August 26, 2021 – Ulmer & Berne LLP is pleased to share that Associate Michael J. Charlillo has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Empower Sports, a Cleveland nonprofit committed to providing sport and exercise programs for children and adults with various physical and cognitive disabilities.
Empower Sports places kids and adults with special needs on sports teams with volunteer players to help them build social skills alongside their typically developing peers. In his new role on the Board, Charlillo will assist the organization in its mission of enriching the lives of athletes with diverse challenges through sports and exercise while also promoting kindness, character, and tolerance.
Charlillo focuses his legal practice on securities litigation and business litigation. He routinely represents broker-dealers and registered representatives in arbitrations before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and in investigations and enforcement actions by FINRA, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and state securities regulators. He also regularly defends broker-dealers against defamation claims and requests for expungement brought by former registered representatives arising from information reported to FINRA. In his business litigation practice, he frequently represents businesses in employment disputes, including in matters involving enforcement of restrictive covenants.
Charlillo is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (CMBA) and the Ohio State Bar Association. He has served as a Brief Advice Clinic volunteer with The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and as a high school classroom volunteer with the CMBA’s 3Rs: Rights, Responsibilities, and Realities Program, which connects legal professionals with high school students in Cleveland and East Cleveland public schools to help foster understanding and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution. Charlillo has also been named to the Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in recognition of his legal skills.
About Empower Sports
Empower Sports was founded on the belief that no athlete should ever be left on the sidelines, and offers athletes with special needs the chance to participate in the games they love. With tailored programs to meet the needs of all players, the group helps athletes develop communication skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging through multiple sports programs. Since its inception in 2012, Empower Sports has grown to offer basketball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, football, golf, and other fitness programs. For more information, please visit empowersports.org.