Michael’s all-encompassing passion for sports and their potential to change lives for the better is evidenced by his extensive work and experience in the sports law arena. He is a member of the Corporate, Tax and Transactions Service Line of Shumaker’s Toledo office.
A diligent and responsive attorney, Michael focuses his practice on the world of athlete safety and SafeSport compliance, including the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017. He advises numerous sports organizations on creating, reviewing, and updating policies and processes; independent investigations; internal audits regarding policy enforcement and SafeSports compliance; and general compliance with laws and policies, including those issues by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Michael decided to pursue this avenue of law after witnessing many inconsistent approaches and applications of athlete protection measures (particularly those for minor athletes); he saw an opportunity to help sports organizations craft and enforce policies and procedures in such a way that encourages active participation in sports because they are safe and fun. Prior to joining Shumaker, Michael worked in the compliance department of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, where he served as an advisor to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of all sizes—from those with a two-person staff to the largest NGBs in the Olympic movement—and helped develop auditing procedures to enforce SafeSport requirements.
Michael’s love of sports extends outside of the office, where he enjoys participating in and watching sports with his family and collecting sports cards.
Media Mentions:
12.13.2022 Service Line, Adding to Growing Sports Law Team, Legal Reader