait until you’re perfectly ready. Most of the best opportunities won’t wait for you to feel prepared.”
He also pushes back on the idea that professional growth must come from constant networking. “Some of my strongest relationships came from shared work, not coffee meetings. Do the work, and people remember that.”
How Readers Can Apply This Approach Today
Fralin encourages professionals—especially those feeling stuck or overwhelmed—to take these simple steps:
-
End your day with a short reflection: Write down what you actually finished
-
Be okay with messy beginnings: Action leads to clarity, not the other way around
-
Don’t underestimate detours: Experience in other industries may teach you more than you expect
-
Step away when stuck: Movement helps untangle mental knots
“You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do a few things well, and with care.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Michael Fralin:
Michael Fralin is a senior attorney at Bogal & Kahn LLP specializing in real estate and structured finance. He has served as general counsel, led billion-dollar transactions, and held roles at Cadwalader, Sidley Austin, and J.P. Morgan. He is a father of two, mentor, Michigan football fan, and advocate for practical systems and thoughtful leadership.
Contact:
info@michaelfralinattorney.com
Media Contact
Contact Person: Michael Fralin
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: michaelfralinattorney.com
