Viacom Mike drop

Veteran legal eagle Fricklas exits media titan

Viacom’s lead lawyer, who spearheaded the company’s many boardroom legal battles over the past two years, is exiting the company, the company said Friday.

General Counsel Mike Fricklas, a 24-year veteran of the New York company, is one of a handful of top executives to leave the company in recent months.

As Viacom’s top lawyer, the 56-year-old seemed to spend more time in a courtroom than at headquarters in recent times as the company waged battles for then-Chief Executive Philippe Dauman against controlling shareholder Sumner Redstone and his daughter, Shari Redstone.

Nypost.com reportedly exclusively Friday afternoon that Fricklas was leaving.

Both Redstones battled long and hard to oust Dauman, who stepped down last summer.

No replacement for Frick- las has been named, although, sources said, Viacom is conducting an internal and external search.

Viacom CEO Bob Bakish alerted staffers on Friday afternoon about Fricklas’ move.

“I want to let you know that Mike Fricklas, EVP, General Counsel and Secretary for Viacom, has decided to step down from his role,” a draft of the memo obtained by The Post read.

“Mike joined Viacom in 1993, and since 1998 has led Viacom’s best-in-class legal team, which plays a critical role in making sure our incredible content can be shared with viewers across platforms and all over the world.

“Mike has earned a reputation as one of the leading attorneys in the entertainment industry. He has deep roots in technology, policy and business, and an impressive track record of advocating on our behalf in the face of entertainment’s most pressing issues.

“Most importantly, Mike has been a trusted colleague and friend to many of us. Not every company is lucky enough to have someone as committed as Mike working for them, and we are fortunate to have enjoyed his service, counsel and loyalty for so many years. His leadership and dedication will be missed.

“Please join me in thanking Mike for all the support he has given Viacom over the course of his remarkable 24year career here, and wish him well in his next adventure.”

The memo was signed “Best, Bob.”