Frierson held a variety of local government positions before being appointed United States Solicitor General.

In 1917, Frierson was appointed United States Assistant Attorney General, a position he held until 1920.

In June 1920, President Woodrow Wilson nominated and the Senate confirmed Frierson to be solicitor general.

When the question arose regarding the sale and possession of alcohol by Americans on ships, the Supreme Court agreed with his argument that no liquor could be sold on any U.S. flagged vessels.

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Solicitor General of the United States.