Written by: Bess Murad
Growing up in Hamburg, New York, a suburb outside Buffalo, Micheal was more drawn to business and economics than the legal field. His undergraduate years at St. Lawrence University, where he double majored in Government and Economics, sparked his interest in law. It was during this time that Michael took pre-law courses that piqued his curiosity, but it wasn’t until later that he fully realized how law could complement his business interests.
Michael was also influenced by family. He recalls fond memories of visiting his grandfather in Ottawa, who had a passion for law and would often take Michael to courtrooms to watch different trials. His grandfather even pursued law courses in retirement, eventually earning his law degree. This connection to the legal world, combined with his academic interests, set the stage for Michael’s decision to pursue law school.
At Syracuse University College of Law, Michael not only focused on legal studies but also took advantage of a unique opportunity by enrolling in the joint JD/MPA program with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. The program gave him a broader perspective on law and governance, which would later prove valuable in his corporate career. Michael fondly remembers two professors who left a lasting impact on him—Professor Nassau, whose tax law courses and passion for his students were a favorite, and Professor Banks, who challenged him in constitutional law and national security law classes and for whom he served as a research assistant. Michael also served as an editor on the Law Review.
After graduating from Syracuse, Michael launched his legal career at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP in Columbus, Ohio, where he joined the corporate and finance group. At Vorys, he split his time between working with public companies and supporting smaller businesses in corporate formation and finance. The experience at Vorys laid the groundwork for Michael’s future work in corporate law, especially in corporate securities and governance—an area that would define much of his career.
Despite enjoying his work at Vorys, Michael’s business-minded approach led him to explore in-house opportunities. After eight years in private practice, Michael made the leap to Wendy’s in 2011. Michael spent his first several years at Wendy’s working in corporate securities, where he focused on public company issues, SEC filings, proxy statements, investor outreach and corporate finance. He quickly became integral to the company’s operations, supporting the Board of Directors and working with senior leadership on key corporate initiatives. One of the highlights of this role was the chance to regularly work alongside the CEO, CFO, and other senior executives on issues that impacted the company’s multi-billion-dollar business.
Over time, Michael took on new responsibilities in areas such as privacy, cybersecurity, and even franchise development. He also served as Wendy’s Chief Compliance Officer and led the company’s integrated governance, risk and compliance team. His current role as Vice President, U.S. Development Counsel marks a new chapter in his career, where he now oversees legal functions related to franchise work and real estate.
Reflecting on his career progression, Michael believes that taking on new and unfamiliar roles has been key to his growth. His time in corporate securities, followed by his stints in privacy, cybersecurity and compliance, gave him a broader understanding of the business and legal challenges Wendy’s faces. “If you want to prepare yourself for a general counsel role or take on increased responsibilities, you need to be open to trying new things,” Michael advises. “The more you understand about different parts of the business, the more valuable you can be as a business partner.”
For current law students, Michael has some valuable insights. First, he emphasizes the importance of finding a good fit for your skills and passions. “Make sure you’re excited about what you’re signing up for,” he says. “You need to have a genuine passion for the work you do, whether it’s in a law firm, in-house, or in government.” However, he also stresses that career paths aren’t always linear. He encourages students to embrace flexibility and take on challenges that may not fit their initial plans. “Nothing is set in stone,” he notes. “With the tools you have coming out of law school, you can always pivot and find new opportunities as your career evolves.”
Looking back on his career, Michael takes pride in how far he has come—from his days as a law student at Syracuse to his current position at Wendy’s. He is grateful for the connections he made during law school, especially the guidance of faculty and the support from the Career Services office.
Michael Berner’s career journey exemplifies the value of combining legal expertise with business acumen, embracing new challenges, and always being open to new opportunities. Whether he’s supporting the board of directors or working on franchise and real estate deals, Michael’s work at Wendy’s is a reminder that success in corporate law requires flexibility, a strategic mindset, and a commitment to continual growth. His advice to current students—to find what excites you, take on challenges, and remain open to new directions—provides invaluable insight for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps.