10 Within 10 Recognition
Charles Mahone II 2016, 2018 M.A.
![Mahone(250x200) Headshot of Charles Mahone II for the 2024 10 Within 10 Alumni Awards who is wearing a dark navy suit with a pink plaid tie and he has short black hair and is smiling with teeth.](https://www.cmich.edu/images/default-source/university-advancement-division/alumni-relations/alumni-awards/2024-awards/mahone(250x200).jpg?sfvrsn=4e3da78a_4)
As an associate at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, Chuck is a corporate attorney whose practice focuses on representing buyers and sellers in complex strategic transactions including mergers, acquisitions and private equity transactions. His work has included deals eclipsing $4 billion.
From the moment Chuck arrived at his firm, he has focused on helping law students in Chicago and back home in Michigan gain the tools and knowledge necessary to access firms such as Sidley Austin or comparable opportunities. He is also involved in mentoring programs that aim to support minority law students or minority students interested in joining the legal profession.
Chuck often leverages his legal skills to help people. This includes engaging in pro bono work with minority-owned businesses by helping them navigate the intricacies related to corporate compliance and becoming investor ready. He has also worked with refugees fleeing dangerous situations in their home countries, including petitioning for asylum as well as helping them eventually sponsor remaining family members.
Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and political science and his master’s degree in higher education administration from CMU and his juris doctorate from the University of Michigan. From the moment he finished his undergrad degree, he has spent countless hours mentoring students at Central. He also was the young alumni speaker for the new student convocation in 2016 and, most recently, he has assisted students navigating the process of applying to law schools.